Why
study Physics? The aim of physics is to
study nature at its most fundamental level -- to discover and apply the
general laws that govern force and motion, matter and energy, space and
time. Physics can be as concrete as the stresses in a bridge or as
abstract as the curved spacetime near a black hole. It studies systems
ranging in
size from the smallest elementary particles to the entire
universe.
|
 |
Physics
lies at the heart of the natural sciences. Almost any piece of modern
scientific instrumentation is based on principles of
optics, electronics, or nuclear physics -- and such apparatus usually
has
its origins in basic work done by physicists. Almost any scientific
problem
can be approached using the ideas and methods of physics, which is why
there
are many "hybrid" disciplines such as astrophysics, biophysics, and
geophysics.
The central position of physics among the sciences means that it is an
ideal
starting point, not only for physics research, but for many kinds of
scientific
and engineering work. It also means that physics is a perfect academic
focus
for a liberal arts education.
|
|
Why
study Physics at Kenyon? The Kenyon Physics Department is
staffed by six full-time faculty
members , with interests
ranging from condensed matter physics to colliding galaxies, from
quantum information processing to advanced medical technology. In
addition, we have two part time faculty members and a director of
laboratories who also has a Ph.D. in physics. That is nearly
one-to-one support for the 6-8 physics majors we graduate each year. We
teach a wide range of classes, including "general education" physics
and astronomy courses, introductory surveys of physics, and advanced
courses in theoretical and experimental physics. Our home is the new
Rutherford B. Hayes Hall at Kenyon, opened in the fall of 2000, where
we enjoy state-of-the-art classroom and laboratory facilities.
|
As
proud as we are of our building and equipment, the most important thing
in our department is something less tangible: the process of learning
and discovery that makes a first-rate physics education. We try very
hard to create an atmosphere of collaboration among the faculty and
students in
the department. Students work together in many courses and participate
as
colleagues in physics research and in departmental projects. They find
here
a rigorous grounding in fundamental physics, together with
opportunities to pursue their own interests and investigate fascinating
scientific problems.
|
|
The
best measure of our department is the success of our students, both in
their undergraduate work at Kenyon and in their pursuits after
graduation. Many of our students go on to graduate school in physics,
related sciences, or engineering, and they wind up at some of the best
graduate institutions. Others pursue medical school, computer science,
teaching, or a career in business.
|
|
|
Along the way, we also manage to
have a great deal of fun! To get some of the flavor of life in the
Physics Department, you might take a look at our photo album .
|
