Director of Undergraduate Studies
Prof. Jack Laiho
201 Physics Building
315-443-3901
Faculty
Marina Artuso, Stefan Ballmer, Steven Blusk, Duncan Brown, Simon Catterall, Eric Coughlin, Walter Freeman, Jay Hubisz, Matthew LaHaye, John Laiho, M. Lisa Manning, Alan Middleton, Liviu Movileanu, Alison Patteson, Joseph Paulsen, Britton Plourde, Jennifer Ross, Matthew Rudolph, Christian Santangelo, Eric A. Schiff, Jennifer Schwarz, Tomasz Skwarnicki, Mitchell Soderberg, Paul Souder, Sheldon Stone, Gianfranco Vidali, Scott Watson, Denver Whittington.
Physicists idealize the behavior of matter and energy in terms of mathematical representations called the “fundamental laws of nature” and seek to explain the properties of nuclei, atoms, molecules, and systems of these particles (gases, liquids, crystals, etc.). Undergraduate courses provide a background in classical physics, quantum mechanics, thermal physics, and laboratory techniques.
The B.A. degree in physics is an important accomplishment for students considering careers in such widely varying areas as law, journalism, corporate management, and teaching. In all of these fields, a liberal education incorporating serious study of a scientific discipline is an asset.
For information about certification to teach physics at the secondary school level, see “Education/Arts and Sciences (dual program)” in this section of the catalog.
Other information about physics can be found at physics.syr.edu.
B.A. Degree Requirements
The bachelor of arts degree requires completion of at least 30 credits of physics and astronomy courses. At least 18 of these credits must be in upper-division courses. Two semesters of calculus are also required as pre-requisites for the physics courses.
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