Physics and Astronomy

www.physics.iastate.edu/

Alan I. Goldman, Chair of Department
Distinguished Professors: Clem, Finnemore, Harmon, Ho, Johnston, Lynch
University Professors: Willson
Professors: Anderson, Borsa, Carter-Lewis, Crawley, Firestone, Goldman, Hauptman, Hill, Hodges, Kawaler, Kelly, Lassila, Leacock, Luban, Peterson, Rosenberg, Ross, Shinar, Soukoulis, Stassis, Struck, Tringides, Vary, Weber, Wolford, Young
Professors (Adjunct): Meyer
Distinguished Professors (Emeritus): Ruedenberg, Swenson, Zaffarano
Professors (Emeritus): Barnes, Bowen, Fuchs, Lamb, Pursey, Stanford, Williams, Wohn
Associate Professors: Appleton, Canfield, Qiu, Valencia, Whisnant
Associate Professors (Adjunct): Biswas, Kogan
Assistant Professors: Cochran, Krennrich, Lajoie, Lavery, Meltzer, Modler, Ogilvie, Rosati, Schmalian
Assistant Professors (Adjunct): Miller, Morris, Vaknin

Undergraduate Study

For the undergraduate curriculum in liberal arts and sciences, major in physics, leading to the degree bachelor of science, see Liberal Arts and Sciences, Curriculum.

Physics and astronomy are basic natural sciences which attempt to describe and provide an understanding of both our world and our universe. Physics serves as the underpinning of many different disciplines including the other natural sciences and technological areas. Graduates are proficient in the methods of rigorous scientific analysis, relevant mathematical techniques, and modern computational and laboratory methods. They have a broad knowledge of physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics. They are able to communicate clearly and effectively at general and technical levels. They are prepared to pursue a wide range of careers as a professional physicist, astronomer, or science educator. They are also prepared to pursue advanced studies and careers in areas as diverse as engineering, medicine, law, and business administration.

Many opportunities exist for students who terminate their studies with a bachelor’s degree, especially when combined with technology studies in other areas. Students who meet the necessary scholastic standards often continue their studies in a graduate college, exploring and contributing to new developments in the field.

The department normally expects each student majoring in physics to complete at least the following courses: Phys 221, 222, 232, 321, 321L, 322, 322L, 304, 306, 361, 364, and three credits of laboratory work chosen from 310, 311, 311T, 470L, or Astro 344L. All students are required to earn at least 5 credits in laboratory work in physics in addition to the laboratory components of Phys 221 and 222. These 5 credits must be in courses numbered 300 or higher or in approved substitutions. All students must earn at least 20 credits in physics and astronomy courses numbered 304 or higher. The basic list of expected courses is not a rigid requirement and changes in this basic list will be approved by the department curriculum committee on recommendation of the student’s advisor when such changes will better serve the student’s needs. In particular, students planning a physics major and also seeking certification for high school teaching may, with the approval of their adviser, follow a significantly different program designed to meet their particular needs; these students should consult the department for further information. Further information concerning programs of study, including sample degree programs, is available from the department.

The department also offers a major in applied physics in cooperation with several other departments. This major consists of a physics core plus more specialized studies in a physics-related technology area, and is designed to prepare students to work in high-technology industry, or continue their studies in a graduate program in applied science or engineering. Normally students in this major will be expected to complete a physics core, consisting of the following courses: Phys 221, 222, 321, 321L, 361, 364, and six credits of laboratory work chosen from Phys 310, 311, and 470L. At least 3 credits of the laboratory must be in Phys 470L. In additions, a minimum of 12 credits in a specialized topic area must be obtained in a cooperating department. A minimum of 6 credits of additional physics courses are required at the 300 level or above. Specific requirements and recommendations for course selection depend on the area of specialization, and guidelines may be obtained from the Department of Physics and Astronomy. In summary, the major usually requires a minimum of 32 credits of physics and 12 credits in a specialized topic area.

Students majoring in physics who wish an emphasis in astronomy or astrophysics should consider a minor in astronomy (see below). Those planning graduate work in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics should add to the basic list the courses Phys 362, 365, 480, 481, and 496. One or more of Astro 405, Phys 511, 524, or 537 may also be added according to interest.

The department offers a minor in physics which may be earned by completing 20 credits in physics courses chosen as follows: Phys 221, 222; either 321 or 324; at least one credit of laboratory chosen from 321L, 322L, 310, 311, and 311T. Other acceptable courses are 304, 306, 322, 361, 362, 364, 365, 480, 481, and 496.

The department offers a minor in astronomy which may be earned by completing 15 credits chosen as follows: a total of 12 or more credits in Astro courses (must include Astro 344L and may include one of the courses Astro 120, Astro 150 or Astro 250), with the remaining 3 credits (if applicable) chosen from among Physics 304, 321, 324, 361, 362, 364, 365, 480, 481, or 496; 12 or more credits must be at the 300 level or higher. Note that the same course may not be used to satisfy both the requirements of a physics major and an astronomy minor.

English proficiency requirement: The department requires a grade of C or better in each of Engl 104 and 105 (or 105H), and a C– or better in Engl 305 or 314. Students are also encouraged to study at least one foreign language.

Graduate Study

The department offers studies for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy with majors at both levels in applied physics, astrophysics, condensed matter physics, high energy physics, nuclear physics, and physics; and minor credit courses for students majoring in other departments.

Facilities of various research groups of the department, the Ames Laboratory, and the Applied Science Center, including the Microelectronics Research Center, are available for research.

Students with bachelor’s degrees in physics or astronomy from other institutions ordinarily will qualify for graduate study at Iowa State provided they have satisfactorily completed course work similar to that suggested for undergraduate majors here intending to go on to graduate school. In some cases additional instruction at the intermediate level may be required.

Graduates have a broad understanding of physical science, as well as mastery of state-of-the-art methods in their area of specialization. They are able to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences, from the general public to research colleagues. Their skills in rigorous scientific thinking prepare them for leadership in the broader community. They are skilled in carrying out research, communicating research results, and soliciting research support. They have considerable teaching experience. They have developed problem solving skills that prepare them for careers in either industry or academia.

All candidates for an advanced degree in physics are expected to complete Phys 571, 572, 591, and either 531 or 564. Candidates for an advanced degree in applied physics are expected to complete Phys 571, 591, 470L (6 cr.), 699 ( 3 cr.), and either 572 or 531.

Except for the applied physics major where a thesis is always required, the degree master of science is offered both with and without thesis.

For all areas of study except applied physics the basic requirements for the M.S. are the same: At least 30 credits of acceptable graduate work must be completed, not less than 21 of which must be in physics or astronomy. Students must complete not less than 6 credits from outside their major area, with 3 credits being required from outside the department, and 3 credits from a 500 or 600 level course in another area of specialization.

Students choosing a degree with thesis may apply up to 8 credits of 699 but no credits of 599 toward the minimum 30 credits. Students choosing a degree without thesis should apply 2 credits of 599, but may not apply any credits of 699 toward the minimum 30 credits.

Students whose major area is applied physics must complete at least 30 credits of acceptable graduate work and not less than 19 credits of these must be in the required courses listed above; the remaining 11 credits of the 30 credit minimum may be chosen freely either from within the students major area or from without and either from the department or outside, but it should be noted that not more than 3 credits of Phys 699 may be applied toward the 30 credit minimum.

In addition to the list of basic courses above, all candidates for the doctor of philosophy degree, except those in astrophysics, must also complete Phys 592. Individual areas may impose additional requirements. In addition to course work in the major area of study a candidate must complete 12 credits from outside this area. Of these 6 must be taken from other departments and 6 must be taken from the department with the additional constraint that this latter 6 must include at least one 500 or 600 level introductory course in another area of specialization. Each candidate for the doctor of philosophy degree is required to teach one year of elementary physics or astronomy.

Graduate students interested in a physics minor should contact the department for requirements.