Physics (PHYS)

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Joel Rauber, Head
Department of Physics
Daktronics Engineering Hall 255
605-688-5428
e-mail: joel.rauber@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/phys

Faculty

Professor Rauber, Head; Professor Browning; Professors Emeriti Duffey, Graetzer, Leisure, Quist; Associate Professor Huh, McTaggart; Assistant Professors Aaron, Bonvallet; Instructors Stafford, Vondruska.

Mission

The mission of the SDSU Physics Department is to provide high quality instruction and mentoring in physics, to seek new knowledge, and to apply that knowledge for the improvement of society and humankind.

Programs

The Physics Department has three main objectives in its program offerings: (1) to serve students with an interest in a professional future in physics or its allied disciplines; (2) to serve students interested in professional careers in allied physics fields such as engineering, medical/health physics and many other possibilities; and (3) to serve students from various colleges within the University who need a basic understanding of physics. The department is set up and supported with professional staff, facilities and equipment to support these objectives.

The Physics Department offers two curricula, leading to the Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree in Physics: Physics and Physics-Science Teaching Specialization. For either curricula, a student must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.0 or above for all physics courses to be eligible for graduation. A GPA of 2.0 or above must also be obtained for the three courses PHYS 211-213 (or PHYS 111-113) and PHYS 331. Any deviations from departmental requirements must be approved by the Head of the Physics Department.

Major in Physics 

The curriculum in Physics has the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of student interests. Students earn a BS in Physics by choosing a physic major with one of four elective groupings to focus their studies or they may choose the BS in Physics – Science Teaching Specialization.

Educational Outcomes
Graduates will be productively employed and will compare favorably in their theoretical and technical knowledge with students completing similar programs nationally. Physics students will have learned to apply technical knowledge; to design an experiment and analyze and interpret the data; to communicate effectively in a team environment; and to use appropriate scientific tools in solving problems. They will have a basic understanding of contemporary issues and professional/ethical responsibilities in a local and global context. Physics graduates will have enhanced learning skills that prepare them to be lifelong learners.

Minor in Physics 

The minor in physics consists of 17 credits as outlined in the section on Major and Minor Requirements.

Minor in Nuclear Engineering 

Students interested in both engineering, and nuclear science should strongly consider a career that utilizes training in both fields. Nuclear Engineering is a broad multidisciplinary field that offers rewarding careers related to nuclear power, health physics, medical physics, nuclear and particle physics, and industrial applications such as sterilization of medical products or food irradiation. Students who complete the minor in nuclear engineering at SDSU will be well prepared for  engineering/science careers or for graduate programs for advanced degrees related to nuclear engineering, health physics, medical physics, or physics.

Students desiring the minor in nuclear engineering complete an 18-credit curriculum. The curriculum consists of three required foundational courses: (Modern Physics, Foundations of Health Physics, and Introduction to Nuclear Engineering), an internship/research experience, and elective coursework from either physics, mechanical, or electrical engineering. The curriculum is designed with both coursework and practical field experience components in order to add nuclear engineering/science expertise to the student’s major. The internship/research experience, which requires approval from the coordinator of the program, provides “real-world” training that allows the student to develop valuable experience that is highly desired by employers in prospective hires.

Educational Outcomes
Students in the Nuclear Engineering program will:

1. Apply advanced mathematics, science, and/or engineering science to nuclear and/or radiological systems.
2. Measure nuclear and radiological processes.
3. Understand the biological effects of radiation and standard radiation safety practices.
4. Demonstrate competency in contemporary issues regarding nuclear power.
5. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an area of nuclear science.

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