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Physics

Major and Minor

Physics has developed and grown through history as a result of the intricate but essential interplay of theory and experiment.Physics has developed and grown through history as a result of the intricate but essential interplay of theory and experiment. Physics at Knox emphasizes this theme as you take courses involving both theory and laboratory that become progressively more sophisticated and of increasing complexity and challenge.

At the same time, there is a focus on the development of skills -- techniques of experimental design, instrumentation, data analysis and evaluation of experimental results; skill in the application of mathematics and the computer to the solution of problems; and, perhaps most important, the development of the ability to use and apply general principles to the analysis of specific problems.

Curriculum
Introductory physics is a three-term sequence covering mechanics; heat, waves, and light; and electricity and magnetism. Additional 100-level courses consider topics such as astronomy, physics of sports, and the physics of music. Advanced courses include classical dynamics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and quantum physics.

Students intending to enter graduate programs in physics may elect to participate in up to three Senior Seminars -- a year-long series of discussion-style classes that cover the more advanced topics in the field -- analytical mechanics, electrodynamics and quantum mechanics.

Resources
Equipment located in the Adeline Cummings Longden Physics Wing includes:

  • Laser laboratory
  • Mössbauer spectrometer
  • SQUID Susceptometer
  • NQDR Spectrometer (Quantum Design 5.5T MPMS)
  • NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectrometer
  • Eight-inch and ten-inch telescopes, including computer control and CCD camera

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Academic News

NSF Grant to Knox Targets Students Interested in Science

Knox's new Creating Opportunities and Access in Science and Technology (COAST) initiative will offer academic and financial support to students planning on careers in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.

Earth Month 2013

Capping off Earth Month, members of the Knox College and Galesburg community gather for a Day of Service and an Earth Day Festival featuring, music, art, and information focused on the environment.

Earth Month 2013 Talk: Green Jobs, Sustainable Businesses

Panelists share their experiences in the world of sustainable business, and they discuss the promise of 'green jobs' at a discussion hosted by the Bastian Center for Career and Pre-Professional Development.

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