Physics
The Mercyhurst University Department of Physics seeks to provide a high-quality physics education that prepares students to be the scientists of the future, confident in their abilities and their understanding of physics. Because we believe that simple factual knowledge is not sufficient, the department seeks to instill strong analytical and critical thinking skills in our students. To accomplish this goal, our department is centered on the following tenets:
- A student-centered approach
- A focus on scientific inquiry
- A commitment to promoting diversity
- A dedication to standards of excellence
- A belief in developing the whole person
Along with our major courses, we also strive to provide students with a liberal arts background that contributes to a well-rounded academic. Students in any of our courses should acquire the foundational knowledge necessary to be successful in their field and as thoughtful citizens. Our graduates should have the expertise and competence in physics to be prepared for that study in the physical science and for employment.
- MATH 170 Calculus I
- MATH 171 Calculus II
- MATH 240 Differential Equations
- PHYS 200 Freshman Seminar
- PHYS 201/203 General Physics I/Lab
- PHYS 202/206 General Physics II/Lab
- PHYS 310/312 Modern Physics/Lab
- PHYS 330 Thermal Physics
- PHYS 335 Optics
- PHYS 350 Mechanics I
- PHYS 360 Electromagnetism
- CHEM 121/122 General Chemistry I/Lab
- Chem 131/132 General Chemistry II/Lab
- MATH 170 Calculus I
- MATH 171 Calculus II
- MATH 233 Calculus III
- MATH 150 Linear Algebra
- MATH 240 Differential Equations
- CHEM 121/122 General Chemistry I / Lab
- CHEM 131/132 General Chemistry II / Lab
- PHYS 200 Freshman Seminar
- PHYS 201/203 General Physics I/Lab
- PHYS 202/206 General Physics II/Lab
- PHYS 310/312 Modern Physics/Lab
- PHYS 330 Thermal Physics or CHEM 314 Physical Chemistry I
- PHYS 335 Optics
- PHYS 350 Mechanics I
- PHYS 360 Electromagnetism
- PHYS 420 Quantum Mechanics
- PHYS 450 Senior Research Project
- MATH 170 Calculus I
- MATH 171 Calculus II
- PHYS 201/203 General Physics I/Lab
- PHYS 202/206 General Physics II/Lab
- PHYS 310 Modern Physics
- MATH 233 Calculus III
- SCI 304 Physical Meteorology
- PHYS 320 Biomedical Physics
- PHYS 335 Optics
- PHYS 350 Mechanics I
- PHYS 360 Electromagnetism
Students are also required to choose one approved Physics Major elective course.
Students are also required to choose at least two approved Physics Major electives; at least one course must be a 300-level course or higher.
Required courses:
Students must also choose two of the following:
Students in the minor will be required to earn at least a “C” in every course and to maintain a 2.5 GPA overall in their minor courses.
Physics Education
Students interested in pursuing a career as a physics teacher have the opportunity to obtain secondary education teaching certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In the Secondary Education 4+1 Program, students will first pursue a four-year B.A. or B.S. degree in Physics and then the Master of Science in Secondary Education: Pedagogy and Practice, a one-year program offered online. For more information, please click here.
- Show proficiency at:
- Solving quantitative problems that require an understanding of the fundamental principles in each of the major areas of physics
- Explaining qualitatively the broad array of physical phenomena that can be explained using these fundamental concepts
- Show proficiency at transferring fundamental principles into the advanced study in physics areas such as classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics
- Design and carry out simple experiments, including the collection, analysis, and presentation of meaningful data
- Complete a literature review, including the ability to read and use scientific literature
- Present well-organized, logical, as well as scientifically-sound oral and written scientific reports
- Demonstrate an awareness of the physics impact in social, economical, and environmental issues
- 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
- 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 teacher 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, as well as 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, as well as 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 holds a three-day regional conference to encourage the recruitment, retention, and career development of women and underrepresented minorities.
Knowledge Outcomes
Outcome 1: Mastery of fundamental physics principles
Outcome 2: Application of previously learned information in new contexts
Skills Outcomes
Outcome 3: Demonstration of proficiency in scientific methods of inquiry
Outcome 4: Acquisition of professional skills
Value Outcomes
Outcome 5: Recognition of the broader implications of an education in physics
Our physics community offers opportunities for students to learn in a supporting and welcoming environment, engage in creative and cooperative activities, connect with the national physics community, and find resources to network and enhance their professional development.
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.
Joe Johnson, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Physics
Office: Zurn 208
Meet the Faculty
Physics
