Physics
Maximilian Schlosshauer, Ph.D., chair
Faculty: Bonfim, Coates, DeStefano, S. K. Mayer, More, Mylott, Schlosshauer
The mission of the physics department is to provide students with the knowledge of the fundamental laws of physics and the skills to use these laws in physics, other fields of science, technological applications, and everyday life. Our program will also provide a solid background in both physics and mathematics to those students who wish to pursue physics or related fields at the graduate level. In broader terms, we wish to foster in our students the ability to question and discuss issues in all aspects of life with an unbiased scientific attitude.
Physics is the science that seeks to understand natural phenomena as simply as possible and so provide the foundation for the other sciences and engineering. Whatever questions they ask, physicists have discovered that the answers ultimately involve the same elegant general principles, such as symmetry, energy and momentum, mass and charge.
Rather than simply describe one observation, a physicist seeks to connect that observation with many others and apply or extend comprehensive theories. Physicists look for and study patterns among natural phenomena, including those that are readily apparent (like the orbits of planets) and those that are apparent only to deep analysis and careful observation (like the quantum transitions of atoms).
A physics major provides a rigorous grounding in the scientific process and a firm scientific understanding of the world. It fosters critical thinking and quantitative problem-solving skills and provides broad practical training in science and technology. It can lead to graduate study and basic research (in a variety of disciplines), to stimulating jobs in industry, or to challenging and rewarding careers in teaching.
Our faculty members are engaged in original research, and physics majors are drawn early into collaborative research projects with the faculty. Students learn to think as physicists, not just work physics problems, and faculty welcome students’ curiosity, questioning, and new perspectives.
A physics major is essential for students planning to pursue a graduate degree in physics. A physics major provides a solid foundation for students who anticipate careers in secondary education, engineering, or medical research. Students looking for a broad scientific grounding as part of a liberal arts education are also well served by the physics major.
Learning Outcomes for Physics Majors
Physics graduates of the University of Portland should be able to:
- Use the scientific process through the study of physics.
- Communicate science, especially in writing.
- Demonstrate quantitative problem-solving skills.
- Integrate scientific knowledge with Core habits.