Physics Major

Why study physics?

Physics offers a program 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.

What can I do with a degree in physics?

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.

What’s special about Heidelberg’s physics major?

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 also use the 12.5” refracting telescope at the Ballreich Observatory. Students interested in medical physics may also do internships at the Mercy Hospital of Tiffin Radiation Therapy clinic.

You will find that our facilities are second to none. In January 2005, we completed the total renovation of the physics facilities in Bareis Hall and added the newly constructed, $15 million state-of-the-art Gillmor Science Hall, which contains chemistry, biology and water resources research areas.

What are the course requirements of a physics major?

A major in physics requires 33 semester hours consisting of:

General physics (PHY 101 and 102 or PHY 111 and 112)
Modern Physics (PHY 227 and 228)
Electronics (PHY 216)
Analytical Mechanics (PHY 332)
Electricity and Magnetism (PHY 332)
Advanced Physical Laboratory (PHY 391)
One PHY course of your choice (3 credit hours)
Senior Seminar (PHY 490)

Additionally, physics majors are required to take three semesters of calculus (MTH 222, 223, 307) and two semesters of general chemistry.
Please refer to the 2007-2008 catalog for more information.

We also offer a minor in physics and expect to offer in the near future minors in astronomy, medical physics, and biophysics and a major in biophysics with emphasis in medical physics. An applied physics major is also in the works for those interested in pursuing graduate engineering.

About the Chemistry and Physics Faculty

The Department of Chemistry and Physics has a friendly, enthusiastic and helpful faculty. All of the faculty members have an open-office policy and welcome student questions and input. Students can approach any of the professors for help with any class.

   Dr. Steven Velasquez, Professor of Physics & Department Chair
   Dr. Terry Lemley, Professor of Physics
   Dr. Daniel Esterline, Professor of Chemistry
   Dr. Bryan Smith, Assistant Professor of Chemistry

For more information
Dr. Steven Velasquez
Professor of Physics
Chair, Department of Chemistry and Physics
(419) 448-2352
Email: svelasqu@heidelberg.edu

Physics