Physics Major
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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.
Why Choose a Physics Major at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½?
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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, 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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, 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, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ also offers a physics 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.
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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ 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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ 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.