Programs of Study
Physics and Astronomy
The tutorial programs in the Physics and Astronomy Department offer unique opportunities for exceptional students. Majors engage in an in-depth study of physics and related fields, while broadening their knowledge in subjects suiting their individual interests. Graduates of the program may go on to jobs in a variety of scientific and technical fields, or choose to pursue graduate study and careers in research. At the heart of the program is the tutorial, in which the student studies selected material in a given subject area under the guidance of a faculty member acting as tutor. At individual weekly meetings, typically lasting about 90 minutes, the student and tutor discuss the weekly reading, solutions to problems, and other assignments. Tutorials continue through all four years of the program
TUTORIAL PROGRAM
Students typically spend one-quarter to one-third of their total time (and academic credit) in tutorials, the rest being in laboratories or in other required or elective classes. Because the Honors Tutorial College has no specific general education (or “distribution”) requirements, students are free to create unique courses of study in subjects outside their major fields according to personal taste. Physics and astronomy students frequently take courses in chemistry, biology, and computer science; but interest in areas much further afield, such as music, language, or history, is also very much encouraged.
ELIGIBILITY
Students are carefully selected by the Honors Tutorial College and the Physics and Astronomy Tutorial Board on the basis of superior ability and sustained motivation. The faculty look for good scores on standardized tests (650 or above on SAT quantitative or 30 or above on ACT math and natural sciences), but are also interested in a strong high school record (grade point average and class standing). The personalized aspects of the tutorial system occasionally make it possible to accept students who have performed less well on standardized measures of ability but who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in other ways.
CURRICULA
There are 3 separate programs available to HTC physics majors:
- Physics (major code BS1905) - The Physics major begins with a solid foundation in classical and modern physics leading to deeper study in more specialized areas including quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, nuclear and elementary particle physics, and condensed matter physics. The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics is appropriate for students whose plans include graduate work in physics or a career in industrial research.
- Astrophysics (major code BS 1931) - The Bachelor of Science degree in Astrophysics is intended for students interested in pursuing graduate work in astronomy, or planning careers related to space science. The curriculum includes the same foundation as the Physics major, with astrophysics courses making up a significant part of the sophomore, junior and senior years. The senior thesis is expected to be on an astrophysical topic.
- Engineering Physics (major code BS 1925) - This program is offered jointly by the Physics and Astronomy Department and the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, and is described in a separate document.
A double major can also be developed by the student in consultation with the Directors of studies in the respective departments.
SENIOR THESIS REQUIREMENTS
The senior thesis is required for graduation with a degree from the Honors Tutorial College. Research studies and thesis writing typically occupy a student part-time for one academic year. The topic can be in any of the fields included in the required courses, or in some other area of physics as arranged with the student’s advisor.
REQUIRED COURSES
Courses required for the Physics and Astrophysics majors are listed below, although not all courses must be taken in the years indicated. In addition, all students must satisfy the freshman and junior English Composition requirements.
PHYSICS
1st year: Physics freshman seminar, Tutorials (mechanics, electricity & magnetism, heat, waves, optics, special relativity), Calculus
2nd year: Tutorials (quantum mechanics, nuclei & particles), Electronics Lab, Calculus, Differential Equations, Fourier Analysis
3rd year: Tutorials (advanced mechanics, special topics), Electrons, Photons, and Nucleons Labs, Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, Vector Analysis
4th year: Electricity & Magnetism, Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Senior Thesis
ASTROPHYSICS
1st year: Physics freshman seminar, Tutorials (mechanics, electricity & magnetism, heat, waves, optics, special relativity), Calculus
2nd year: Tutorials (quantum mechanics, nuclei & particles), Electronics Lab, Fundamentals of Astrophysics, Stellar Astrophysics, Calculus, Differential Equations, Fourier Analysis
3rd year: Tutorials (advanced mechanics, special topics), Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics,Galactic Structure, Extragalactic Astronomy & Cosmology, Electrons, Photons, and Nucleons Labs, Vector Analysis
4th year: Electricity & Magnetism, Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Observational Astrophysics, Senior Thesis
RESEARCH
Physics and astronomy students are strongly encouraged to gain experience as research assistants, either in the Physics and Astronomy Department’s laboratories or through temporary internships at other universities, research centers, or national labs or observatories. Research work usually begins in the third or fourth year, though opportunities can sometimes arise earlier, and often becomes the basis of the student’s senior thesis. Research opportunities are available in the Department in the following areas:
- Condensed Matter and Surface Science: creating, studying, and simulating the properties of new substances, such as thin magnetic films and semiconductors
- Astronomy and Astrophysics: studying the structure and evolution of galaxies and galaxy clusters, the power sources of quasars, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy
- Nuclear and Particle Physics: investigating how the basic building blocks of matter interact with each other, and how they combine to form the elements we know
- Biophysics: using experimental techniques and computer modeling to understand processes in living systems, including cell adhesion, interacting neurons, and natural antifreeze proteins.
In addition, advanced students interested in teaching can sometimes be given paid appointments as teaching assistants.
GRADING
Physics and Astrophysics students take a mixture of tutorials and regular classes. For both, a syllabus at the beginning of the quarter will be given to the student that will outline the particular grading policy for the class or tutorial. Tutorials are usually graded by means of exams, homework and performance during the tutorial meetings.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Physics and Astronomy Department annually awards Shipman Scholarships to qualified freshman majors. The Shipman award is currently worth $1500. There is also a special Shipman Scholarship for women and minorities. Award of a Shipman Scholarship does not preclude the recipient from receiving other Ohio University financial aid and scholarships. The Shipman scholarship deadline is February 1 and a paper application must be filled out. This is separate from any other application for University financial aid. Click here for more information.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The deadline for application for admission to the Honors Tutorial College for the Fall Quarter is December 1. Interviews of qualified applicants are conducted in January. Applications for the Shipman Scholarships are accepted until February 1.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information, please contact:Dr. David Tees, Director of Studies
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701-2979
(740) 593-1694 (office)
(740) 593-1718 (messages)
(740) 593-0433 (fax)
tees@ohio.edu
Also, visit the Department of Physics and Astronomy website at: