Physics
Thomas Ekkens, Chair; Roy Campbell.
The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics. It also offers a major in biophysics in cooperation with the department of biology. A degree in physics prepares a student for a career in industry, for graduate study, and/or for careers in research and teaching. The Bachelor of Science degree is designed to provide extensive preparation for each of these, with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a research or industrial setting. For entrance, four years of high school mathematics is highly recommended.
The interdisciplinary biophysics major fills the needs of the student who plans a career in medicine or who plans on research and advanced study into the physics of living systems. (See the Interdisciplinary section of this bulletin)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a major in Physics will:
• Have a knowledge of physics principles with a class average of at least 10% above the national average. Assessment will be conducted yearly using standardized testing
• Compare favorably in their knowledge of physics with students completing a similar program nationally. The average overall score for physics graduates on the physics Graduate Record Examination (GRE) will be assessed every two years
• Be prepared for their future educational endeavors. The graduate school acceptance rate will be assessed every two years, and the acceptable metric will be greater than or equal to the national average