Physics and Astronomy

(Program Homepage)

Faculty: H. Brooks, J. Caraher, V. DeCarlo, M. Kertzman, T. Kjonaas, A. Komives, T. Stiles

Physics is the study of the fundamental nature of everything. Through experiment and theory physicists seek to explain the interactions of matter and energy in terms of a small number of basic laws. Physics deals with everything from the very large (e.g. the structure of the universe) to the very small (e.g. atoms, nuclei, quarks and even smaller structures). The devices we depend on in our technological society are based on fundamental principles of physics. Both experimental and theoretical physicists are people who enjoy understanding how things work. Studying physics develops excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills, which are applicable to many careers.

Many of our physics graduates continue with graduate school in physics, astronomy or engineering. Others continue with professional training in medical school or law school. However, it is not necessary to pursue more education to have a rewarding career with physics. An undergraduate physics degree is a spring board to a broad spectrum of career options, including engineering, systems analyst, financial analyst, management, national security, medical research, education and journalism. Nationally, employment opportunities for physics graduates have been especially good in recent years.

The department offers a major and a minor in Physics. Students planning to major in Physics should consult with a member of the department as early as possible in their college careers. Incoming students who plan to major in Physics should take PHYS 120-130 and MATH 135-136 or MATH 151 in the first year. Most pre-engineering students must take PHYS 120, 130, 231 and 351. Students interested in pre-engineering should consult with a pre-engineering advisor as early as possible. The physics major is also appropriate for students who wish to attend graduate school in astronomy.

Department faculty members are actively involved in research. Our students have opportunities to work with faculty doing research in nuclear physics, high energy gamma ray astrophysics, applied physics engineering, optics and computational quantum mechanics. Recent students have also done off-campus research in conjunction with members of the department at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The Oak Ridge Science Semester program enables students to spend a semester working under the guidance of an ORNL staff member. Recent students have participated in off campus research programs at the National Radio Observatory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Kitt Peak National Observatory and Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.

The department is housed in the newly renovated Julian Science and Mathematics building. Departmental spaces include innovative integrated class and lab rooms for the introductory physics and astronomy classes, dedicated laboratory space for intermediate and advanced level courses, a dedicated physics computer lab, a physics student study room and research laboratories for faculty and students. The department also has fully equipped metal and wood machine shops.

The department sponsors an active Physics Club. Students meet regularly for visiting lecturers, trips to conferences, special club projects and social events. A local chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics honorary society, hosts annual receptions for the induction of new student members.

The department operates historic McKim Observatory. McKim contains many of its original instruments, including a 9.5-inch Clark refractor telescope and a Fauth and Co. meridian transit telescope. McKim is also well equipped with modern instruments, including five Celestron 8-inch and one Celestron 11-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, an SBIG ST-6 CCD camera, a webcam, equipment for astrophotography and a spectrometer. McKim is used for astronomy labs, public open houses and student research projects.

Requirements for a major in Physics

Requirements for a minor in Physics

Courses in Physics and Astronomy