Physics (PHYS)

Joel Rauber, 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, Head; Professor Browning; Professors Emeriti Duffey, Graetzer, Leisure, Quist; Associate Professor Huh, McTaggart; Assistant Professors Aaron, Bonvallet, Grams, Sherwin; Instructors Schran, 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:

1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs;
4. an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
7. an ability to communicate effectively;
8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context;
9. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
10. a knowledge of contemporary issues; and
11. 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.

For either degree, 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.

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 such engineering/science careers or for entering graduate programs for advanced degrees related to nuclear engineering, health physics, medical physics, or physics.

There is a growing demand for engineers that have some nuclear science training. By 2030, it is estimated that we may need up to 40% more electricity in the United States. Nuclear power can meet this increased demand while emitting zero greenhouse gases and not relying upon foreign sources of energy. Not only is the current nuclear workforce starting to retire, but new power plants must be built to meet the growing demand for electricity. Most of these new hires will not be nuclear engineers, but will be “nuclear-savvy” engineers of the type that this minor can provide. Nuclear medicine and health physics are also areas that have widespread and significant demand for science and engineering majors.

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 six credits of appropriate elective course work from physics, mechanical, and 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.

Student Outcomes:
Students 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.