Department of Physics

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Department Chair:  Professor Brett Fadem
Associate Professor:  Clark                                                                                                                                                                                  Assistant Professor:  Collett

The study of physics enables students to develop the important skills of deductive and analytical reasoning.  It provides an understanding of natural phenomena and demands that the student be able to express an intuitive model of nature in mathematical terms.  In short the study of physics is the study of problem-solving.  The skills developed help to prepare the graduate for the ever-changing technical world in which we live and for life in general.

PHY 100-110 Physics for Life , PHY 111 - Introduction to Astronomy , PHY 113 - Cosmology: The Scientific Exploration of the Universe , and PHY 140 - The Physics of Music  are designed to meet the needs of all students.   PHY 121 - General Physics I , PHY 122 - General Physics II , and courses numbered 200 or greater are designed for those students preparing for careers in medicine, engineering, and specialized scientific fields.  The major is designed to provide a strong background in classical and modern physics and includes a substantial component of laboratory experience.  Students who complete the major program will have an undergraduate training in physics that will enable them to find employment, teach at the secondary level, or attend professional or graduate school in a variety of fields and disciplines.

Programs

• Physics, leading to a B.S. degree

• Physics Minor

Courses

• PHY 100-110 - Physics for Life
• PHY 101 - Circuits, Science, & the World
• PHY 102 - Theory to Tech
• PHY 103 - Heat, Buoyancy, & Climate Change
• PHY 104 - Light, Color, & Electric Circuits
• PHY 111 - Introduction to Astronomy
• PHY 113 - Cosmology: The Scientific Exploration of the Universe
• PHY 121 - General Physics I
• PHY 122 - General Physics II
• PHY 140 - The Physics of Music
• PHY 213 - Modern Physics
• PHY 216 - Analog & Digital Circuits
• PHY 226 - Optics: From Lenses to Lasers
• PHY 235 - Nuclear & Particle Physics
• PHY 241, 242 - Thermal & Statistical Physics
• PHY 250 - Simulating Science
• PHY 319 - Analytical Mechanics
• PHY 329 - Electromagnetism
• PHY 341 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
• PHY 450 - CUE: Advanced Projects
• PHY 970 - Physics Independent Study/Research

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