American University Catalog 2015-2016 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Physics
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Chair N.L. Harshman
Full-Time Faculty
Professor Emeritus R. Berendzen, R.B. Kay, H.R. Reiss, R.A. Segnan, R.V. Waterhouse, J.A. White
Professor U. J. Sofia
Associate Professor N.L. Harshman, P. Johnson, T. Larkin
Assistant Professor G.Harry, J. Uscinski
Professorial Lecturer C. Finkel, A. Hu
Research Assistant Professor D. Poulios
A background in physics prepares students for diverse fields such as astronomy, medicine, engineering, architecture, consulting, acoustics, science education, science policy, as well as physics. Physics courses explore physical phenomena and properties of the universe like mechanics, gravitation, electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear structure, waves and optics, and the properties of matter and energy. During coursework, students acquire skills with the theoretical and experimental tools required for the practice of physics and astronomy. At the same time, students come to appreciate how the intersection of science and technology has shaped history and society.
The department’s education facilities include laboratories equipped with modern technology and multiple teaching spaces tailored to foster interactive learning. All physics majors are required to participate in undergraduate research experiences mentored by faculty members or by colleagues at any of the many science research institutions in the Washington, DC area. The department’s faculty members are active in research in multiple subfields of physics including optics, atomic and condensed matter theory, astrophysics, particle physics, physics education, quantum information, and gravitational physics.
The Department of Physics offers two majors: BS in Physics and BA in Physics. The BS in Physics prepares students for graduate school in physics and related fields and for careers in science and technology. Also, students with the BS in Physics have the technical and computing skills to qualify them for jobs at research laboratories and technical consulting firms. The BS in Physics program has three tracks: traditional physics, chemical physics, and computational physics. The BA in Physics is designed to give students a strong scientific background, but allow them more flexibility to complete additional academic programs and to pursue other interests. The BA in Physics program is ideal for students preparing for fields in science policy, science education, science communication, patent law, and related interdisciplinary careers. Additionally, the department offers two minors in physics and applied physics that enrich a student’s academic program by providing complementary knowledge, skills and experience. Previous students have leveraged the physics background from their minors into interesting career opportunities.
ProgramsMajorMinorUndergraduate Certificate
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