PHYSICS
BACHELOR OF ARTS | BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Knowledge Outcomes

Outcome 1: Mastery of fundamental physics principles

• Students show proficiency at solving quantitative problems that require an understanding of the fundamental principles in each of the major areas of physics. 
• Students show proficiency at explaining qualitatively the broad array of physical phenomena that can be explained using these fundamental concepts.

Outcome 2: Application of previously learned information in new contexts

• Students show proficiency at transferring fundamental principles into the advanced study in physics areas such as classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics.

Skills Outcomes

Outcome 3: Demonstration of proficiency in scientific methods of inquiry

• Students can design and carry out simple experiments including the collection, analysis, and presentation of meaningful data.

Outcome 4: Acquisition of professional skills

• Students can complete a literature review including the ability to read and use scientific literature.
• Students can present well-organized, logical, and scientifically sound oral and written scientific reports.

Value Outcomes

Outcome 5: Recognition of the broader implications of an education in physics

• Students demonstrate an awareness of the impact of physics in social, economical, and environmental issues.
• Students value both independent study and teamwork, as well as hold an appreciation for life-long learning.

• Small class sizes (10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio) allow for personalized attention for each student
• State-of-the-art teaching facilities include the Introductory Physics Laboratory and the Optics and Modern Physics Laboratory
• A visit to Fermi Laboratory (Chicago, Illinois) is offered to all Physics students
• Study abroad is highly encouraged (previous destinations for Physics students include Europe and Japan)
• Opportunities to participate in hands-on research projects on campus with faculty
• Opportunities to present at regional and national conferences and to publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Secondary Education Certificate

Our physics community offers opportunities for students to learn in a supporting and welcoming environment, to engage in creative and cooperative activities, to connect with the national physics community, and to find resources to network and enhance their professional development. 

• Society of Physics Students is a professional association open to anyone interested in physics and including majors in engineering, biology and chemistry, medicine, geology, computer science and other fields. SPS provides a variety of resources and activities to help students enhance their professional development, including job opportunities in industry, education and government, internships and summer research, graduate school resources and teachers scholarships. Student benefits also include research funds, conference participation, and publications in the SPS magazine.
• Our Sigma Pi Sigma chapter is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, which honors undergraduate and graduate students and faculty members with outstanding academic achievements in physics, and promotes interests in physics at all levels. An Induction Ceremony welcomes the members into the physics community. Members have the opportunity to engage in outreach activities, service and project awards, and the Alumni Engagement program, and to share their experiences in periodic meetings. 
• American Physics Society, Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics. The Committee on the Status of Women in Physics annually hold a three-day regional conference to encourage the recruitment, retention, and career development of women and underrepresented minorities.

A research project with a faculty member is required for Physics (B.S.) majors. The Physics Department also offers interdisciplinary research projects for physics and non-physics major students to connect physics to life sciences disciplines (health and sport science, medicine, biology), mathematics and computational sciences, bioengineering and other disciplines. Recent projects and activities:

• Effects of Environmental Electromagnetic Fields. Noel, R., Guest, R., Parry, M., Carrubba, S. American Physical Society Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (APS-CUWiP), The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, January 18-21, 2019.

• Physics in Life Science: An Interdisciplinary Research Study. Thorman, S., Carrubba, S. Western Pennsylvania Association of Physics Teachers (WPA-AAPT), Penn State Great Allegheny Campus, Pennsylvania, March 17, 2018.

• Virtual Optics Students Research Activities

• Employee, National Nuclear Security Agency, Washington, D. C.
• Graduate School, Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin
• Graduate School, Information Science, University of Pittsburgh
• Quality Assurance Technician, AGR International
• Middle School Teacher, Orchard Park, New York