Physics is the study of the properties of matter, energy, radiation, and their interactions. It is generally regarded as basic to all the natural sciences, and as such is a fundamental part of the professional preparation of biologists, chemists, engineers, and other scientists and technologists. Students interested in becoming astronomers generally obtain undergraduate degrees in Physics.
The major program in physics provides the foundations for a broad spectrum of challenging careers in scientific and non-scientific fields. Baccalaureate physics majors find employment opportunities as, for example, research associates in commercial and governments laboratories, sales and engineering representatives for manufacturers of technical products, industrial management trainees, and teachers at the secondary school level.
ETSU has one of the largest collection of professional astronomers of any university in the state of Tennessee. The ETSU astronomers have access to a 36-inch telescope (the SARA observatory) on Kitt Peak in Arizona, which can be accessed remotely from campus. As well, ETSU has a state-of-the-art campus observatory (the Harry D. Powell Observatory). Many physics majors with interests in astronomy do research projects in astronomy as independent study courses during the school year, or as summer projects.
ETSU also has a strong
research program in biophysics.
The Department also has a large collection of
computers which faculty and students use for their research programs.
Many of ETSU's
graduates in physics continue their studies in graduate and
professional schools, where they specialize in a wide variety of disciplines.
A major in physics at the bachelor's level requires a minimum of 34 semester
hours of study in physics. These shall include the following courses:
Course Requirements
(Hours) for a Physics MAJOR:
Total (Minimum) = 34 hours
To minor in Physics, a total of 20 credit hours in physics are
required.
The upper-level
physics courses
are typically offered on either
a 2-semester, 3-semester,
or 4-semester rotation.
Contact one of the faculty
advisors for physics majors
(
Dr. Mark Giroux or
Dr. Beverly Smith)
or the
Department Chair Dr. Donald Luttermoser
for
information as to when a particular
course will be next offered.
Students are strongly encouraged to take mathematics at least through
ordinary differential equations, and such additional elective courses in
physics, mathematics, and chemistry as their curriculum will permit.
The Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geology
offers a major in physics with the B.S. degree. The
physics major must also satisfy the General Education Core Requirements
and College of Arts and Sciences
B.S. requirements.
All major programs in physics must be approved by the
chair of the department. To complete university graduation requirements,
students must also complete a minor in another subject area.
For more information about majoring in physics, contact one of
the Faculty Advisors for Physics majors,
Dr. Mark Giroux
or
Dr. Beverly Smith.
A minor in physics at the bachelor's level requires a minimum of 20 semester
hours of study in physics, distributed as follows:
Course Requirements
(Hours) for a Physics MINOR:
Total (Minimum) = 20 Hours
Transfer student majoring in physics should
contact physics major advisors
Dr. Mark Giroux
or
Dr. Beverly Smith
for advising as soon as possible. This will insure that the student's previous
work will be coordinated efficiently with ETSU requirements.
Students interested in pursuing a teacher education program for certification
as a physics teacher in grades 7-12 are asked to see the
department chair Dr. Donald Luttermoser
as well as the professional advisor in
the Office of Student Services, 321 Warf-Pickel, College of Education.
Students interested in graduate studies in physics may elect to participate
in the mathematical sciences program. Further information is contained in the
Graduate Catalog.
Physics and Astronomy Home Page
Last Modified: October 31, 2008 by B. J. Smith
Pursuing a Major in Physics
Pursuing a Minor in Physics
Transfer Students
Teacher Education
Graduate Study
Graduate Study