The Department of Physics and Astronomy at SFA is one of seven departments/divisions/schools in the College of Sciences and Mathematics. The primary goals of the department are to acquaint students with the general all-embracing principles that are the foundations of the present understanding of physics and astronomy and to furnish experiences in lecture and laboratory that will develop scientific attitudes, insights and techniques.
The department has programs that prepare students for:
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careers in physics, engineering, related sciences, and medicine
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graduate study at master's and Ph.D. granting institutions
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pre-college teaching in areas of physical science
The physics curricula provides a solid grounding in both classical and quantum physics. It consists of 36-40 hours, including a two-semester basic introductory sequence and a selection of courses from:
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two semesters of classical mechanics
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four semesters of classical electromagnetic theory, AC circuits and electronics
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three semesters of atomic, solid state and quantum physics
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one semester each of electrodynamics and optics
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two semesters of undergraduate special projects or research participation
(This curricula requires students to complete supporting work in mathematics. Courses in chemistry and computer programming are normally a part of the overall professional preparation.)
Majors & Minors
A student majoring in physics will receive an education that will lead to a Bachelor of Science degree. A Master of Science degree is available at SFA for students wishing to further their education beyond the bachelor's degree level. Specific undergraduate majors are physics and physics/pre-engineering. Specific undergraduate minors are physics, astronomy and engineering.
Student Organizations
The Society of Physics Students (SPS) at SFA has been extremely active since the 1970s. The club is a support organization involved with activities that serve the department, the university and the local public. These activities include public viewing sessions at the SFA Observatory, Physics Olympics and physics magic shows for local schools. Over the last 18 years, SPS won 15 National Outstanding Chapter awards. Each semester students attend SPS meetings held in conjunction with the Texas Sections of the American Association of Physics Teachers and the American Physical Society.
Unique Facts and Figures
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Classes for physics majors are small, affording greater interaction between faculty and students.
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The undergraduate program averages 70 physics majors, 45 pre-engineering majors and 25 physics, astronomy, and engineering minors. The graduate program normally has five graduate students.
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The department conducts annual high school "Physics Olympics" competitions.
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The department awards approximately five $2,000 physics scholarships to qualifying incoming freshmen each year.
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The department operates a 50-seat planetarium for teaching astronomy courses and presenting planetarium shows for the general public and area school children.
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At the department's observatory, students gain hands-on experience in operating the 10-inch, 18-inch and 41-inch telescopes. Recent research includes the discovery of 11 previously unknown asteroids. Three have been officially named "Nacogdoches," "Sfasu," and "Linenschmidt."
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Dr. Thomas Callaway - 1991 Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel Professor of the Year, 1996 College of Science and Mathematics Teaching Excellence Award, 1998 University Teaching Excellence Award and 1998 Regents Professor.
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Dr. Harry D. Downing - 1994 Society of Physics Student National Adviser of the Year, 1999 College of Sciences and Mathematics Teaching Excellence Award, 2005 Texas Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers - Robert N. Littleaward for outstanding contributions to physics higher education in Texas.
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Dr. Norman L. Markworth - 1991 Professor of the Year, Student Government Association, 1995 and 2000 College of Sciences and Mathematics Teaching Excellence Award, 2000 Regents Professor, and 2007 Faculty Achievement Award for Excellence in Teaching.
- Dr. Dan Bruton - 2003 University Teaching Excellence Award.
For more information, contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy at physics@sfasu.edu or 936.468.3001.