What is physics?
Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions. The
fundamental ideas of physics underlie all of the basic sciences -- astronomy,
biology, chemistry, and geology -- and all of applied science and engineering.
Physicists explore a range of natural phenomena from the dynamics of
grains of sand on a beach to the birth of the universe. Their discoveries
and inventions, like the transistor and the laser, have changed the
way we live. Virtually all the problems of contemporary society have
components which physicists are helping to solve.
What is the quality of the instruction?
FSU's Department of Physics cares deeply about the quality of undergraduate
instruction and continually evolves to reflect the needs of students.
For example, the physics curriculum was recently restructured to improve
learning in the freshman and sophomore years. In addition to the new
curriculum, the department has integrated computers and advanced software
and hardware into the curriculum at all levels, including our freshman
physics courses.
At FSU your lecture classes and laboratories are all
taught by faculty members, not by graduate teaching assistants, a popular
practice at other universities. This insures close personal contact
between students and faculty.
Will I get personal attention?
Frostburg State University is a medium-sized university, with approximately
5500 students and a student/faculty ratio of 17:1. This allows for close
interaction between students and faculty. For example, our freshman
physics course has a typical class size of about 20, with the integrated
lecture/lab taught by one faculty member. You will find that faculty
are often available beyond regular office hours to meet with you. And
like all physics majors, you will have a faculty adviser assigned to
help you with academic questions including course selection.
What facilities are available to me?
To study physics at the undergraduate level requires up-to-date learning
laboratories and computer facilities. At FSU, you can find both. You
will learn electronics and instrumentation in one laboratory and, in
an advanced laboratory, you will perform sophisticated experiments with
modern equipment. You will also use the undergraduate computer laboratory
for experimental data analysis, electronic circuit analysis, and numerical
problem solving.
In addition to these facilities, the Department of
Physics recently opened a Micro-Computer Based Laboratory. Featuring
a state-of-the-art design, the laboratory permits students to conduct
active hands-on investigations using transducers that send their data
directly into the computer for storage and analysis. Data collection
and analysis is accomplished automatically, allowing the student to
concentrate on interpretation. The facility is one of the first if its
type in a public institution of higher education in the state of Maryland.
Technical facilities aren't the only facilities important
to a good education. Study and recreational facilities are important
as well. The Physics Lounge is a place where students at all levels
(from freshman to senior) can meet and interact. Sometimes the lounge
is used for study, and sometimes for casual get-togethers. But in all
cases it serves as a hub of activity for physics students at FSU. New
students often get one-on-one help about specific study problems from
more experienced students, and students often use the lounge for group
study.
Will I have an opportunity to do research
at FSU?
Every year undergraduate students in the department participate in faculty
research. Students and faculty alike give these experiences rave reviews.
Sometimes these experiences result in student publications or formal
research presentations. Always students come away with a new appreciation
of the pleasures and challenges of doing research.
Areas of interest include acoustics, chaos, CCD astronomy,
instrmentation, computer programming, and physics education.
What about summer research opportunities?
Undergraduate students at FSU may participate in summer undergraduate
research programs offered by various universities throughout the United
States. Participation in such programs is on a competitive basis. For
example, FSU students have recently participated in summer undergraduate
research programs at Argonne National Lab and Michigan State University.
How can I learn more about studying
physics at Frostburg State University?
Call the Department of Physics at (301) 687-4298 and ask for the Department
Chairman, stop by the departmental office, Room 207 Tawes Hall, or mail
a requst for information to:
The Department of Physics
Frostburg State Unversity
Frostburg, MD 21532
What do physicists study?
Today is an exciting time to study physics. Physicists study everything
from the dynamics of the grains of sand on a beach to the formation
of galaxies, from elementary particles to semiconductors, from fiber
optics to computers. Physicists test their ideas by performing experiments
which lead to new ideas and theories.
How do I know if physics is for me?
If you like science and mathematics, you will probably like physics.
If you like to explore and figure out why things are the way they are,
you will like physics. If you like to ask questions about the natural
world, and if you like to think of ways to answer those questions, you
will enjoy physics. And if you like to study natural phenomena, and
would like your understanding to contribute to modern technology, you
should consider studying physics.
What can I do with a bachelor's degree
in physics?
Because physics underlies all basic science and engineering, physics
majors have many career choices. A significant percentage continue their
education in prestigious graduate and professional schools -- studying
physics, engineering (especially electrical and computer engineering
and computer science), law, medicine, and other fields.
Those entering the job market directly after graduation
find their knowledge and technical skills, including modeling of physical
systems and computer and electronic skills, are strong selling points.
