Department of Physics

Douglas Raynie, Department Head
Department of Physics
Daktronics Engineering Hall 255
605-688-5428

Faculty

Professors

Larry Browning, Yung Huh

Associate Professors

Parashu Kharel, Robert McTaggart

Senior Lecturer

Judy Vondruska

Lecturer

Geoffrey Bonvallet

Emeritus

George Duffey, Oren Quist, Joel Rauber

Overview

The mission of the SDSU Physics Department is to serve the public good by preparing students for the future as professionals and citizens. This mission is accomplished by providing high quality physics instruction for majors, non-majors and the community-at-large, conducting and disseminating scientific research to advance the frontiers of knowledge in Physics and Astronomy, and serving the community through education, technical expertise, and outreach activities.

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.

Department Requirements

All general university requirements must be met to qualify for the bachelor’s degrees in the Department of Physics. In addition, the following special requirements and rules have been established for all graduates of the department:

Bachelor’s degrees must include 33 semester credits from upper division courses (300 and above).
One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment. Minor may be from any regental institution.
Capstone course in the major discipline.
AHSS 111 - Introduction to Global Citizenship and Diversity Credits: 3 (Physics (B.S.)
or AIS 211 - South Dakota American Indian Culture and Education (COM) [SGR #3] Credits: 3 (Physics (B.S.) - Science Teaching Specialization)
Natural Sciences Credits: 10
- Any two lab sciences
- Coursework must include two prefixes.
- MATH and STAT courses do not count towards the science requirement.

Approved Natural Sciences Courses

Programs

Majors

Minors

Graduate Programs*

Applied Physics Certificate
Professional Science (M.S.) - Applied Physics Emphasis

* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Facilities & Services

The Physics department is located in Daktronics Engineering Hall and Crothers Engineering Hall. The department often hosts teacher 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 Support & Engagement Opportunities

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