The program in physics is designed
to enable a major to graduate with a sound and thorough preparation in
fundamental physics. The student will be well prepared for employment in a
variety of careers, professional school admission, and for subsequent graduate
study in physics or an allied field.
In the basic courses the student
will learn to apply logical reasoning to understand physical phenomena in the
world around them. Students will learn to quantitatively relate hypotheses to
measurement and reality and to successfully employ reduction, abstraction, and
induction to analyze complex phenomena and problems. They will learn the basic
techniques of the scientific method and become familiar with methods to
rigorously test scientific ideas experimentally. Students will discover the
conceptual usefulness of quantitative theories in collecting, relating, and
explaining knowledge and begin to appreciate their predictive power.
Students will learn to apply
mathematical methods in physical theory to analyze and become proficient at
solving quantitative physical problems.
Students will learn and become familiar with the ideas and methods of Newtonian mechanics and of classical electromagnetism in introductory courses.
They will learn to abstract from an
understanding of their surroundings to a less intuitive understanding of the
atomic, subatomic, and cosmic. The study of thermodynamic, relativistic, and
quantum phenomena in will enable our students to actively participate in and
contribute to the modern high-tech world. They will acquire the skills required
to succeed as engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
Associated laboratory experiences
are designed to teach the student to design quantitative experiments and
interpret the measured outcomes. Students will learn to understand, measure,
and control for statistical and systematic experimental errors. They will learn
the basic skills required in any quantitative investigation.
On a competitive basis, interested
and qualified students will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing
research within the department and in undergraduate research programs organized
or sponsored by the American Institute of Physics and the National Science
Foundation.
The physics major is good
preparation for premedicine, prebusiness, and prelaw programs. It will provide
excellent credentials and background for entrance into professional programs in
these fields. Students interested in education will be well prepared to obtain
a certification for high school teaching in the area of physical science.
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