American University Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Physics
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Chair Phil Johnson
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 G.Harry, N.L. Harshman, P. Johnson, T. Larkin
Assistant Professor 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.
Honors in Physics
To complete the Honors in Physics program, students are required to: (1) complete and publicly defend a two-semester Capstone project; (2) complete an additional six credits of upper level courses in physics or related fields. The Capstone in physics is an original research project that is completed under the mentorship of a full-time faculty member in physics or an approved mentor.
Students should apply for the Honors in Physics program in the spring of their sophomore year. Students may apply in their junior year, but it is their responsibility to ensure that all requirements will be met by the end of the senior year. Admission requirements are: (1) a minimum overall GPA of 3.5; (2) completed, received transfer credit, or enrolled in six out of the following seven courses (or their equivalents): PHYS-110, PHYS-210, PHYS-331, PHYS-351, MATH-221, MATH-222, and MATH-313 with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (students in the program must meet a minimum GPA of 3.67 in the major by the end of their junior year); (4) a written application. Application materials require the sponsorship of one faculty member of the Department of Physics and should be emailed to the Undergraduate Advisor for the department.
Candidates for the honors program are strongly encouraged to attend department colloquia and to participate in professional development and outreach activities sponsored and/or organized by the department.
ProgramsMajorMinorUndergraduate Certificate
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