2011-2012 Catalog

Physics is the science that investigates and tries to understand the basic laws of nature. In this pursuit, it deals with the entire range of natural phenomena from the smallest domain of sub-nuclear particles to the largest domain of distant objects in the universe. This breadth of interests is reflected in the type of work pursued by physicists. Some are interested in research on problems that are at the frontiers of knowledge. Some apply this newly acquired knowledge to make practical advances in fields like engineering. Still others use the knowledge of physics as a basis for careers in medicine, law, teaching or administration. The Tarleton physics program is one of the best equipped undergraduate programs in Texas with state-of-the-art undergraduate research facilities including a 32” robotic telescope and 1 MV tandem particle accelerator. The physics program provides several different tracks including medical physics for students interested in medicine, dentistry, or medical physics and an astronomy track so that students can tailor the program to meet their educational goals. By adding two or three additional courses with a support area of mathematics or computer science, a student in the classical can obtain a second bachelors degree in their support area. For students interested in teaching at the high school level, secondary (grades 8-12) certification in either Physical Science or Math/Physics is available. Through Tarleton’s membership in the Texas Electronic Coalition for Physics and students may take upper-level elective physics courses from professors across the Texas A&M System. Through Tarleton’s membership in the Nuclear Power Institute students may take nuclear engineering courses from Texas A&M’s nuclear engineering department to prepare the student for entry into nuclear engineering graduate program.