2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Physics
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Amit Chakrabarti, Head
University Distinguished Professors: Ben-Itzhak, Esry, Lin, and Zollman; Cortelyou-Rust University Distinguished Professor: Sorensen; William and Joan Porter Professor: Chakrabarti; Ernest and Lillian Chapin Professor: Esry; Professors: Bolton, DePaola, Law, O’Shea, Ratra, Rebello, Thumm, Weaver, and Wysin; Associate Professors: Corwin, Flanders, Horton-Smith, Maravin, and Washburn; Assistant Professors: Ivanov, Kumarappan, Rudenko, Sayre, Schmit, Szoszkiewicz, and Trallero; Research Associate Professor: Carnes; Research Assistant Professors: Fehrenbach and Le; Adjunct Professors: Lee, Lundeen, Spangler, and Zouros; Emeriti Professors: Bhalla, Folland, Gray, Hagmann, Legg, Manney, and Stanton; University Distinguished Professor Emeriti: Cocke, Reay, and Richard; University Distinguished Professor Emerita: Rahman.
116 Cardwell Hall
785-532-6786
Fax: 785-532-6806
E-mail: office@phys.k-state.edu
www.phys.k-state.edu
Physics is the most fundamental of all sciences. It is the science of matter, energy and the interactions between them. Many of the problems that will need to be solved in the coming decades will occur on the interface between physics and related areas. Understanding and controlling new forms of energy, developing new materials for the next generation of computers and improving methods of medical imaging–all of these and more will require a thorough knowledge of physics.
A career in physics is rewarding and satisfying for people who enjoy solving problems by looking at the underlying basic principles. Physicists are trained to formulate their understanding of a problem or phenomenon in precise terms and to communicate these ideas to others. These skills are becoming especially valuable today as our nation and world depend more on science and technology.
Many physicists conduct basic research in industrial, university and national laboratories, while others work in a variety of fields that require sophisticated problem-solving skills. Some physicists teach in high schools, colleges and universities. The physicists at colleges and universities often are among the leaders in basic research.
Across the nation over the past decade, roughly 95 percent of graduates with bachelor’s degrees in physics found employment or enrolled in graduate school immediately following graduation. After graduation, many students with a keen interest in research join graduate schools with a stipend and tuition waiver. They also are well-poised to enter graduate schools in areas such as law and medicine.
We offer three different physics bachelor’s degrees. The Bachelor of Science in physics is the best preparation for advanced degrees, but the Bachelor of Science in general physics and the Bachelor of Art in physics offer a broad foundation in physics while requiring fewer physics courses, leaving room for other areas.
Our program of study has been designed to provide a firm basic foundation in physics and mathematics. The program includes formal lecture courses, interactive and engaging studio courses which integrate laboratory demonstrations and problem solving, computer-based learning labs, and regular seminars on our research projects.
Many physics majors simultaneously pursue an additional degree in areas such as math, computer science, engineering or even philosophy. We also encourage interested physics majors to obtain their secondary physics teaching license or to pursue a minor in business or a master’s in business administration during their time at K-State. Some physics majors pursue other minors or complete requirements for admission to medical or law school. A minor requiring 17-19 credit hours is also available.
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..
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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