Physics
KELLY CLINE, PH.D.
BENJAMIN N. GROSSMANN, PH.D.
MARY E. KEEFFE, PH.D.
ANTHONY M. SZPILKA, PH.D.
Mission and Goals
The physics major program is intended to help students develop into successful and creative thinkers, who are able to analyze a wide variety of problems, apply appropriate models to them, and derive quantitative predictions from those models. These problem-solving skills are developed in the context of a curriculum which provides a solid grounding in the fundamental concepts of physics and mathematics, while still allowing students the freedom to explore diverse interests in other areas of the liberal arts. Innovative and engaging entry-level courses for freshmen, together with a close linkage to Carroll’s strong program in applied mathematics, are distinctive features of the physics major program.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program should be well-prepared for either employment or graduate study in physics or related technical areas. In particular, they should be able to:
- evaluate and interpret data and analyze information from a variety of sources;
- know or quickly learn how to operate various types of laboratory equipment, including computer-controlled data acquisition;
- develop and analyze mathematical models for physical phenomena;
- apply appropriate approximations that render mathematical problems amenable to analytical solutions or accurate computer simulations;
- communicate effectively, whether orally or in writing, with both technical and non-technical audiences.