Physics
Department
The Faculty
The comprehensive professional backgrounds of our physics faculty members include biophysics, nuclear physics, and solid state physics. Their research experience includes appointments and post-doctoral work at such notable places as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Washington University, Indiana University, and Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory.
About the Major
Physics, the most fundamental field of science, is the study of nature at its deepest level—matter and its interactions. Our students study these interactions while using Centenary’s extraordinary facilities and equipment, which include a state-of-the-art laser and opto-electronics laboratory, a multi-channel analyzer, nuclear decay detectors, and a variety of digital oscilloscopes. The physics curriculum includes courses in conceptual physics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum mechanics. By working with an adviser or faculty team, students take advantage of independent studies, individual or team research projects, and internships.
Career Opportunities
A physics degree communicates immediately that its holder is intelligent, hardworking, and most certainly not intimidated by technology. Our graduates’ successes demonstrate that a physics degree is useful in many ways. Many continue on to graduate school in physics and engineering, and others to medical school; still others use their training to obtain technical employment. Recent Centenary physics graduates are pursuing graduate studies at the University of Illinois and working in software development, environmental technology consulting, and biomedical engineering.
