Physics

Professor Adler (right) works with student on the Magneto-Optic Trap used to trap and cool rubidium atoms for use in a U.S. Navy gyroscope at the nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

The physics program develops a fundamental understanding of principles, concepts, and models of physical phenomena. Study involves both classic and modern physical theories with an emphasis on hands-on experiments. The ratio of students to faculty members in physics is the smallest at St. Mary's, ensuring a strong mentor-mentee relationship.

Students often choose a secondary academic focus from almost any second field, but some find that a major in physics pairs particularly well with biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, music, and natural science.

For those students interested in a career in engineering, the College has established an agreement with the University of Maryland School of Engineering to offer a dual-degree program.

St. Mary's Project (SMP)

SMPs in physics may be theoretical or experimental in nature. Some recent SMPs in physics:

• Rainbow refractometry
• Probability current density in quantum mechanics
• Aerodynamics of golf ball flight
• Atom interferometry
• Relativistic rotating disc
• Optimal charging process of a capacitor

Travel Abroad

St. Mary's encourages its students to earn academic credit by traveling, whether for a study-tour of two weeks, six weeks, or a semester. For science majors, this is an excellent time to pick up courses in liberal arts requirements such as history, music, government, literature, etc. Study abroad can also be incorporated into the St. Mary's Projects of physics majors.

Life After St. Mary's

Physics majors often use their skills by beginning their careers in high-tech fields upon graduation. Recent examples include:

• Systems engineer for Lockheed Martin
• Laser safety engineer at the Naval Research Lab
• Software systems engineer at Patuxent Naval Air Base
• Systems analyst for Universal Technical Resource Service, Inc.

Recent physics majors have entered graduate programs at:

• Johns Hopkins
• William and Mary
• Maryland
• UNC-- Chapel Hill
• Virginia

Special Opportunities

Dual-degree Program in Engineering
For three years, students study in the liberal arts at St. Mary's and major in physics, earning a B.A. degree. After that, they study for two years at the A. James Clark School of engineering at the University of Maryland where they major in one of the following: aerospace engineering, biological resources engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, fire protection engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or nuclear engineering. Students receive a second bachelor's degree from the School of Engineering.

Visiting Scientists
Because of its proximity to Washington and Baltimore, the Physics Department brings top scientists to campus for informal lectures every Wednesday afternoon. Speakers have come from Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Virginia Tech, Space Telescope Science Institute, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and NASA.

For more information, visit the Physics Department Web site at
http://www.smcm.edu/physics/