Physics
The physics program is designed to provide a thorough grounding in the central areas of physics, allowing for flexibility in pursuing individual interests in depth. It addresses the needs of both majors and non-majors through courses and tutorials in theoretical, experimental, and computational physics. Students participating in the physics program become familiar with the facts and processes of physics and learn to think logically.
Those whose interests expand beyond the introductory level will find small classes, intensive work, and challenging projects. They will also find state of the art equipment for doing research in the laboratory, including an Atomic force microscope, a Raman spectrometer, an XRay diffractometer, and an XRay Fluorescence spectrometer. Joint or double areas of concentration with other disciplines are possible. For example, combinations of physics with mathematics or chemistry are common.
Students participating in the physics program become familiar with the facts and processes of physics and learn to think analytically. Joint or double areas of concentration are possible. For example, a combination of physics and mathematics is quite common.
The physics program is in a new building designed specifically for its teaching and research needs. There is adequate space for laboratory work at all levels, including teaching and research labs, an especially equipped laser lab. In addition, the physics program is adjacent to a computer lab allowing access to software such as Mathematica.
Undergraduates are encouraged to become involved in the discipline's research programs. Faculty research laboratories and computer equipment are available to students engaged in research projects on phase transitions and the critical point in fluid and magnetic systems, eddy currents in conductors induced by magnetic fields, large-scale arrangement of galaxies, laser assisted surface modification, thin films and surface characterization, quantum mechanics.
Graduates of New College have continued their education in fields as varied as physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, medicine, and education, at institutions such as Princeton, Duke, University of Texas, California Institute of Technology, University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, University of Maryland, University of Wisconsin, University of California Davis, University of Hawaii, etc.
Some of our graduates go on to work for industry or government, but most continue their education in graduate school. A bachelor's degree in physics is immediately useful in the job market, and not just in physics. According to the American Institute of Physics, 47% of 1996 physics bachelor's recipients went on to positions in industry, the military, secondary education, and other fields. Of these positions, 57% were mostly unrelated to physics.
