Henri Jansen, Chair
301 Weniger Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-6507
541-737-4631
E-mail: physics.chair@science.oregonstate.edu
Web site: http://www.physics.oregonstate.edu/
Faculty
Professors Jansen, Manogue, Tate, Warren,
Associate Professors Giebultowicz, Hetherington, Lee, McIntyre
Assistant Professors Demaree, Minot, Podolskiy, Ostroverkhova, Roundy, Schneider
Instructor Bannon
Adjunct Faculty
Keszler
Undergraduate Majors
Physics (BA, BS)
Options
Applied Physics
Biophysics
Chemical Physics
Computational Physics
Geophysics
Mathematical Physics
Optical Physics
Physics Education
Minor
Physics
Graduate Major
Physics (MA, MS, PhD)
Graduate Areas of Concentration
Atomic Physics
Computational Physics
Nuclear Physics
Optical Physics
Particle Physics
Physics Education
Solid State Physics
Relativity
Graduate Minor
Physics
Physics is the study of the fundamental structure of matter and the interactions of its constituents. Physicists are concerned with the development of concepts needed for a precise description of nature and with experiments to test such concepts.
For students of science and engineering, the study of physics provides the basic foundation needed to understand the complex workings of the material world, from the forces that build atoms to those that build bridges. For students of the liberal arts, the study of physics provides an introduction to modern ideas about the most fundamental and elemental aspects of nature and how those ideas developed in their cultural and historical context. Physics is a basic and indispensable tool in all technical fields, and its development figures prominently in any discussion of the intellectual history of our civilization.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
The department offers several programs leading to degrees in physics. A basic physics curriculum in the College of Science stresses the detailed and advanced preparation needed for graduate work or employment in physics.
Options are available within the physics degree program that prepare students for graduate work or employment in an allied field, such as applied physics, biophysics, chemical physics, geophysics, mathematical physics, optical physics, and physics education.
Other programs are offered that train students for careers in physics teaching. A physics minor is available for students majoring in other areas of science and engineering.
The Department of Physics has recently introduced a completely new upper-division curriculum, Paradigms in Physics. Many of the junior-year courses are taught in 2-credit intensive modules, meeting seven hours a week for about three weeks.
GRADUATE DEGREES
Graduate programs leading to the MA, MS, and PhD are offered, emphasizing theoretical or experimental studies in the areas of atomic physics, computational physics, nuclear physics, optical physics, particle physics, and solid state physics. The MS degree has both thesis and nonthesis options. Comprehensive written and oral examinations must be passed before the student can become a candidate for an advanced degree.
CAREERS
A multitude of opportunities exists for students who complete undergraduate degrees in physics. They include employment in technological industries, including electronics, computers, optics, materials science, and aerospace; graduate study leading to an advanced degree in physics or a related area such as mathematics, earth sciences, computer science, engineering, or astronomy; and degree programs leading to professions such as law or medicine, with specialties in areas in which a physics background is essential.
PREPARATION
Recommended high school preparation for students who plan to major in physics includes one year each of chemistry and physics and four years of mathematics through analytic geometry. Mathematics preparation is especially important; students who are not ready to start calculus (MTH 251, *Differential Calculus) upon entering may be delayed in their progress toward a degree. Students anticipating transfer to OSU from another institution are encouraged to contact the Department of Physics as early as possible to discuss their placement in the course curricula.
ADVISING
Each undergraduate student is assigned an advisor who helps select the most appropriate degree program and assists in planning the curriculum. Minor variations in the requirements for degrees are possible, but must be discussed with the advisor and approved at an early stage in curriculum planning. Near the end of the degree program, the advisor can help the student to apply for employment or admission to graduate programs.
OPTIONS
Students desiring to combine the study of physics with that of another related subject should consider the options below, or should consult with a Department of Physics advisor about substituting upper-division work in a related field for certain of the upper-division physics requirements. All such substitutions must constitute a coherent program in related areas and must be approved in advance by the Department of Physics. In each case, the program must include at least 3 credits of PH 403, ^Thesis, to satisfy the WIC requirements.
ASTRONOMY
The Department of Physics offers an introductory sequence in astronomy, which covers a full range of topics in astronomy (PH 205. *Solar System Astronomy; PH 206, *Stars and Stellar Evolution; and PH 207, *Galaxies, Quasars, and Cosmology). A less rigorous descriptive course, PH 104, *Descriptive Astronomy, is also available. Students who desire careers in astronomy can design a curriculum under the Geophysics option, which includes related course work in geology and in atmospheric sciences. This curriculum would qualify the student for graduate work in astronomy.
2004 Oregon State University