Physics
and Astronomy
In Victorian Scotland a young boy asked visitors to his parent’s home about the working of the physical world around him, “What’s the go of that?” When they would fail to give a satisfactory answer, he would press earnestly “But what’s the particular go of that?” The curious young lad was James Clerk Maxwell whose later work would unite the sciences of electricity, magnetism, and optics, a key step in the drive towards a unified understanding of the workings of nature, a drive that energizes science to this day.
Introductory
Courses Appropriate for Prospective Majors
Students interested in physics and wishing to keep open the option of further study in science should start with the activity-based course Workshop Physics, taking PHYS 131 in the fall and PHYS 132 in the spring of their first year. Such students should also consider taking calculus, either MATH 151 or 161 in the fall of their first year. Requirements for the major are described in the Bulletin (www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/physics.html). Students interested in studying physics at Dickinson may also wish to investigate several special programs, including binary engineering (www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/physics.html).
Introductory
Courses that fulfill Distribution Requirements
PHYS
141, 142 Physics for the Life Sciences Note: 141, 142 is
not for first-year students. Pre-medical
students (non-physics majors) and biology majors should plan to take 141,
142 in the sophomore or junior year.
Students who have
an interest in the workings of the universe but are certain they do not
wish to major in a science should think of taking Introductory Astronomy,
PHYS 109, or Scientific Investigations, SCNCE 101, in the Fall of their first year, continuing in
the spring with Introductory Astronomy, PHYS 110 or a second semester of Scienctific
Investigations. In particular, students with a strong interest in astronomy
and astrophysics who want to keep open the option of further study should
start with Workshop Physics, PHYS 131 rather than Introductory Astronomy,
PHYS 109. Spaces are set aside for first-year students in all PHYS 131, 132,
109, 110 and SCNCE 101 sections, and all of
these courses fulfill the laboratory science requirement.
The
Physics program is designed to meet the needs of several types of students:
those preparing for graduate school in physics, astronomy, engineering, or
related fields; those preparing for careers in fields that require some technical
expertise and background, but not planning on attending graduate school; those
preparing for medical school or a career in the biological sciences; and those
who wish to study physics out of interest, but have no professional aspirations
in the field.
Transfer Credit A transfer student must take a minimum of four physics courses at Dickinson to graduate with a physics major.
Career Emphases available in the Major
Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Planetarium Management: A wide range of courses, independent study and work opportunities can prepare students for careers in these fields. Our planetarium is operated jointly by students and faculty, and serves the Carlisle area. The Michael Britton Observatory contains a 24-inch telescope equipped with a CCD imaging system and is used for student research projects. Two small telescopes are also available for introductory course work. .
Computer Engineering: Physics majors are in a unique position to enter this field that involves the design and use of computer software and hardware. 213 Analog and Digital Electronics and 313 Microcomputer Interfacing, along with offerings in Computer Science, provide an excellent preparation for this field.
Energy Science: Basic physics courses, Meteorology, Energy and Thermodynamics, and independent study or research in either Nuclear energy or Plasma Physics would prepare a student for the field of Energy Science and Technology.
Meteorology: Careers in the National Weather Service, Industry, or the Media are open to those with preparation in basic physics and meteorology. PHYS 202 and Independent Study in topics in meteorology are advised for students interested in careers involving weather forecasting or research.
Preparation for Graduate Study Students planning on graduate study are particularly encouraged to include the courses Introduction to Theoretical Physics (PHYS 282), Dynamics and Chaos (PHYS 311), Electrodynamics & Plasmas (PHYS 312), Quantum Mechanics (PHYS 431), and topics courses in Thermodynamics and in Optics (PHYS 361) in their plans for the major.
Careers: About 60% of our graduates in the last 10 years have graduated from, or are currently enrolled in, graduate or professional schools. Twenty percent have received Ph.D. degrees or are in a Ph.D. program; 33% have received an M.S. or are in an M.S. program; and 6% are enrolled in or have completed medical or dental programs. Our graduates have attended 20 different graduate schools including MIT, UCLA, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Florida, University of Maryland, Cornell, Purdue, Wisconsin, Drexel, Penn State, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, University of Minnesota, University of Texas, and Bryn Mawr. Some occupations of our recent graduates (with or without advanced degrees) include university or college professors, research associates in private industry, Assistant Planetarium Director, Army and Navy researchers, design engineer for a crystal company, a medical physicist, and an MD/Ph.D. active in medical research.
Engineering: In conjunction with Case Western Reserve University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a student can enter the field of engineering through the 3/2 binary engineering program. After three years at Dickinson and two years at one of the these engineering schools, a graduate will receive a B.S. degree from Dickinson and a B.S. degree from the engineering school. For more information, see www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/engineer.html.
Although we do not have a formal engineering program, a number of graduating physics majors in the past have obtained entry level engineering positions immediately, while others have successfully completed two-year masters degree programs in engineering after graduation. Our graduates report that the physics major is excellent preparation for engineering jobs.
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Updated June 21, 2005