From the unimaginably small world of atomic particles to the fantastically vast realm of galaxy clusters, the pursuit of physics is to understand and explain how nature works. Physicists observe nature and try to understand the phenomena around them. Take matter into your own hands and pursue your bachelor’s degree at ÃÛÌÒav.
Why Choose a Physics Major at ÃÛÌÒav?
In our physics degree program, students gain an understanding of the broad range of principles in physics. We want to have our majors complete the physics curriculum with an appreciation of physics as a unified field of study rather than a collection of unrelated courses.
At SU, studying in the classroom is not the only experience available. We provide undergraduate research opportunities, allowing the student to apply the techniques that an active environment promotes. With close faculty mentoring during the research experience, the students gain skills necessary to organize and communicate scientific results and become successful science professionals. Our physics majors become involved in scientific research related to current topics in the scientific community. Students have conducted research on a variety of topics including:
Extragalactic elemental abundances
Stellar evolution and supernovae
Robotics building and design
Alternative energies such as wind and solar
Computational surface physics
Biomedical physics
Quantum mechanics
Remote sensing
High-altitude balloon electronics
Physics Education
At SU, you will find your perfect fit. The Physics Department is relatively small, allowing students more one-on-one time with instructors. We support an environment that encourages student involvement, faculty-student interaction and close student-student collaboration with a central idea that physics courses should include hands-on activities integrated with discussions and lecture. In such integrated courses, the traditional notions of lecture, laboratory, computer simulation and other classroom activities are fully blended.
For those interested in this field, but not wanting to major in it, SU also offers aphysics minor.
Physics Tracks/Concentrations
The Physics Department offers a multitrack/concentration program of study to a degree in physics, giving students the flexibility to pursue a challenging curriculum of inspiring courses best suited to their individual dreams and chosen career.
The general physics track provides skills and training needed to work in government and industry or pursue advanced degrees in physics and engineering. Choose from a number of areas of study, including astrophysics, digital and analog electronics or engineering.
In addition to the core physics and math courses, the astronomy and astrophysics track is designed to provide broad knowledge of physics and astronomy to prepare students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in astronomy and astrophysics. This track will also provide skills and training necessary for students who wish to obtain employment directly after obtaining the bachelor’s degree at national observatories, astrophysical data centers, or in astronomy-related private industry.
The coastal engineering concentration prepares students to address the needs of coastal communities as related to sea-level rise, beach replenishment, dredging, sediment management, coastal structure analysis and design, wetlands and marsh stabilization and restoration, hydrology, ports, jetties, inland waterways, and energy matters.
The engineering physics concentration provides skills and training in various areas of mechanical and electrical engineering, including thermodynamics, materials, fluid mechanics, acoustics, digital and analog electronics, and computer architecture. Graduates are prepared for direct entry into the workforce or to pursue graduate programs in mechanical or electrical engineering.
The microelectronics track provides skills and training in digital and analog electronics, computer architecture and design, computer programming and interfacing, and robotics. Students obtain the skills necessary to enter the workforce directly after obtaining their bachelor’s degree.
This concentration is for the student who wants to teach middle or high school physics. In addition to the core physics and math courses, students take classes in astronomy, biology, geology and earth science, laboratory safety, classroom management, science and reading methods, inclusive instruction and technology in education. Students are required to do a teaching internship and pass the Praxis II exam for graduation.
The dual-degree engineering transfer program offers the opportunity to earn both a degree in physics from SU and an engineering degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accredited engineering school. Students normally attend SU for three years and an engineering school for two years.
Meet Alex – Physics Major
Discover how the problem solving skills Alex has gained through the physics major will prepare him for whatever path he chooses.
Careers for Physics Majors
Physics is the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology, astronomy, biology or medical science. All are accessible with a bachelor’s degree in physics. What can you do with a physics degree? Physics majors at SU are given the education and experience to direct them toward many prestigious positions, such as:
Agronomist
Airplane Pilot/Navigator
Astronomer
Astrophysicist
Engineer
Laboratory Tester
Physical Scientist
Science Technician
Physics Teacher
Physics Faculty with Real-World Experience
Our faculty’s mission is to prepare students to work confidently and effectively in physics or a related field, to develop the power to think critically, judge soundly and communicate effectively. Faculty have a personal interest in the success of students and mentor students as they progress to a degree.
Meet Your Physics Faculty: Steven Binz
Dr. Steven Binz is very involved in student mentorship and research, taking personal interest in his students’ success. His research focus is augmented reality, and he has used state-of-the-art equipment at SU to bring interactive experiences into the classroom. He has also mentored physics students who participated in Virginia Space’s ThinSat program, advising them as they designed and built a small satellite for inclusion on a rocket headed to the International Space Station.
Students will be able to estimate, analyze, and solve a variety of physics-related problems.
Students will be able to use physics technology and computers to solve problems, analyze data, and to design or run experiments.
Students will be able to communicate their understanding of physics through written, oral, visual, or mathematical means.
Students will be able to work collaboratively and interactively.
Students will be able to assess and critique scientific results.
Students should know how physics relates to daily experiences.
Students will be able to analyze data and experimental results, including potential sources of error.
Students will know and be able to use the terminology of physics.
Students will synthesize material from various areas of physics. Students will be able to describe connections among various content areas of physics.
Students will develop the ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
Students will be able to function in multidisciplinary teams.
Students will be able to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
Students will develop the ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Students will be able to design an experiment (theoretical, computational, and/or lab-based) to explore a physics-related principle.
