Physics

Professor Pagonis; Associate Professors Marx (Department Chair) and Mian; Adjunct Lecturers Stempel and Toller.

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; Instructor Stempel: science education; Instructor Toller: astronomy.

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.