Physics

Professors: Marx (Department Chair), Mian, Mehboudi.

Areas of research interest: Professor Marx: physics education research and student-generated projects; Professor Mian: nonlinear optics, organic semiconductors, and photonic crystals; Professor Mehboudi: microelectronics, photonics, and novel 2D materials.

The Department of Physics provides students interested in physics and engineering with a fundamental understanding of and appreciation for science and the scientific endeavor. We help students develop critical thinking and quantitative reasoning abilities so they can make informed decisions regarding matters of science and technology. In addition, we give students in our department the skills necessary to pursue graduate studies or professional careers in industry. This is done by offering students an inspiring mix of courses firmly based on the newest trends in education pedagogy and cutting-edge research opportunities. One of the strengths of the Department is student-faculty research, through which students learn experimental techniques and theories applicable to the latest scientific questions, attend conferences, and co-author peer-reviewed publications.

Many physics majors have been admitted to highly-ranked universities to pursue graduate studies in physics and engineering. Examples include Yale, the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Virginia Tech, MIT, Cornell, College of William and Mary, and Washington University at St. Louis. Alumni not pursuing graduate school have been successful in securing positions in engineering firms, teaching, defense corporations, financial institutions, and tech companies.

Other educational options in Physics: Engineering Specialization, Computer Science Specialization, Dual major with Mathematics, Dual-Degrees (undergraduate 3-2 engineering and graduate 3-3 and 4-2 engineering options), 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.

Advanced Placement Credit

The Physics Department recognizes the following equivalents for scores on AP Physics Exams:

AP Physics 1 score of 4 or 5 is equivalent to a 4-credit GSC-SIE course
AP Physics 2 score of 4 or 5 is equivalent to a 4-credit GSC-SIE course
AP Physics C: Mechanics score of 4 or 5 is equivalent to PHY 1114 (General Physics I)
AP Physics C: E&M score of 4 or 5 is equivalent to PHY 1115 (General Physics II)

Programs

Undergraduate Major

Undergraduate Minor

Physics

Programs

Courses