|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Physics and astronomy students are driven to understand the nature of space, time, and matter from the quantum level to the outer reaches of the universe. They’re intellectually curious, bright, and confident individuals preparing to make their mark in a wide range of careers.
Why
Study Physics and Astronomy at Iowa? You'll take challenging courses on a variety of subjects. Your advanced classes usually will have 15–20 students, allowing you to receive a high level of individual attention. You'll begin with courses that teach problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and technical skills. As you progress, you'll have opportunities to do research. You also might decide to participate in one of the many internships available at national laboratories and other facilities. Outside of class, you may join the Society of Physics Students, which is open to all students interested in the subject. The society coordinates field trips and activities that foster student-faculty interaction and scientific learning. Faculty Several faculty members are fellows of professional associations such as the American Physical Society and the American Geophysical Union. One is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences. The late James Van Allen, a longtime professor and renowned space researcher, discovered the Earth’s radiation belts—named the Van Allen Radiation Belts in his honor. Course
Work BA and BS degrees require a minimum of 120 semester hours (s.h.), including the credit required for the major. BA students majoring in either physics or astronomy take fewer required mathematics and physics courses and have a broader choice of electives. In general, the BS prepares you for graduate study in physics or astronomy and for research-related careers. The BA gives you a foundation for professional study in law, medicine, and other areas; for careers in fields such as administration, business, and technical writing; for secondary school teaching; and for graduate school. Major in Physics The major in physics requires 48 s.h. for the BA and 60 s.h. for the BS (included in the minimum of 120 s.h. you'll earn for either degree). Both degrees require these courses:
If you're a BA student, you'll also complete four related science courses or the requirements for teacher licensure. You might opt to enter a joint degree program in which you'll earn your BA and a Master of Arts in Teaching in five years. If you're earning a BS, you'll also take Calculus III and a linear algebra course. Major in Astronomy The major in astronomy requires 52 s.h. for the BA and 64 s.h. for the BS (included in the minimum of 120 s.h. you'll earn for either degree). Both degrees require these courses:
If you're earning a BS, you'll also take Calculus III and a linear algebra course. Major in Applied Physics The major in applied physics requires 60–83 s.h. of credit (included in the minimum of 120 s.h you'll earn for the BS degree). It prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in high-technology industries as well as for graduate study in physics or astronomy. You'll take several of the courses required for the physics BS plus a concentration in one of four areas: computer science, optics, solid-state electronics, or medical physics. You'll also complete an internship or practicum. For More Details See Physics and Astronomy in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the department's majors and for information about graduating with honors or earning a minor in physics or in astronomy. Undergraduate Research Iowa students are extraordinarily successful at competing for summer research opportunities at other top universities and at facilities such as research laboratories and national observatories. Facilities Additional resources on the UI campus include superconducting fabrication facilities, the Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories, and the Optical Science and Technology Center. Varied labs are devoted to plasma, medical, atomic, high-energy, and molecular physics. Several ultrafast laser labs, a III-V molecular beam epitaxy lab, and a high-resolution X-ray diffraction lab also are available. Iowa City is only a few hours’ drive from the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory About 70 percent of physics and astronomy graduates go on to graduate school. With help from the department’s in-house recruiting office, they win acceptance to some of the best graduate programs in the country. Scholarships Consult multiple sources for scholarship information, including the Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Aid. |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
