Physics
FACULTY
Chair and Associate Professor Moldenhauer; Professors Hicks and Olenick; Affiliate Assistant Research Professor Flanagan; Affiliate Assistant Professor Bakkar
About the Physics Department
Physics derives its name from the Greek word for nature. Building on a broad empirical basis, studying physics is to seek an understanding of the fundamental nature of our physical world. The objectives of the Department of Physics center on developing in its students a critical understanding of physical phenomena, an intuition into how nature acts and a facility to analyze various physical aspects of the world. The Department aims to prepare its students for future careers as scientists, engineers and teachers through submissions to the discipline of the past and present. Physics was and remains a vibrant part of our Western heritage.
The major in Physics combines a firm grounding in the liberal arts and mathematics with a solid foundation in the sciences. A broad theoretical basis encompassing classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics and quantum mechanics is supported by extensive laboratory experience in electronics, atomic and nuclear physics, and optics. The dynamic interplay of theoretical studies and hands-on laboratory experience forms the core of the program. Seminar courses in current topics as well as advanced courses in astrophysics, condensed matter physics and nuclear and particle physics round out the curriculum and introduce students to modern questions confronting physics.
Students are encouraged to participate in the experimental and theoretical research programs of the department either through work with one of the UD professors or through external research experiences at other universities and national laboratories.
An undergraduate degree in physics opens many doors to further studies in a variety of fields as well as industrial employment and high school teaching. Most of our alumni proceed to graduate programs in physics and engineering and are well prepared for research careers. Many graduates have pursued professional programs in law and medicine.
The Department is housed on the ground level of the Patrick E. Haggerty Science Center. The facilities for the department include separate laboratories for quantum physics, electronics and optics, as well as for introductory courses. An electronics repair shop and machine shop are maintained by the department.
The advanced laboratories are equipped with up-to-date instrumentation including the following: a multichannel analyzer, NaI detectors, and electronics modules for nuclear measurements, an x-ray apparatus for crystallography, semiconductor logic sets for electronics, and interferometers and spectrometers for optics.
The Department maintains the Haggerty Observatory which contains several telescopes a 16-inch computerized Cassegrain telescope equipped with research grade CCD camera housed in the 5-meter dome. Remote observation facilities are available for student research.
Engineering
The University of Dallas offers a dual-degree program in Electrical Engineering and Physics in collaboration with the University of Texas at Arlington. Students entering this program receive the advantages offered at a liberal arts college, along with the technical expertise presented in a professional engineering program. For more information see the Degrees in Engineering section of this bulletin.
Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science programs offered at the university provide students with an excellent foundation for graduate studies in other areas of engineering as well. Graduate Engineering programs in a variety of areas are eager to receive applications from UD graduates. The undergraduate major selected should be directed by the area of engineering of interest to the student.
Degrees in Physics
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Applied Physics Concentration
Degrees in Engineering
ME in Materials Science and Engineering with BS in Physics Degree Program
Electrical Engineering Dual Degree Program
MS Biomedical Engineering with BS in Physics 4+1 Program
Course Information
Courses in Physics