2013-2014 Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: Content may no longer be accurate.
Department of Physics
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Department Chair: Colin Inglefield
Location: Science Lab, Room 202
Telephone: Nereyda Hesterberg 801-626-6163
Web Site: weber.edu/physics
Professors: Farhang Amiri, Brad Carroll, Ronald Galli, Colin Inglefield, Adam Johnston, Dale Ostlie, Stacy Palen, Daniel Schroeder, John Sohl, Walther Spjeldvik; Associate Professors: John Armstrong, Michelle Arnold; Visiting Professor: Tabetha Hole
Physics is the study and application of the fundamental laws of nature, including the laws of motion, gravity, electromagnetism, heat, and microscopic interactions. These laws govern the behavior of objects at all scales, from the smallest subatomic particles to the entire observable universe. In between, physicists study nuclear reactions, the interaction of atoms with light, properties of materials, the chaotic dynamics of fluids, and the evolution of stars and galaxies, among many other applications.
Our courses in physics introduce all of the most important fundamental laws and many of their applications. Equally valuable, however, are the skills that students develop in these courses, from analytical thinking and problem solving to experimental design and interpretation. Majoring in physics can thus prepare a student for a variety of careers in research, education, business, industry, and government.
The Department offers three major programs: Physics, Applied Physics, and Physics Teaching. The Physics major places emphasis on understanding nature at the deepest possible level, and offers options that emphasize fundamental theoretical physics, astrophysics, computational physics, and physics of materials. Each of these options provides a strong foundation for graduate work. The Applied Physics major places more emphasis on physical phenomena and hands-on experience. Thus, it is more suitable for those planning to go either directly into industrial employment or into graduate programs in certain applied fields. The Physics Teaching major is designed specifically for those planning to teach physics at the secondary school level.
Students who are majoring in other disciplines are encouraged to consider a minor in physics, which includes a year of introductory physics plus eight credit hours of additional physics courses. These electives may be chosen to emphasize basic theory, experimental techniques, or applied subfields such as optics and astrophysics.
ProgramsBachelor of ScienceMinorTeaching MinorHonors, Departmental
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