Physics


The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA or BS, as well as a MS and a PhD in Physics. Physics deals with the properties of matter and energy and includes: acoustics, atomic physics, cryogenics, electromagnetism, elementary particle physics, and thermodynamics. It is the branch of science concerned with the study of properties and interactions of space, time, matter, and energy.

The Department of Physics website

Sample of Related Skills

  • Demonstrate understanding of scientific literature, such as journal articles and textbooks  
     
  • Demonstrate understanding of the general principles in physics and patterns in nature  
     
  • Integrate the scientific method in to problem solving and experimentation  
     
  • Apply the basic laws of physics in the areas of classical mechanics, Newtonian gravitation, special relativity, electromagnetism, geometrical and physical optics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics  
     
  • Apply basic mathematical tools commonly used in physics, including elementary probability theory, differential and integral calculus, vector calculus, ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, and linear algebra  
     
  • Use basic laboratory data analysis techniques, including distinguishing statistical and systematic errors, propagating errors, and representing data graphically  
     
  • Communicate verbally, graphically, and/or in writing the results of theoretical calculations and laboratory experiments in a clear and concise manner that incorporates stylistic conventions used by physicists worldwide  

Popular Career Paths

Acoustics: Involves the study of the physical properties of sounds. This includes applying the skills obtained from degree in physics to the noise control of objects like vehicle tires as well as the architectural design of concert halls.

Cyrogenics: Includes the study of matter at temperatures much colder than those found on earth. Low temperature physicists are concerned with phenomena such as superfluidity and superconductivity.

Optics: Involves the study of light and electromagnetic radiation. This can be applied to life in many ways such as laser technology and fiber-optics.

Particle Physics: Entails the study of the most fundamental particles of which matter is made and is also referred to as high-energy physics. It is often considered the new frontier of theoretical physics and has many opportunities of study.

Rheology: Involves the application of physics to the study of the deformation and flow of matter.

Robotics: Includes the science and technology of robots, and their design, manufacture, and application. It also involves a daily focus in electronics, mechanics, and software. 

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