Physics

Program Tracks Available

Minor

Admission Deadline

Early Action 1 – November 1
Early Decision (binding) – November 15
Early Action 2 – December 1
Regular Decision – Priority Deadline: April 1 (after April 1, applications for admission are accepted on a rolling basis)

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School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Biological and Physical Sciences

Why Study Physics at Assumption?

Physics governs how our universe works, from the paths of the tiniest drops of water to the movements of planets and stars. You’ll develop and refine skills of inquiry with a focus on the brain and mind as well as gain a strong understanding of the classic and contemporary findings of this dynamic and multidisciplinary field. Through experiments of your own design and execution, you will test hypotheses and critically analyze your findings.

If you love science, our campus offers you state-of-the-art laboratories, cutting-edge undergraduate research opportunities, and faculty who will help you excel. You’ll be grounded in a strong liberal arts tradition that will enable you to achieve your dreams. Our physics minors study both theory and application. A minor in physics can be an invaluable addition to your educational path and provide a solid background for a variety of careers.

Assumption offers paid summer research opportunities so you can work on campus with our faculty. Many motivated undergraduates intern at major research institutions around the country, with funding provided by the National Science Foundation, or one of the innovative scientific organizations in Worcester.

Program Contact

Brian K. Niece, Ph.D

Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences, Professor of Chemistry

508-767-7209 bniece@assumption.edu Testa Science Center - Room 209

Program Curriculum

Physics students take 6 courses (18 credits) in math and science to complete the requirements of the minor. Three of those six courses can double-count towards both a Physics minor and another major or minor.

Required Courses for Minor

PHY 201	General Physics I
PHY 202	General Physics II
PHY 480	Modern Physics

Students must also complete three of the following eight courses (no more than two of the three can be from the mathematics offerings)

CHE 311	Physical Chemistry I
CHE 312	Physical Chemistry II
PHY 213	Introduction to Engineering Problem Solving
PHY 275	Applied Optics
PHY 301	Mechanics I: Statics
PHY 302	Mechanics II: Dynamics
PHY 491-492	Independent Study in Physics
MAT 331	Calculus of Vector Functions
MAT 351	Modern Algebra I
MAT 355	Differential Equations

Course Descriptions

Minor in Physics Course Descriptions

Academic Catalog & Advising Guide

Faculty

Brian K. Niece, Ph.D

Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences Professor of Chemistry

Georgi Y. Georgiev, Ph.D

Professor of Physics

Maria Teresa Herd

Assistant Professor of Physics Associate Professor of Physics 3-2 engineering program director

Jessica Rosewitz

Adjunct Faculty

Wego Wang

Adjunct Faculty, Physics

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.

Our Mission

Faculty Feature: Professor Herd

Professor Maria-Teresa Herd has been awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to lead research measuring the ionization energy of Lithium, an alkali metal. Through this grant, six Assumption students will also receive funding for summer research relating to this work. The research will be done at Assumption and at Smith College, in their atomic physics lab, which has specialized equipment needed to conduct the research.

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