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Department of Physics |
| Department Info | Info & Advising | Faculty | Fall Courses | Spring Courses | Fall Labs | Spring Labs | SPS/ΣΠΣ | |
| Physics at SLU | ||
| SLU Academics
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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 (Introduction to Astronomy), 105, 107 (Energy), 110 (The Scientific Revolution) and 112 (Global Climate) 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 (College Physics) or Physics 151, 152 (University Physics). Students with high school preparation in physics and mathematics who plan to major in a physical science should elect Physics 151, 152 (University Physics), 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 (Modern Physics) 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 levels 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 students 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. We believe that students attain the most complete physics education through the actual process of doing physics. Consequently, the department provides a strong and evolving 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 (Advanced Laboratory), a semester-long project selected and executed by each senior major in consultation with a faculty sponsor. 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, or theoretical
and computational near-field optical microscopy.
Physics laboratories are well equipped with modern equipment, electronic instrumentation, computers with data interfaces, a high-vacuum system and a machine shop.
St. Lawrence offers interdisciplinary majors in biology-physics and geology-physics; each is described in its own section in the University
Catalog.
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 It IS rocket science! |
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| © , esq. | St. Lawrence University | Department of Physics |
| 27 August, 2009 | Canton, NY 13617 | |