Physics Department Mission Statement

The Department of Physics has a threefold mission within the context of a liberal education in the arts and sciences: the preparation of majors in physics both for graduate school and for careers in physics and related fields; the education of majors in other sciences for whom physics provides a strong foundation; and the exposure of all students to the basic principles, applications, and methods of discovery in physics.   

The Department aims to provide majors with a sound curricular foundation, covering an array of topics deemed important by graduate schools and employers for the contemporary education of a physicist, so that they will develop a strong working knowledge of physics.  The goals are for majors to become familiar with fundamental principles; hone mathematical and computational problem-solving skills; acquire the ability to understand and convey (both orally and in writing) ideas presented in scientific publications; develop laboratory skills; and gain exposure to the ways in which knowledge in physics is accumulated.  The Department provides opportunities for student/faculty collaborative research during which majors use and build upon their knowledge and understanding of physics, while establishing a sense of current, real-world applications.  Through these experiences, students gain exposure to research methods, including formulating questions, investigating answers with experimental, analytical, and/or computational tools, and presenting results. Faculty advise/mentor students and encourage them to identify, prepare for, and pursue physics-related post-graduation goals.  

The Department seeks to provide students majoring in mathematics and sciences other than physics with an understanding of basic principles of physics that contribute to the foundations of their own disciplines or that introduce important areas of disciplinary overlap.  The aim is for these students to develop a conceptual understanding of basic physical phenomena and learn quantitative tools for solving problems related to physics, while gaining an appreciation for how both of these are applicable to their major field of study. 

Students who are not majoring in physics or a related discipline are introduced to the methods and content of physical science, and gain direct experience with scientific tools, analytical and critical thinking, and data collection and reduction.   

For all students, the Department aims to provide an environment that promotes learning and collaboration while maintaining high standards for student achievement.  The Department seeks to provide all students with a foundation that can sustain a lifelong interest in science and allow them to make informed, responsible choices as citizens of an increasingly science- and technology-driven society.