Department of Physics

School of Science & Engineering

Faculty:

Associate Professor and Chair (2016-2017) Craig W. Looney
Professor Douglas P. White
Assistant Professor Christopher L. Duston

Physics seeks to discover and describe the rules governing natural phenomena at all scales, from the building blocks of space-time to the large-scale structure of the universe. The Department of Physics offers a wide range of courses related to this fundamental discipline, ranging from popular general education courses such as Introduction to Astronomy to advanced quantitative courses such as Electromagnetic Theory and Quantum Mechanics. Our major and minor programs are designed to serve the full spectrum of students who wish to undertake serious study in physics.

Physics Career Paths. The study of physics develops highly valued and widely applicable analytical and quantitative abilities. This foundation can be tailored - in part through appropriately chosen electives* from related or complementary fields - to prepare students for a diverse array of careers and post-graduate opportunities, including but not limited to the following:

• Direct entry into careers with a significant analytical and/or quantitative component
• Medical and law school; M.B.A. and other professional programs
• Interdisciplinary graduate programs
• Graduate study in physics (Physics B.S., or Physics B.A. plus further physics and math electives strongly recommended)
• High-school physics teaching

* The Merrimack Physics B.A. and B.S. have room for 36 and 24 credits of free electives, respectively, which makes Physics one of the most flexible majors within the School of Science and Engineering.

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). While not required for graduation, the physics department strongly recommends that all physics majors participate in a physics-related REU in the summer between their junior and senior year. Most REU programs offer housing allowances, stipends comparable to what many students would earn at a summer job, and, most importantly, provide students the opportunity to participate in and contribute to a real research program. Physics majors, in consultation with their advisors, should begin identifying and applying to REU programs in the Fall semester of their junior year.

Programs

• Physics, B.A.

• Physics, B.S.

• Physics