The undergraduate major in physics leading to the Bachelor of Science degree provides for a mastery of basic principles and methods of classical and modern physics and prepares the student for a wide variety of career opportunities. A degree in physics can lead to a challenging and interesting career. Physics as a profession has always been at the center of exciting discoveries, and much of modern science is originally based on the research done by physicists.
The Physics Department at SIUC offers a first-rate undergraduate
program in physics. Individual attention is provided to physics
majors. We offer advanced laboratory courses
in modern physics, digital and analog electronics, and lasers
and modern optics. Most importantly, the Department of Physics
is research-oriented with
all of its faculty active
in research. Participation by advanced undergraduates in the research
program of a faculty member is encouraged and can be very useful
to students, providing them with technical skills not available
through formal coursework and giving them a taste of real physics.
Our undergraduates can participate in experimental projects in
such areas as low-temperature physics, surface physics, applied
physics, material physics, fluid physics, super-conductivity,
magnetism, synchrotron radiation, infrared spectroscopy, and electron
paramagnetic resonance. For those students who have an interest
in theoretical physic, research projects are available in high-interest
areas such as quantum physics, solid state physics, atomic and
molecular physics, computational physics, statistical mechanics
and nuclear physics.
Employment opportunities in physics are varied and abundant,
from industrial research and development to teaching. Physicists
are employed in all sectors of society, including corporations,
government research agencies and universities. Physicists are
presently enjoying unusual opportunities in the development of
new concepts that are expected to have far-reaching consequences
in the high technology of the future. Totally new applications
are arising from understanding basic physics principles. Some
of these emerging technologies include laser communications, holography,
synchrotron radiation light sources, opto-electronics, high temperature
superconductors and physic applications in medicine. At a time
when technological developments and discoveries are creating a
heavy demand for physicists, projections indicate the possibility
of a critical shortage of trained physicists. Students considering
a major in physics are urged to consult with the undergraduate
advisor of the physics department or with the department
chair.