"Physics is the liberal arts education for a technological society."–Joseph Pimbley
Participation in research and proficiency in the main subject areas of physics are the twin goals of the physics program. The major program is designed to develop competency in quantum theory, electromagnetism and optics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, classical dynamics, and condensed-matter physics. Preparation in mathematical and computational methods is an integral part of the program.
Interested and qualified students may pursue several opportunities for advanced work, including graduate courses and participation with graduate students and faculty in research. The department encourages its students to "do physics" at the earliest opportunity by making arrangements to work with one of the research groups or by arranging an independent research tutorial. Research may be experimental or theoretical and may, but need not, result in a senior honors thesis. Most majors who intend to write a thesis begin research no later than the junior year and continue it through the summer into the senior year. Current research interests include quantum computing, single molecule biophysics, soft condensed-matter physics, charge transport in photovoltaic devices, fluid dynamics, laser plasmas, spectroscopy, collision studies involving excited atoms and molecules, and wave transport in complex media.
Many students also take advantage of Wesleyan's computing facilities in their research or coursework. The University has a large computer cluster available to all who are doing research.
Each semester, opportunities exist to serve as a teaching apprentice, course assistant, or department assistant in one of the introductory or intermediate-level courses. Many physics majors have found that this is a stimulating way to learn more about the fundamentals of the discipline and how to teach them. The Cady Lounge in the department serves as a focus for the major by providing a place where students can study and discuss physics. There is also a study room where students in the introductory courses can come to get help and to work together. Students are encouraged to attend the weekly colloquium series and to participate in the weekly research seminars in atomic and molecular physics, chemical physics, condensed-matter physics, and theory. The Society of Physics Students is also a great resource for sharing ideas and questions with like-minded students.
The appropriate course for students considering a physics major depends primarily on their preparation. There are four common gateways into the major beginning in the fall semester.
- PHYS113 is a calculus-based introductory mechanics course requiring one semester of calculus, taken in either secondary school or in college, at about the level of MATH121. A student who has had no calculus should discuss with a member of the physics faculty whether to take calculus during the first year, then PHYS113 in the first semester of the sophomore year, or whether to try PHYS113 simultaneously with the first calculus course.
- Students who have had a strong preparation in physics and calculus may take PHYS215/PHYS219.These courses are intended for majors but are available to first-year or other students who have had both integral and differential calculus at about the level of MATH121/MATH122 and a solid course in mechanics with calculus at the level of PHYS113.
- Students from both of the above gateways merge into the electricity and magnetism course, PHYS116, in the spring. Students intending to major in physics should complete either track no later than the end of their sophomore year and preferably by the end of their first year.
- Exceptionally well-prepared students may begin with PHYS213. Students who feel that they fall into this category should consult with a member of the physics faculty.
Laboratory courses. The PHYS113/PHYS116 sequence has associated laboratory courses, PHYS123 in the fall and PHYS124 in the spring. These laboratory sections are half-credit courses associated with the lecture courses. PHYS124 is part of the required gateway to the major. We encourage students to take the laboratory courses for a firsthand opportunity to observe, both qualitatively and quantitatively, some of the physical phenomena discussed in the lectures.