Physics is comprehensive It studies objects from as huge as stars and planets to as tiny as particles inside an atom. It describes motions with low speed such as that of a baseball to high speed that’s light-fast. It unveils principles governing intangible waves as well as matter particles. The whole physical world is under its regime of examination. Physics is fundamental to all other areas of science and engineering.
Physics is relevant Knowledge in physics has impacted our life to such an extent that one can even say if it were not physics, there would have been no modern life. For example, X-rays, microwaves, GPS, digital camera, cell phones, … are all based on discoveries/theories made in physics.
Physics is exciting The concepts and principles developed in physics explain why things happen. The mathematical models developed predict how a physical system will behave in the near future. What makes physics even more fascinating, it always challenges physicists to explore deeper, pushing our boundary of knowledge further and further. The established system of concepts and models gives us the ability to realize the unknown and observe new phenomena. Studying physics is an adventure filled with wonder after wonder.
If you have a love for mathematics and science, you are a good candidate for a major in physics!
Graduates with a major in physics have a theoretical framework for understanding the physical world, which allows them to branch out into many different scientific and technological fields. Having an analytic approach to problem solving and a developed facility with mathematical and computational tools, a graduate with a BS in physics is able to find jobs ranging from aerospace companies, insurance companies, research labs and hospitals. The American Institute of Physics (AIP) provides useful career information, which includes employment statistics. The AIP also has a state by state breakdown of companies who have hired new physics graduates http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/states/state.html. Likewise the American Physical Society (APS) has a number of resources related to a career in physics.
Students earning a major in physics at Cedarville have chosen a number of different career routes. About one third attend graduate school to receive either a MS or PhD degree. Cedarville graduates have been accepted and graduated from such places as Drexel University, Cornell University, Princeton University and Cambridge University. One third of our physics graduates chose the AYA Physics or Physical Science route and step into Jr. and Sr. High schools to train and direct the next generation of scientists. The last third chose careers in either the military or at private companies. Cedarville also has an Office of Career Services where students are assisted in developing a resume, meeting with companies during career days and making contacts for internships.
If you love physics and like working in a small, but supportive community, come to Cedarville!
Students studying physics at Cedarville investigate a wide range of topics in the classroom including the basics of Theoretical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, and Quantum Mechanics as well as such diverse topics as Acoustics, Astrophysics, and Computational Physics. Members of the physics faculty at Cedarville University share their expertise in the areas of Astronomy, Atmospheric Science, Atomic Physics, Climate Modeling, Computational Physics, and Cosmology.
During a three semester cycle, physics majors gain experience in conducting physics research by performing classic experiments, reproducing recently published research, and developing experiments to answer open ended questions. They also develop skills in keeping a laboratory manual, and writing journal quality papers. At Cedarville, there are opportunities for students to use specialized equipment in two fully computerized physics labs, the campus observatory’s 0.4-meter Cassegrain telescope and an atomic force microscope. Within the Department of Science and Mathematics there are other facilities available including a microscopy lab and other chemistry equipment such as an NMR. As part of the Ohio Academic Resource Network (OARnet), our students and faculty have access to the Ohio Supercomputer Center.
Physics students at Cedarville University are strongly encouraged to seek summer research opportunities, particularly in the summer after their junior year. There are numerous internships offered through various physics organizations and universities which can be found at the links listed below. Many students have had opportunities to work at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) which is ½ hour away at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). We are currently seeking to partner with the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) also located at WPAFB. Cedarville physics majors also have access to support and research through the Ohio Space Grant Consortium.
The library has a resource page for physics. It is located at http://libguides.cedarville.edu/physics
Web Master Contact: Steven Gollmer