Physics

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Professor Pagonis (Department Chair); Associate Professors Marx and Mian.

Areas of particular teaching interest:

Professor Pagonis: solid state physics, applications of microcomputers in the laboratory, archaeological dating; Professor Mian: nonlinear optics; Professor Marx: physics education research.

The Physics Department is dedicated to providing students with the essential skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of professional careers. Alumni of the Physics Department have gone on to professional positions in private industry, engineering, the U.S. Army, and local software companies as well as graduate studies in physics. The physics degree is appropriate for further study in law, medicine, teaching, the social sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and the natural sciences (astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, and oceanography).

A large number of physics majors have been admitted to highly ranked universities to pursue graduate study in physics. Examples include the University of Maryland, Virginia Tech, University of Pennsylvania, College of William and Mary, Purdue University, Georgetown University, and Washington University at St. Louis.

Other Educational Options in Physics: Computer Science specialization, Dual major with Mathematics, Pre-Engineering, Teacher Certification Secondary (middle/high school). A minor is available in Physics.

Please see the Education section under Curriculum in this catalog for teacher certification requirements in Physics.

Please see the Dual Major section for dual majors with Mathematics.

Departmental Honors

Students who wish to graduate with Honors in physics are expected to complete a research project during their senior year, prepare a written thesis and give an oral presentation. In addition, students need a minimum average GPA of 3.50 in courses required for the major.

Programs

• Physics – Engineering Major
• Physics Major
• Physics – Specialization in Computer Science

• Physics Major with Education Minor
• Physics Minor

Courses

• PHY 1101 - General Physics I
• PHY 1102 - General Physics II
• PHY 2001 - Mathematics Physics Lab
• PHY 2201 - Mathematical Physics
• PHY 2202 - Intermediate Mechanics
• PHY 2203 - Foundations of Modern Physics I
• PHY 2209 - Investigations in Physics I
• PHY 2211 - Analog and Digital Electronics
• PHY 2212 - From Lenses to Lasers
• PHY 2265 - Special Topics in Physics
• PHY 2295 - Internships in Physics
• PHY 2298 - Independent Studies in Physics
• PHY 3200 - Advanced Physics Laboratory
• PHY 3301 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
• PHY 3309 - Investigations in Physics II
• PHY 3311 - Thermodynamics
• PHY 3312 - Foundations of Modern Physics II
• PHY 3313 - Computer Modeling of Physical Systems
• PHY 3314 - Astrophysics
• PHY 3365 - Special Topics in Physics
• PHY 3395 - Internships in Physics
• PHY 3398 - Independent Studies in Physics
• PHY 4401 - Quantum Mechanics
• PHY 4465 - Special Topics in Physics
• PHY 4491 - Physics Seminar
• PHY 4495 - Internships in Physics
• PHY 4498 - Independent Studies in Physics

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