Physics

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 Professors Huh, McTaggart; Assistant Professor Aaron; Lecturer Bonvallet; Instructors Stafford, Vondruska.

Department Overview
The mission of the Department of Physics 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. The mission is fulfilled by a combination of the courses and academic programs delivered by the department; as well as the research, scholarship, and outreach activities of faculty and students within the department.

The program and course offerings provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge, skills and abilities to enter graduate school or employment within the STEM fields. Students develop an understanding of the mathematical and theoretical foundations of the physical sciences and develop capabilities in laboratory experimental design and analysis. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, nationwide internship programs, and other resources and opportunities that complement the coursework provided in the physics programs. The faculty members are recognized as experts in their field and are dedicated to student success.

Department Objectives

• to serve students with an interest in a professional future in physics or its allied disciplines;
• to serve students interested in professional careers in allied physics fields such as engineering, medical/health physics and many other possibilities;
• to serve students from various colleges within the University who need a basic understanding of physics;
• add to the knowledge base of humanity through research and scholarship
• provide educational support to the citizens of South Dakota and surrounding region through outreach activities.

Programs

Facilities and Services
The Physics department is located in Daktronics Engineering Hall. The department hosts numerous teachers workshops each summer. The focus of these workshops is to increase student interest and ability in math and science. Several camps are also offered for students through the College of Engineering which focus on a wide variety of engineering careers, including physics. In addition to these outreach activities, faculty members provide astronomy star parties for local schools, serve as judges for local and regional science fairs and act as a resource for students and teachers statewide.

Student Engagement Opportunities
The department offers opportunities for academic student engagement through coursework, research, internships.   Other avenues for student engagement through department are provided by student organizations.  The Physics Department sponsors local chapters of The Society for Physics Students (SPS – the primary physics student organization) and SPS (Sigma Pi Sigma – the physics honor society).