The Physics Department Goals and Objectives

1. Graduates from our program will have a working understanding and knowledge of fundamental areas in physics.
   • Students will use principles, laws, and basic concepts to solve and present problems and explain phenomena in the following areas of physics at the introductory level: fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, special relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics.
   • Students will use principles, laws, and basic concepts to solve and present problems and explain phenomena in the following areas of physics at the advanced level: classical mechanics and electromagnetic theory.
     
     
2. Graduates from our program will have a working understanding and knowledge of mathematics along with computational skills necessary for advanced work in physics.
   • Students will be able to solve problems and explain physical phenomena using the basic concepts of advanced mathematics as they apply to physics.
   • Students will solve physics problems across the curriculum utilizing computers and be proficient in one or more programming languages.
     
     
3. Graduates from our program will be skilled in the methods of scientific research and investigation.
   • Students will formulate testable hypotheses/models; design appropriate experimental measurements or phenomenological methods to test these hypotheses/models; and collect, analyze, and evaluate experiment data or computational output.
   • Students will conduct classic experiments illustrating key discoveries and fundamental techniques, acquire the ability to operate a variety of laboratory equipment, including the use of a computer in the collection and statistical analysis of experimental data, and design new experiments to test theoretical results and models.
     
     
4. Graduates from our program will have effective written and verbal communication skills.
   • Students will present solutions to physics problems and results of experimental/theoretical investigations orally in various formats, including formal presentations, oral exams, one on one discussions with faculty, or by leading class discussions, using appropriate technical vocabulary and mathematical notation as related to physics.
   • Students will present written solutions to physics problems and reports of experimental/theoretical investigations using appropriate technical vocabulary and mathematical notation as related to physics.