Physics (PHY)

213 William R. Murchie Science Building
(810) 762-3131
FAX (810) 766-6780
www.umflint.edu/csesp

Chair (Computer Science, Engineering Science, and Physics): Dr. Loretta J. Dauwe

Administrative Assistant: Patricia A. Slackta

Secretary: Kathleen Leist

Supervisor of Science Laboratories: Daniel A. Mitchell

Professors Loretta J. Dauwe, Mojtaba Vaziri; Associate Professor Christopher A. Pearson; Lecturers Marian Aanerud, Alan Grafe

Professors Emeritus: Mary E. Cox, Donald E. DeGraaf

Associate Professors Emeritus: Donald W. Boys, Frank E. Rose

Astronomy offerings appear in the Astronomy section of this Catalog.

Physics examines the lasting and universal things we have learned about inanimate nature. Some aspects of nature are neither universal nor permanent–the shape of Cape Cod or even a spiral arm of a galaxy. But the forces that created both Cape Cod and the spiral arm of stars and dust obey universal laws. Discovering that has enabled humans to understand more of what goes on in our universe. As we gain more knowledge, what would have appeared complicated or capricious can be seen as essentially simple and in a deep sense orderly. Understanding natural laws leads to a better accommodation of nature to humans and of humans to nature.

Physics is concerned with questions that cannot be decided by thought alone. Answers have to be sought and ideas tested by experiment. In fact, the questions are often generated by experimental discovery. But there is every reason to believe that some answers, once found, have a permanent and universal validity. All the evidence indicates that the laws of physics are essentially the same everywhere in the observable universe.

The introductory courses in physics are designed to serve students planning to concentrate in any of the natural sciences. A calculus-based sequence is designed to meet the needs of students majoring in chemistry, engineering science or physics. Other courses serve the non-specialist who wishes to gain some understanding of the concepts and methods of physics and their importance in the space age.

The advanced undergraduate courses in physics are designed to provide fundamental training for professional work in physics and for teaching physics in secondary schools. The advanced undergraduate lecture courses are supplemented by laboratory courses, in which the student may investigate problems of special interest.

The general education requirement in laboratory natural science can be satisfied by completing two from: PHY 110 , PHY 143 , PHY 145 , PHY 243 , PHY 245 ; AST 131 and AST 133 .

Note that completion of PHY 143, or PHY 143 and 145, or PHY 243 and 245, is prerequisite to certain concentration programs.

Department Mission and Program Assessment

The mission of the Physics program is to prepare students to succeed in their chosen careers after graduation from the University of Michigan-Flint. Recognizing that students will elect many career paths, ranging from elementary teaching, to industry, to graduate education, and others, the Department believes its mission is to help students gain a knowledge foundation based upon fundamental principles of classical and modern physics. This foundation stresses the creative application of physics principles to solving newly posed problems and creative thinking. The program participates in the University-wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at http://www.umflint.edu/assessment/.

Programs in Physics

Four concentration programs are offered: the General Program in Physics (Bachelor of Arts) , the General Program in Physics (Bachelor of Science) , the Honors Program in Physics (Bachelor of Arts) , and the Teacher’s Certificate Program (Bachelor of Arts) . A Teacher’s Certificate Minor in Physics is also available.