Mar 19, 2024  
Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 2017-2018 
    
Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG] See drop-down menu above to access other catalogs.

Physics


Faculty

Chairperson: Professor Jeffrey Williams

Graduate Program Coordinator: Professor Edward Deveney

Professors: Martina Arndt, Thomas Kling Jeffrey Williams

Assistant Professor: Thayaparan Paramanathan

Location: Science and Mathematics Center, Room 201
Website:  www.bridgew.edu/physics
Phone:     508.531.1386

Degree Programs

  • BA in Physics
    Concentration: General Physics
  • BS in Physics
    Concentrations: Professional Physics, Professional Physics with Applied Physics, Professional Physics with Astrophysics, Professional Physics with Optics
  • MAT – Physical Science
  • MAT – Physics

Undergraduate Minors

  • Physics

Click on Academic Programs  for program information and requirements.

The Department of Physics strives to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers in research, teaching, and industry or further study in graduate programs. Programs in physics culminating in the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Teaching are offered.

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

The Department of Physics offers programs leading to the bachelor’s degree in physics. A major in physics provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue successful careers in research, teaching, graduate and professional programs, industry, engineering and many other fields. Each student can plan a physics program with the help of a faculty advisor to meet specific future needs. The department also offers students opportunities in on-campus research and internships.

Students who are contemplating majoring in this department should be aware of the sequential nature of the course offerings. It is of prime importance that students consult with the chairperson of the department as soon as possible so that they can complete degree requirements in four years.

Physics Major

The Department of Physics offers five concentrations: for the BS, a professional physics concentration (includes free electives in the major) or options to add specializations that include professional physics with applied physics concentration, professional physics with astrophysics concentration and professional physics with optics concentration. For the BA, we offer the general physics concentration. All concentrations have a core set of eight physics courses along with cognate courses in mathematics and chemistry. The professional concentrations with specializations specify the free electives in the major.

Educator Licensure

Students interested in seeking Massachusetts teacher licensure should refer to the appropriate department links for options and requirements for second majors: Elementary and Early Childhood Education Secondary Education and Professional Programs , or Special Education . Students should also consult Educator Preparation and Licensure Policies and Procedures  for professional education admission and retention information as well as important institutional deadlines.

Honors Program

The honors program in physics provides highly motivated physics majors with opportunities to enhance their academic program through intensive scholarly study and research designed to be of assistance in postgraduate employment or in the pursuit of an advanced degree in physics. Contact the Department of Physics for further information concerning eligibility and application.

Master of Arts in Teaching Physical Science

The Master of Arts in Teaching degree in physical science was developed for high school and middle school subject area teachers who have an initial license in and are seeking a professional license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This MAT program is defined to meet the “appropriate master’s degree” requirement, which is part of the criteria for professional stage licensure, as set forth in the most recent Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure regulations.

Students should consult the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures  section of the catalog for information regarding graduate program policies and procedures.