| What is Physics? Physics is the scientific discipline, concerned with both fundamentals and frontiers, that attempts to understand all nature from atoms and molecules to stars and galaxies. The physicist observes natural phenomena, tries to create a mental picture or model of how the cosmos works and employs the language of mathematics to describe nature. This ebb and flow of ideas involved in gaining insights and perspectives into the interactions of natural phenomena is the study of physics. Typical subfields in physics are the study of force and motion, energy, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, optics and laser physics, atomic and nuclear physics, astrophysics, condensed matter physics and elementary particles. In both basic research and applied areas, the physicist contributes his/her knowledge to the solution of questions encountered in all phases of human endeavor. What are the objectives of the Department of Physics? The primary objective of the physics program is to assist its students in developing the academic skills necessary for a specific career or for advanced study. The students in this program learn what a physicist does, how he/she thinks and what is essential to succeed as a creative scientist. At UD, the physics major can become involved with research as an undergraduate and thus test his or her proposed career at an early state of academic training, rather than waiting for such experience with one's first job or in graduate work. Many research opportunities for undergraduates exist with the physics faculty and in connection with the UD Research Institute. Faculty are annually working with their students on journal articles or papers presented at professional meetings. The physics major at UD not only studies physics but gains invaluable experience. What do physics majors study? The physics major takes a range of physics courses which can include subjects in the dynamics of motion, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, analog and digital electronics, quantum mechanics, computational physics, electromagnetic theory, optics, atomic and nuclear physics, and condensed matter physics. In addition to physics, the physics major also studies courses in mathematics and computer science. The physics curriculum at the University of Dayton also includes a solid foundation of general education in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. It is a challenging but rewarding program; and, since physics is a fundamental science, its study provides a launching pad for several different career options. Physics is an experimental science and as such its study involves significant laboratory work. Physicists, however, separate into two types, experimentalists and theorists. Experimentalists spend their time primarily designing and performing experiments to test theories and measure physical phenomena. Theorists, on the other hand tend to be more oriented toward the mathematical side of physics and spend their time exploring nature by formulating theories to explain experimental results and observations of natural phenomena. What kind of student studies physics at the University of Dayton? Several hundred students per academic class study physics seriously at the lower levels since all scientists and engineers include physics in their curricula. However, the number of physics majors at most institutions is small, and UD is no exception in this regard; the graduating class in physics averages less than 10 per year, but they are all competitive students. Physics majors were good students in high school, "A" or high "B", and usually these grades reflect fairly universal interests. As might be expected, they do especially well in science and mathematics. The student with a healthy intellectual curiosity about the physical world, the ability to handle mathematics and the desire to be challenged and grow intellectually will find physics an excellent undergraduate program to follow. The physics curriculum provides academic training which produces a very versatile scientist capable of a wide variety of further scientific pursuits. As a group these students have broad academic and cultural interests. Most would have succeeded in any academic area they might have chosen. Our physics students are bright, alert, conscientious people who can and do know how to enjoy themselves. What is the relationship between students and faculty? In the Department of Physics at UD, the student-to-faculty ration is approximately 3 to 1. This small ratio permits excellent interaction between students and faculty. The faculty and students know each other well; they frequently work together on research projects and educational projects. This relationship provides for excellent academic counseling. The chairperson is officially the academic adviser for all physics majors; however, all members of the faculty are available for counseling at any time and students are encouraged to seek counsel from any of the faculty. In this way, students can obtain independent insights into questions that are important to their professional development. What facilities are available to students in the physics program? There are well-equipped laboratories for use in introductory physics courses and in advanced laboratories designed for upper-level students. Each laboratory, including the beginning physics laboratory, has computers available for lab use. Modern research laboratories are maintained in laser optics, solid state physics, electronics, magnetic properties and spectroscopy. Sherman Hall (where the Physics Department is located) houses well-equipped computer labs which are directly available to physics students. Is research done? Because of the relatively small size of the department, close proximity to modern physics research is available. In addition the Dayton area, because of the presence of government research laboratories and high-tech industries, boasts a high density of scientists and engineers. Undergraduates are employed in current research efforts of the Department, UD Research Institute, Air Force labs, and local industry. In addition, the formal advanced laboratory work, built around high-grade instruments, lends a research atmosphere to advanced lab studies. Students are encouraged to develop individual research projects; a number of them have presented research papers at scientific meetings or have their names on journal articles. Should I consider a minor in a related discipline? Physics is a good major to combine with a minor in mathematics, chemistry, engineering, or computer science. However, any minor area in the range of the student's interest is possible. Traditionally, physics majors have minored in mathematics; this remains a highly recommended option for many of our students. Physics students are strongly encouraged to take a minor either to enrich the major or to provide work toward a specific career. Specific minor recommendations for a particular student depend upon the individual's interests and demonstrated aptitudes. What about getting a double major? Many physics majors get second majors. An obvious choice is mathematics because the physics major already has a strong mathematics component in its degree requirements. Other choices by recent UD graduates have been computer science, chemistry, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, philosophy, and history to name a few. What would I do with a physics degree? Physics is a fundamental science and as such provides a foundation for going in a variety of directions. The intellectual scope and problem solving skills that are inherent in the physics training are invaluable assets for working in suprisingly diverse fields. For example, many of our gradates get advanced degrees in physics and become research physicists, while others have become attorneys, physicians, computer scientists, engineers, or entered the business field. Thus the physics curriculum provides the basis for a variety of careers. What about advanced placement? Students who feel that they have sufficient background in physics and mathematics may request to test-out of introductory courses. All arrangements for departmental advanced placement testing must be made with the chairperson of the department. Advanced standing with credit is also available through the CEEB Advanced Placement Examinations. What noteworthy achievements have been attained by the Department of Physics? The Department of Physics has been awarded National Science Foundation (NSF) grants under the Undergraduate Research Participation (URP) program to permit a quality experience for students between their junior and senior year. In addition, we have maintained a similar experience at UD through an endowed student grant program and other internal funding. The UD Chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) has frequently received commendation from the national office as an "Outstanding SPS Chapter." UD physics majors consistently win scholarships and fellowships in national competition, most notably the Society of Physics Students (SPS) scholarships and the National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowships. What is the best feature of the department? The strong point of the physics program is the opportunity that is available to the undergraduate student to get involved with faculty on a professional level and become part of their research programs in a meaningful way. This is somewhat unique since such involvement is often reserved for graduate students at many larger universities and may not be available at smaller institutions. Whom could I contact for further information? Professor J. Michael O'Hare, Chairperson |