Physics is the study of the physical universe. We study objects ranging in size from the universe as a whole (Einstein's general theory of relativity) to the smallest building blocks that make up the universe (high energy particle physics). Sometimes we work with simple models using basic mathematics (e.g. motion in free-fall) and other times the models are so complex that they can be solved only approximately with a great deal of computer power (e.g. the collision of two galaxies). To get an idea of specific topics physicists study, go to research for local topics or resources and course descriptions for a broader sampling. A glance at just a few of these topics - atoms, electricity, electronics, mechanics, lasers, sound - suggests how closely physics is linked with other fields: biology, chemistry, various kinds of engineering, architecture, music, theater.
As a department, we value close interaction with our students. We keep class sizes small (less than 50 for general physics, 3-12 for upper-level and graduate courses). The larger classes are broken up into smaller sections for lab or discussion. Office doors are generally open throughout the department and students find that there is usually someone helpful available from early morning until late into the evening. Our Physics Club provides camaraderie for physics students (and a club room with computing facilities for their use) as well as a chance to contribute through activities like our annual Physics Field Day.
Students take classes in the physics department for a variety of reasons. We have courses for people interested in an introductory overview of physics or in specific topics in physics like astronomy, Einstein, light and color, or sound and music. These courses are an excellent way to gain some of the breadth that a liberal arts education implies and to learn about the fascinating ways physics applies to our lives. Our General Physics sequence is for students who will go on to work or study in a field that requires a solid background in physics. This might be in one of the health professions, a major in physics, or a major in another field of science or engineering. For students interested in majoring in physics, we highly recommend that the honors sections of General Physics be taken in the freshman year. We offer three different tracks in the major whose upper-level courses are chosen with different career paths in mind: the B.S. regular program is the most flexible; the BS health sciences program combines physics with other science courses necessary for the health-science professions; the BS in Physics is intended for students headed for graduate study in physics or closely related fields like astrophysics or engineering or for work in high-technology industries. Most physics majors, and some other interested physics students, participate in research projects with faculty members. We also have a 2-2 Cooperative Engineering Program with the University of Detroit Mercy and a new joint engineering program with Marquette University. In addition to our BS programs we have a flexible M.S. program for full- or part-time students. We also offer a combination of the MS with teaching certification.
With a physics major a wide variety of options are available after graduation. Half of our undergraduates have gone on to graduate school in places such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, George Washington U., Ohio State U., U. of California-L.A., Catholic U. of America, U. of Nebraska-Lincoln, Michigan State U., Cornell U., U. of Rochester, Iowa State U., U. of Michigan, MIT, and Creighton U. Roughly one third of our graduate students go on for a Ph.D. at such places as Washington University, U of Colorado-Boulder, U of Arizona-Flagstaff, Wayne State U. (Michigan), Yale U., U. of Notre Dame, Kansas State U., Ohio State U. Our graduates have succeeded in various professional schools, research, engineering, administration, computer-related positions, the Air Force, NASA, the Navy Nuclear Power Program, health physics, high school and college teaching, patent law, science writing, and scientific equipment sales.1 (See also AIP reports on trends and statistics in physics.)
1. from a July, 2000 report by T.H. Zepf: "Where Do Your Students Go After They Graduate?"