Physics Department

Physics deals with the structure of matter, the transformation and properties of energy and the relationships between matter and energy. Students enrolled in physics can learn physics principles that can be applied to everyday situations and to modern technology.
 
Our physics majors gain a great deal of hands-on experience and one-on-one learning opportunities. Independent research opportunities are available to motivated students. Our students can also utilize a variety of instrumentation such as computer-interfaced spectrophotometers, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and ultra-violet/visible spectroscopy.
 
Students interested in astronomy may use the 12.5” refracting telescope at the Ballreich Observatory. Students interested in medical physics can do internships at the Mercy Hospital of Tiffin Radiation Therapy Clinic or the Northwest Ohio Medical Institute.
 
Heidelberg offers a program of study that meets the needs of students pursuing a variety of study and career options in the physical sciences. Included are students who: anticipate careers as professional physicists or consultants in industry, government or education; seek pre-professional training for the medical sciences (medicine, medical physics, etc.); prepare for engineering programs; plan to engage in secondary science teaching or desire a knowledge of physics or physical science as a part of their liberal arts experience.
 
The study of physics is intellectually stimulating. As students’ physics and mathematical skills grow, they become better thinkers and problem solvers and are able to deal with more complex problems that require creative solutions.
 
Students graduating with a physics degree are highly successful in obtaining employment or a graduate position in virtually any field of study such as physics, applied physics, medical physics and all areas of engineering.
 
Employers and graduate schools know that physics is one of the most challenging disciplines offered to undergraduate students. It is well known that graduates with a physics degree are well-educated and highly motivated people.
 
You will find that our facilities are second to none. In January 2005, we completed the total renovation of the physics facilities in the Bareis Hall of Science and added the newly constructed, $15 million state-of-the-art Gillmor Science Hall, which contains chemistry, biology and water resources research areas.