Physics (PHYS)

Joel Rauber, Acting Head
Department of Physics
Crothers Engineering Hall 314
605-688-5428
e-mail: joel.rauber@sdstate.edu
www.engineering.sdstate.edu/~physics/physics.htm

Faculty

Professor Rauber, Acting Head; Professor Browning; Professors Emeriti Duffey, Graetzer, Leisure, Quist; Associate Professor Huh; Assistant Professors Aaron, Bonvallet, Grams, McTaggart, Sherwin; Instructor Vondruska.

Mission

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

Educational Objectives

Graduates of one of the physics programs at SDSU will compare favorably in their theoretical and technical knowledge with students completing similar programs nationally. They will be able to demonstrate proficiency in understanding and applying physics principles, and they will be productively employed in the state, region, or nation.

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 engineering as a profession; 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, or majors, leading to the Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree: Physics and Engineering Physics.

B.S. Degree in Engineering Physics
Educational Outcomes
Graduates will have:

an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs;
an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
an ability to communicate effectively;
the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context;
a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
a knowledge of contemporary issues; and
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

The curriculum in Engineering Physics is built around a strong core of physics courses complemented by engineering courses. Students can earn an Engineering Physics degree with an emphasis in either mechanical or electrical engineering. This major is designed to give students the ability to apply new research developments to pressing problems of society and is most attractive to students interested in industrial employment. Graduates with an Engineering Physics degree typically enter employment as an engineer or continue graduate work in such fields as nuclear engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering.

B.S. Degree in Physics
Educational Outcomes
The curriculum in Physics has the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of student interests. Students can earn a Physics degree through one of three tracks; the Flexible Emphasis, the Professional Physics Emphasis, or the Science Teaching Specialization. Students interested in a professional physics career, graduate school, medical school, secondary physics/science education, meteorology, or a multitude of related areas choose one of the tracks in this major.

A student must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.0 or above for all physics courses to be eligible for graduation with a major in physics. 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.

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