Physics and astronomy are related sciences with extensive range and scope, that are both currently experiencing remarkably exciting change and growth. Physics is the science of matter, energy and the interactions or forces which affect them. All natural phenomena, from the smallest of subatomic particles to living beings, galaxies, and the entire Universe are governed and understood through the laws of physics. Investigations of the physical world, beginning with Galileo and Newton, have formed the basis of our technological society and have driven international economic and philosophical climates for many years. The study of astronomy can range from familiarization with the sky to profound observational and theoretical understandings of the origin and development of our Universe. Included with the latter are the origin of matter and of chemical elements, the origin of the laws of physics, and a deeper appreciation of our place or meaning in the Universe.
Undergraduate education is the primary concern of the dedicated faculty in Trinity's Department of Physics and Astronomy, and students interested in this major are provided with opportunities for a first-rate education which includes meaningful, cutting-edge research experiences.
To meet the individual needs and interests of students, the department offers several major and minor concentration programs. The Bachelor of Science in Physics, designed for students who intend to enter top graduate programs in physics or astronomy, is rigorous and comprehensive. The Bachelor of Arts in Physics has fewer requirements and is appropriate for students who wish to enter medical school, become teachers, or major in more than one subject. Less intensive (minor) programs in Physics or Astronomy are designed for students who wish to develop expertise or to satisfy their curiosity in these fields, while concentrating on another subject.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is housed in Trinity's Marrs McLean Science Center. State-of-the-art teaching and research facilities are available, including laboratories integrated with the most modern computers and software at both the elementary and advanced levels, one of the first undergraduate courses in photonics in the country, a well-equipped laser research laboratory, an astrophysics imaging laboratory with internet access to equipment (e.g. radio telescopes) and databases around the world, a laboratory for analysis and improvement of gravitational wave detection, a developing nano-materials laboratory, and an astronomy observatory with eight computer-controlled telescopes of 8" to 16" aperture.
· Exceptionally well-equipped laboratory facilities and an observatory with eight computer-guided telescopes.
· The department offers a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts to meet student needs.
· All Physics majors participate in research, and many go on to prestigious graduate schools.
Students have recently participated in research on laser-based measurements of liquid crystal dynamics, quasars or active galaxies, supernovae and element creation, designs and prototypes for gravitational wave detection, and cosmology.
The Society of Physics Students, affiliated with the American Institute of Physics, and Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society, both have active chapters at Trinity. These groups arrange formal and informal seminars and lectures, hold social events, and offer tutoring for lower division classes. An active new organization in which the Department has played a leading role is TWIST (Trinity Women In Science & Technology). The Department regularly hosts visiting lecturers and scholars of national reputation.
Further graduate study is the norm for Trinity students intending to become professional physicists or astronomers. Graduates have undertaken postgraduate studies in such diverse areas as astrophysics, atmospheric physics, computer science, medical physics, law, engineering, mathematics, and meteorology, while still others have taken industrial positions.
Recent (within 5 years) Physics graduates include:
Rusty Conner (05): also Chemistry major, Phi Beta Kappa, U. Illinois graduate program.
Elliot Johnson (05): also Engineering Science major, U. Colorado graduate program.
Erin Perez (05): also Astronomy minor, Vanderbilt U. graduate program.
Skylar Saucedo (05): Florida State U. graduate program.
Penny Whetstone (05): Noyce Fellowship, Trinity U. graduate program in teaching.
Richard Castillo (04): also Math major, graduate program in Biomedical Sciences at UT Health Sciences Center in Houston.
Barbara McClain (04): also Math major, Goldwater Fellowship, U. Nebraska graduate program.
Chris Giebink (03): also Engineering Science major, NCAA Postgraduate Fellowship, Princeton graduate program.
Dustin Ragan (03): also Math major, graduate program in Biomedical Sciences at UT Health Sciences Center in Houston.
Jason Frederick (02): also Engineering Science major, NSF Graduate Fellowship, U. Chicago graduate program.
Tim Gilheart (02): Dartmouth U. graduate program.
Wes Campbell (01): Goldwater Fellowship, NSF Graduate Fellowship, Harvard graduate program.
Alexis Thompson (01): also Chemistry major, Goldwater Fellowship, NSF Graduate Fellowship, U. Illinois graduate program.
Dr. Gordon MacAlpine, Chair
Department of Physics and Astronomy
(210) 999-7421
gordon.macalpine@trinity.edu
www.trinity.edu/departments/physics/