PDF version - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Physics
Physics
Paul J. Nienaber, SJ, Ph.D., Chair
Physics is the study of the structure of the material universe, the particles that comprise it, and the forces
by means of which these particles interact. The mission of the physics department is to help students
understand that structure and those particles and forces, and appreciate and apply these fundamental
principles.
Consistent with the mission of Saint Mary’s University, the physics department seeks to develop the
professional competencies of its graduates and to instill in them a habit of lifelong learning.
General Department Goals
To this end, the physics department presents to students a broad survey of the interconnected concepts
of classical and twentieth-century physics, and develop in students an array of problem-solving skills
appropriate to and involving those concepts.
All students in physics classes should gain an appreciation of science as a human and creative endeavor,
acquire and be able to apply skills of quantitative reasoning, and understand science’s distinctive
disciplinary methodology, with its emphasis on experimentation and open communication. Science
majors in physics courses should in addition master foundational physics principles and analytical
methods, learn experimental techniques to test physical models, and be able to apply these principles,
methods, and techniques to their own professions. Physics majors should add to these goals an
introduction to the abstract models and advanced experimental techniques used in the study of physics
as a profession, to provide groundwork for their future study or careers.
Through knowledge of these concepts and acquisition of these skills, students then are able to:
• Live, continue learning, and pursue careers as scientifically literate and technologically competent
adults;
• Demonstrate and profit from their expertise in the techniques of modern experimental physics and
electronics;
• Appropriately and advantageously employ computer technology both for data acquisition and
processing, and algorithm development and execution; and
• Communicate their knowledge and skills effectively and cogently in a variety of modalities (oral,
written, and graphical).
The physics curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to teach, do research,
undertake graduate study, or to enter engineering professions or such interdisciplinary fields as
biophysics, astrophysics, medical physics, health physics, etc. The physics department endeavors to
help students see the impact of scientific thought, methods, and discoveries on contemporary society.
Through class and laboratory work, students develop the ability to interpret phenomena in light of
existing theories. A strong emphasis is placed upon laboratory experience in order to bring students to
a level where they can work independently, and where they have developed initiative and reliability in
their work.
The Saint Mary’s chapter of the national physics honor fraternity Sigma Pi Sigma was founded in 1964; it
is the second-oldest chapter of this prestigious society in the state of Minnesota.
Majors Offered:
Physics
Physics with an Engineering Science Emphasis
Physics with a Life Science Emphasis
Physics Science Education
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