2016-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Department of Physics
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 Return to: School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
Chairperson: KEITH JACKSON
Professors: DEREJE SEIFU, CONRAD WILLIAMS,
Associate Professors: YUCHENG LAN, ABDELLAH LISFI
Assistant Professors: WINDSOR MORGAN, BIROL OZTURK
Lecturers: ANTONY KINYUA, ARADHYA KUMAR, ROMAN SERBYN
Laboratory Technician:
Store Keeper: JOHNNY NORRIS
Administrative Assistant: CYNTHIA CLEMMONS
Emeritus Professor: JULIUS TAYLOR, FREDERICK OLIVER
Emeritus Associate Professor: EUGENE HOFFMAN
Emeritus Assistant Professor: ERNEST HAMMOND
Objectives of the Department
Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines, perhaps the oldest through its inclusion of astronomy. Over the last two millennia, physics was a part of natural philosophy along with chemistry, biology, and certain branches of mathematics, but during the scientific revolution in the 17th century, the natural sciences emerged as unique research programs in their own right. Physics intersects with many interdisciplinary areas of research, such as biophysics and quantum chemistry, and the boundaries of physics are not rigidly defined. New ideas in physics often explain the fundamental mechanisms of other sciences while opening new avenues of research in areas such as mathematics and philosophy.
Physics also makes significant contributions through advances in new technologies that arise from theoretical breakthroughs. For example, advances in the understanding of electromagnetism or nuclear physics led directly to the development of new products that have dramatically transformed modern-day society, such as television, computers, domestic appliances, and nuclear medicine; advances in thermodynamics led to the development of industrialization, and advances in mechanics inspired the development of calculus. A career in physics requires hard work and dedication. But there is a payoff for all this hard work: “People assume you are smart!” she says. A background in physics prepares you to solve problems and think critically, these are skills in high demand and open up a variety of career opportunities.
Engineering physics is meant to provide a more thorough grounding in applied physics for a selected specialty such as optics, quantum physics, materials science, applied mechanics, nanotechnology, microfabrication, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biophysics, control theory, aerodynamics, energy, solid-state physics, etc. It is the discipline devoted to creating and optimizing engineering solutions through enhanced understanding and integrated application of mathematical, scientific, statistical, and engineering principles. The discipline is also meant for cross-functionality and bridges the gap between theoretical science and practical engineering with emphasis in research and development, design, and analysis. Engineering Physics is meant to provide a more thorough grounding in applied physics of any area chosen by the student (such as optics, nanotechnology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control theory, aerodynamics, or solid-state physics). This course of study will also prepare students for graduate study in the Engineering disciplines, as well as Physics.
Note on Mathematics Preparation for Physics and Engineering Physics.
Undergraduate Physics and Engineering Physics as well as is most of science and engineering represents a structured course of learning. This means you must master certain knowledge before moving to the next level. Many if not most 200 level Physics and Math courses have prerequisites and co-requisites, which must be fulfilled in order for the student to matriculate to graduation in a timely manner. Prerequisities for Mathematics courses essential for 200 level and above physics courses are shown below:
ProgramsBachelor of Arts or Bachelor of ScienceBachelor of ScienceMinor
Return to: School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
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