Information presented from the 2022 - 2023 Academic Catalog.

Departmental Guidelines

The study of physics is a challenging and intellectually rewarding activity selected by those who seek to sharpen and broaden their appreciation and understanding of the physical world and their relationship to it. To this end, courses offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy are designed to bring the student to an increasingly independent level of investigation in experimental and theoretical physics, and to a level of sophistication commensurate with an individual's motivation, goals, and abilities.

A major in Physics is an excellent preparation for careers in engineering, medicine, business, computer science, law, industrial management, and teaching. Sufficient flexibility exists in the major program to suit the needs and goals of the individual.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Physics & Astronomy follows from the statement of purpose of the college:

Our purpose is to inspire and educate our students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents, and active citizens…. We seek to engage students in a liberal arts education which fosters self-determination and demonstrates the transformative power of education…. Our curriculum balances breadth with depth…. Our faculty is committed to undergraduate education… effective teaching informed by the best scholarship… (and they) encourage (our) undergraduates to be partners in original investigation….

The Department takes seriously each element of the college’s statement of purpose and adds the following specific mission:

Our courses are designed to bring students to an increasingly independent level of investigation in experimental and theoretical physics, and to a level of sophistication commensurate with their motivation, goals, and abilities.

In our February 2013 retreat, we developed a revised set of specific academic goals, affirming that each of our students should develop:

  1. an understanding of the principal physical laws which govern the physical world
  2. a mastery of the fundamental reasoning process used in solving problems
  3. the ability to use requisite mathematical techniques and computational tools to solve physics problems
  4. an understanding of electronics and computer measurements
  5. the ability to identify, organize, and conduct an independent investigation in physics and communicate the results

Physics Major

A student who wants to major or minor in Physics, or minor in Astronomy, should consult with a member of the Department as soon as possible. The requirements for the major in Physics include Physics courses, Math courses, and the comprehensive experience, as discussed below: (Students who have taken PHYS 121 - General Physics I and PHYS 122 - General Physics II should consult with the chair about Physics course requirements.)

  1. Physics courses
    1. The B.A. degree requires:
      PHYS 125Principles of Physics I: Quarks to Cosmos
      or ASTR 125 Quarks to Cosmos
      PHYS 126Principles of Physics II
      PHYS 127Principles of Physics III
      PHYS 200Modern Physics
      PHYS 201Applied Mathematics for Physical Systems
      PHYS 305Classical Mechanics
      PHYS 311Electronics
      PHYS 312Experimental Physics
      And two semesters of 400 (1 credit each), plus one additional Physics or Astronomy course at the 200-level or above.
      Any courses used to satisfy the upper-level elective requirement for the Physics major (BA or BS) or for the Physics minor may not also be used to satisfy the Astronomy minor.
    2. The B.S. degree requires:
      PHYS 125Principles of Physics I: Quarks to Cosmos
      PHYS 126Principles of Physics II
      PHYS 127Principles of Physics III
      PHYS 200Modern Physics
      PHYS 201Applied Mathematics for Physical Systems
      PHYS 305Classical Mechanics
      PHYS 311Electronics
      PHYS 306Electricity and Magnetism
      PHYS 312Experimental Physics
      PHYS 330Introductory Quantum Mechanics
      And two semesters of 400 (1 credit each), plus one additional Physics or Astronomy course at the 200-level or above.
      Any courses used to satisfy the upper-level elective requirement for the Physics major (BA or BS) or for the Physics minor may not also be used to satisfy the Astronomy minor.
  2. Math courses
    1. The B.A. degree requires MATH 135 - Single Variable Calculus and MATH 145 - Multi-variable Calculus.
    2. The B.S. degree requires MATH 135 - Single Variable Calculus and MATH 145 - Multi-variable Calculus, as well as one additional Math class (200-level or above) or a course in Computer Science.
  3. Comprehensive experience -

The B.A. and B.S. degree both require the successful completion of an independent project. The project must be approved in advance by the department. As a result, the student is required to discuss potential project ideas with the chair and other department faculty before beginning work on a project.

The B.S. degree also requires passing the physics comprehensive examination, normally administered during the senior year.

Students preparing for graduate work in Physics, Astronomy, or related fields are advised to elect the B.S. degree in Physics. Additional courses taken in other science departments (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geosciences, Math) are desirable.

Physics Minor

A minor program in Physics is designed to be flexible and complement the student's major program. The student, in consultation with the Physics and Astronomy Department, will develop a minor program that will broaden and enhance both the liberal arts experience and the student's major program. The minor shall include:

PHYS 125Principles of Physics I: Quarks to Cosmos
PHYS 126Principles of Physics II
PHYS 127Principles of Physics III
MATH 135Single Variable Calculus
MATH 145Multi-variable Calculus

(Students who have taken PHYS 121 - General Physics I-PHYS 122 - General Physics II should consult with the chair about requirements.)

In addition, three courses at the advanced level (200 and above) in Physics are required for the minor.  One of the three courses must include a significant laboratory component. These courses will be selected to provide a perspective on the discipline with the specific needs of the student in mind. 

In addition to these requirements, a final culminating experience will be designed by the Department and the student. One possibility includes interdisciplinary research that bridges the major and minor areas.

Additional Points of Interest

Engineering

Denison offers the opportunity to study engineering via dual-degree programs undertaken in cooperation with leading schools of engineering. Students interested in these programs should consult early with the Pre-Engineering Director, Steven Doty. Additional details can be found in this catalog under Pre-Professional Programs.