Physics & Astronomy

The EMU Department of Physics and Astronomy educates physics majors to be flexible, quantitative problem solvers informed by physics. These majors can look at problems at different scales and in different ways; and can use multiple techniques and thoughtfully chosen tools to solve problems of fundamental, practical, and societal interest. They can leverage their ability to approach problems in a methodical way to effectively communicate their solutions to others. These majors learn to work ethically, thoroughly, independently, collaboratively,  and helpfully to advance their own understanding and knowledge as well as that of their peers.

Universal Interest

Physicists are interested in all aspects of the physical universe. They seek to understand not only the smallest forms of matter, and the rich phenomena present in our everyday lives, but also the universe itself. Physics has played a critical role in human technological and intellectual development during the twentieth century. The tools of the physicist—observation, imagination, model building, prediction, and deduction—will enable physics to continue this influence well into the future.

The Physics program gives students the skills they need to take on a wide variety of career challenges, including medicine, teaching, government policy, industrial research and development, science journalism, space and atmospheric research, acoustics, and business.

Our Academic Programs

Undergraduate

This Physics program covers a wide breadth of subject matter, in both theoretical and experimental physics. Students engage in topics such as quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and laboratory courses such as optics or electronics.

Students majoring in Physics engage in a quantitative approach to topics including modern physics, computational physics, and electronics. Physics Research is an excellent preparation for future graduate work. Engineering Physics students gain an understanding of physical phenomena as applied to engineering contexts in both the classroom and laboratory or technical settings.

Graduate

Graduate students have three degrees which prepare them for doctoral study, junior college or community college teaching, or research in industry or government labs.

The M.S. in Physics prepares students for traditional physics research and advanced topics in physics. For educators, the M.S. in Physics Education is designed to approach traditional physics material from an educator’s perspective and the M.S. in Physical Science is designed for in-service teachers at the secondary education level.

Student Activities and Involvement

Society of Physics Students

The Society of Physics Students (SPS) is a professional association explicitly designed for students. Membership, through collegiate chapters, is open to anyone interested in physics, and provides access to national databases for research and job hunting.

Physics and Astronomy Facilities

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has a variety of facilities to meet the educational needs of students, faculty, and staff. These facilities include a student reading room, classrooms and teaching laboratories, research laboratories, machine shop, maker's space, and a historic observatory.