Physics
Major and minor offered

Visit the Physics Department Web page

The goals of the physics curriculum are to provide a conceptual and quantitative understanding of the fundamental laws of nature upon which all physical and biological systems depend, and to provide the experimental and theoretical methods required to attain this understanding. The physics department courses serve the needs and interests of students regardless of their background in science and mathematics. Physics 101, 102, 105, 107, 110, 112, and 120 are designed for the student with little or no background in the sciences or mathematical reasoning. Students in the life sciences or the pre-medical program should enroll in Physics 103, 104 or Physics 151, 152. Students with high school preparation in physics and mathematics who plan to major in a physical science should elect Physics 151, 152, as should those in the Engineering Combined Plan.

Students who are curious about the behavior of the natural world at its most basic level and who find pleasure in discovering the order in the world around them should consider a major in physics. In addition to its intrinsic worth as a liberal art, the study of physics serves as preparation for further professional training in physics, engineering, medicine and other related fields, such as biophysics, geophysics, space \science and secondary school science teaching. Physics majors also pursue careers in business, management and industry, often in areas that deal in the application or development of technology.

Coursework for the physics major depends on material covered in previous courses, so it is strongly advised to begin with Physics 151, 152 in the first year. Physics 221, 222 should be completed in the sophomore year, by which time all of the major topics in classical and modern physics will have been surveyed. Courses at the junior and senior level investigate particular areas of physics in greater detail and abstraction, and at increasing levels of mathematical sophistication.

Students may also undertake independent studies and projects at the intermediate or upper level on topics of mutual interest.

A special feature of the curriculum is the seminar series in contemporary physics, which introduces the student to recent discoveries and active fields of research.

It is possible for physics majors to participate in programs abroad. Those interested in this option should take Physics 151, 152 in their first year and consult the department for details.

The physics department is distinguished by its strong laboratory program. Most 100-level courses include weekly experiments that are closely related to concurrent classroom work. Laboratory work in higher-level courses gradually allows students more freedom and responsibility to design and execute their experiments. Laboratory work for scheduled courses culminates in Physics 489, a semester-long project selected and performed by each student in consultation with a faculty sponsor. Other student research may take place in either semester under courses designated Physics 403 and 404.

Physics laboratories are well equipped with modern equipment, electronic instrumentation and computer facilities. A machine shop and darkroom are available for student use.

The physics faculty believe that the most complete education in physics is attained through the actual process of doing physics. Opportunities exist for student participation in faculty research activities during the academic year (Physics 403, 404) and during the summer. Well-qualified students may receive summer stipends to conduct research in astrophysics, experimental low-temperature physics, theoretical and computational solid-state physics and near-field optical microscopy.

St. Lawrence offers interdisciplinary majors in biology-physics and geology-physics; each is described in its own section in this Catalog .

Major Requirements

The requirements for a major in physics total ten course units, which include two half-unit courses Physics 317 and 318. Physics 151, 152, 221, 222, 307, 308, 333, 489 (or 498) and one additional course unit at the 400 level make up the other nine course units. Majors contemplating graduate study in physics should take Physics 401, 402 and should consider acquiring a reading knowledge of German, Russian or French since a few Ph.D. programs still retain some foreign language requirement. Since physics students make extensive use of computers, potential majors are advised to enroll in Computer Science 140 during the sophomore year. The three-course calculus sequence (Mathematics 135, 136, 205) should be completed as soon as possible. Recommended for the major are Mathematics 217 and 230 and Chemistry 103 and 104, or Chemistry 105.

Minor Requirements

A minor in physics consists of Physics 151, 152, 221, 222, and either 307 and 317 or 333, 308 and 318.

Basic Engineering Combined Plan
Students in the engineering combined plan who choose physics as a major must complete 8 course units in physics, which include two half-unit courses Physics 317 and 318. Physics 151, 152, 221, 222, 307, 308 and 333 make up the remaining seven units. Other requirements for the engineering combined plan are given in the Curriculum chapter of this Catalog.

Certification to Teach Physics

Students seeking initial certification as a 7-12 physics teacher in New York must major in physics and also complete the certification minor in education. Physics majors intending to complete student teaching after graduation in the University's Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program must complete the physics major and the educational studies minor in education (or its equivalent) as undergraduates. Consult the education section of this Catalog and/or speak to the coordinator of the teacher education program in the education department as early as possible.

Honors

To qualify for honors, students must fulfill the following requirements:

1. A major in physics that includes at least three units of 400-level work in physics, not including units earned in the seminar series 451-454.

2. Submission for departmental evaluation of a copy of an independent project undertaken in the senior year.

3. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 in all courses in the major. (See Honors in the Curriculum chapter of this Catalog .)

Professors

Catherine L. Jahncke, B.S., Auburn; Ph.D., North Carolina State
Associate Professor of Physics and Chair of Department

Karen Elise Johnson, B.A., Grinnell; M.A., Ph.D., Minnesota
Priest Associate Professor of Physics

Daniel Warren Koon, B.S., Lebanon Valley; M.A., Ph.D., Rochester
Associate Professor of Physics

Aileen Ann O’Donoghue, A.A., Colorado Mountain; B.S., Fort Lewis; M.S., Ph.D., New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Associate Professor of Physics

Brian Page Watson, B.S., Brown; Ph.D., Rutgers
Hayward Associate Professor of Physics