Why Study Physics?

ProfessorandStudent2012Discoveries from physics have revolutionized the world and will continue to do so. Recent discoveries include planets around other stars, the accelerating universe, neutrino oscillations, and high temperature superconductivity. Physics has led to the development of the laser, the transistor, semiconductor chips, GPS systems, nuclear power plants, carbon nanotubes and advanced materials, advanced optical devices and medical equipment. Physics majors learn experimental, mathematical and computational techniques. A major in physics enhances one’s technical and problem solving skills and leads to many career options.

Highlights of the Behrend Physics program:

  • Student-Centered Teaching: Small upper-level seminar-style classes encourage student-professor engagement. Small introductory classes in the SCALE-UP Lab and in Freshman Seminar allow faculty to know physics majors during their first year on campus
  • Teaching Opportunities: Several paid positions allow physics majors to deepen their knowledge base and their communication skills by assisting faculty during introductory classes.
  • High Quality Faculty: Physics faculty members have been nominated for and won a disproportionate number of the Behrend Teaching and Research awards.
  • Research Opportunities: Faculty members are internationally known experts in their respective research fields. Physics’ majors benefit from this expertise when joining a professor’s research group. Independent research projects leads to student conference presentations and potential journal publication. Students can engage in research funded by college or by faculty grants. More information about Behrend’s undergraduate research opportunities can be found at: http://psbehrend.psu.edu/research-outreach/student-research.