Physics

Major and Minor

Faculty and professional interests

Charles Schulz, chair
   Magnetic resonance, Mössbauer spectroscopy, biophysics
Thomas Moses
   Liquid crystals, condensed matter physics, laser physics
Mark Shroyer
  Nuclear quadrupole double resonance, magnetic susceptibility, condensed matter physics

Physics has developed and grown throughout history as a result of the intricate but essential interplay of theory and experiment. Department programs emphasize this theme as the student takes courses involving both theoretical and laboratory work, which become progressively more complex and interesting. At the same time, there is an emphasis on the development of a variety of skills and techniques necessary in the pursuit of physics and also highly valuable in almost any career the student might choose. These skills include experimental design, instrumentation, data analysis and evaluation of experimental results; the application of mathematics and the computer to the solution of problems; communicating results and understanding to others; and, perhaps most important, the ability to use and apply general principles to the analysis of specific problems.

The physics major in the context of a liberal arts program provides the student with great flexibility in the choice of a career. In the past five years, some physics majors have embarked on careers in research and/or teaching by entering graduate programs in physics or physics-related areas (such as biophysics, oceanography, or atmospheric science). Others have entered programs in engineering through Knox’s pre-engineering program or have pursued graduate programs in engineering or in business prior to joining the management group of a science-related industry. Some have gone directly into high school teaching or industry, while others have entered medical, law or theological school.

One of the great advantages of the physics major at Knox is the opportunity to participate in a research project as an undergraduate. Knox faculty have active research interests in both experimental and theoretical physics, and experimental facilities are available at Knox for Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, electron spin resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, Laser Lab, X-ray diffraction, evanescent-wave ellipsometry and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The department also has a microprocessor controlled 10-inch Meade telescope, and a Nexstar 8-GPS with a CCD camera.

The departmental curriculum contributes to the College's Key Competency Requirements as follows:

• Writing Key Competency - PHYS 241 serves as a writing-intensive course for majors
• Speaking Key Competency - PHYS 241 serves as a speaking-intensive course for majors
• Information Literacy and Informed Use of Technology - Confidence with use of technology and skills with Information Literacy are both critical for those interested in careers in the sciences. Physics majors are exposed in PHYS 241 to tools for scientific presentation and data analysis. They experience in multiple courses (PHYS 110, 241, 242, 312 and others) the use of computers for data collection, physical modeling, and numerical calculations. Information Literacy skills are developed through assignments in multiple courses requiring searching physics literature and interpreting the results of those searches.

Requirements for the Major and Minor

Physics Course Descriptions