Department of Physics

Physics is an important, basic part of our knowledge of the natural world. The study of physics provides insight into the development of modern culture because the practical applications of physics change the way we live and the concepts of physics help shape contemporary ideas about the cosmos and our place in it.

Physics embraces the full range of physical dimensions in space and time, from the smallest subatomic particles to the universe, from the slow drift of the continents to the speed of light, from absolute zero to stellar temperatures, from low-frequency radio waves to gamma rays. Those with curiosity about natural processes will want to understand the physical laws that govern them.

Discoveries in physics touch our daily lives. Consider the impact of electric power, radio, transistors, lasers, and nuclear energy. A responsible citizen must strive to understand the fundamental concepts of physics in order to make wise decisions about science and society.

The department offers courses that meet interests of a wide range of students, from majors who plan for a professional career in physics to artists who want to make holograms. Besides a well-stocked collection of all the standard equipment for teaching, our laboratories are unusually well equipped with lasers and optical instruments, all available for undergraduate use. The staffed machine shop helps the department create and maintain this and other equipment. Students are encouraged to work with individual faculty members in research. Research projects, which may be undertaken for course credit, give many of our majors practical laboratory experience that goes well beyond what can be learned in standard courses.

All science and mathematics majors will benefit from the elementary courses, Physics 120 and 121, or their noncalculus alternatives, Physics 110 and 111. Advanced work in physics is also appropriate for many students in addition to those who will become professional physicists. Students planning to enter the science-teaching profession are advised to take courses beyond the introductory level in order to deepen their understanding of the subject and because the department has a tradition of excellence in physics instruction through the use of demonstrations. Those interested in electrical or mechanical engineering should major in physics as part of the dual-degree program in engineering described in the section titled Undergraduate Curriculum. Premedical students should consider majoring in physics. Students contemplating a career in industry, technical sales, or patent law will also benefit from a physics major. Anyone desiring to explore the natural world with emphasis on physical concepts rather than on mathematics should consider the series of offerings 106–109, which are designed especially for nonscientists.

Department Contact:
847-735-5160

 

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