2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Physics
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Dean A. Zollman, Head
University Distinguished Professors: Zollman, Cocke, Jiang, C. D. Lin, Richard, and Sorensen; Professors: Ben-Itzhak, Bolton, Chakrabarti, Chang, DePaola, Esry, Law, J. Y. Lin, O’Shea, Ratra, Stanton, Thumm, Weaver, and Wysin; Associate Professor: Corwin and Rebello; Assistant Professors: Horton-Smith, Kumarappan, Litvinyuk, Maravin, and Washburn; Associate Research Professors: Carnes, and Fehrenbach; Assistant Research Professor: Fan; Adjunct Professors: Lee, Lundeen, Spangler, and Zouros; Emeriti: Professors Bark, Bhalla, Dale, Dragsdorf, Folland, Legg, Gray, Hagmann, Manney, Rahman, and Reay.
116 Cardwell Hall
785-532-6786
Fax: 785-532-6806
E-mail: office@phys.k-state.edu
www.phys.k-state.edu
Physics is a quantitative science based on observation and experiment. Students of physics learn, often by performing experiments themselves, how a body of experimental data suggests an experimental law. Then they see how this experimental law can be generalized and tested by further experiment. However, it is as the originator of the next step in the method of science that physics emerges as the foundation of our technological age. The collection of experimental laws is studied and when properly generalized and tested is unified into a fundamental physical principle.
A major in physics equips a liberal arts student with a broad education that is uniquely adapted to our time. The physics curriculum provides a broad science background suitable for the creative application of science and mathematics to interdisciplinary problems. Although physics does not exclude the intuitive mind, the emphasis on mathematics tends to favor more analytically talented individuals.
Students choosing to major in physics may earn either a bachelor or science (BS) or a bachelor of arts (BA) degree. The BS degree is recommended for students who are considering a career in a technical industry, in research, or in teaching at the post-secondary level. Students who are planning to attend graduate school should complete the BS degree in order to be properly prepared. Physics majors seeking a BS or BA complete the requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences in addition to the requirements below.
Transfer students
The flexibility of the physics curriculum permits individual advisement, on the basis of studies completed, for students who transfer into the curriculum from other majors, community colleges, or other universities.
A five-year dual degree program in physics and mechanical engineering is available and similar dual degree programs can be arranged with physics and electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, or business administration. Interested students should inquire about these programs at the Department of Physics.
Undergraduate research
All students with a major or minor in physics can and should participate in the research activities of the department. The involvement in research is arranged on an individual basis and may begin as early as the first semester. Students who participate in research may receive either credit or a stipend. Research areas available to undergraduates are atomic-molecular-optical physics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, high energy physics, and physics education.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Minor
Physics
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