Students performing research in the laboratories of Denison's F.W. Olin Science Hall take advantage of a large array of state-of-the-art equipment

THE STUDY OF PHYSICS is a challenging and intellectually rewarding activity elected by those who seek to sharpen and broaden their appreciation and understanding of the physical world and their relationship to it.

Courses offered by the department of physics and astronomy are designed to bring the student to an increasingly independent level of investigation in experimental and theoretical physics. Denison offers a variety of facilities and equipment for teaching and research in the physical sciences.

• Our state-of-the-art experimental facilities include tunable lasers, optical and infrared spectrometers, and ultra-high vacuum equipment.
  
• Our powerful computers are used extensively for modeling phenomena and/or for acquiring and analyzing data from experiments.
  
• Denison is linked to Internet2, a leading-edge network with dramatically increased bandwidth not found in conventional Internet connections. Internet2 is used to deploy advanced network applications and technologies, and it provides the capacity to share large volumes of data with remote academic and government supercomputers.
  
• Olin Hall houses its own planetarium with a dome-shaped ceiling screen, the central element of which is a Zeiss ZKP3 planetarium projector.
  
• Swasey Observatory gives students access to a nine-inch refractor and several eight-inch reflecting telescopes. The telescopes are also used in our Current Topics in Astronomy course at our remote observation area in the Biological Reserve, to view and photograph the night skies.
  
• Our Olin machine shop is staffed by a full-time instrument maker who is available to assist students with projects.

Denison's physics and astronomy facilities include F.W. Olin Science Hall and Swasey Observatory

A student desiring to major or minor in physics, minor in astronomy, or major in physics with a concentration in geophysics or in related fields, should consult early with a member of the department. The minimum requirements for the major in physics qualifying for the B.A. degree include:

• eight required physics courses
• two semesters of physics seminar
• four mandatory math courses
• a comprehensive examination
• an independent research project.
  

Students wishing to qualify for the B.S. degree must take two additional physics courses. Majors normally are expected to become proficient in computer programming and data processing.

Students preparing for graduate work in physics, astronomy, or related fields are advised to elect the B.S. degree in physics and to take at least six math courses and two or more courses in other natural sciences.

A minor program in physics is designed to be flexible and to complement the student's major program. The minor must include:

• three required introductory physics courses
• two required math courses
• three advanced level physics courses, one of which must have a significant laboratory component
• a final culminating experience, designed by the department and the student.

Students with an interest in geophysics should consult with the physics and geoscience chairpersons not later than their sophomore year. A major program in physics with a geophysics concentration includes:

• seven required physics courses
• three required math courses
• five required geoscience courses
• an independent comprehensive project (experimental or theoretical) done during the senior year.

Denison offers the opportunity to study engineering via three-two dual degree programs undertaken in cooperation with leading schools of engineering. Students interested in these programs should consult early with the Chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department. Additional details can be found under Pre-Professional Programs.

Denison's Warner and Swasey 9-inch refracting telescope and Zeiss ZKP3 planetarium projector

Our physics graduates have found a wide range of opportunities available to them, including careers in physics, astronomy, engineering, geology, computer analysis, banking, medicine, law, teaching, technical sales, investment counseling and management.

Who are our professors?

Department Chair and Professor N. Daniel Gibson joined the faculty at Denison in 1996. He earned a B.S. and a Ph.D. at the University of Virginia. His research interests in atomic, molecular and optical physics include measurements of fundamental properties of negative ions using laser spectroscopy, x-ray spectroscopy and storage ring techniques. He also directs the Oak Ridge Science Semester program for the GLCA and the ACM.

Visiting Assistant Professor Juan R. Burciaga joined the faculty at Denison in 2009. He earned a B.S. and an M.S. at the University of Texas at Arlington and a Ph.D. at Texas A&M University. His research interests include atomic physics, astronomy, and physics education.

Associate Professor Kimberly A. Coplin joined the faculty at Denison in 1993. She earned a B.A. at Denison University, an M.A. at Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. at Ohio State University. Her research interests are in condensed matter physics,  conducting polymers, and physics and ballet. She also is serving as Associate Provost.

Associate Professor Steven Doty joined the faculty at Denison in 1999. He earned a B.A., an M.S. and a Ph.D. at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His research interests include theoretical modeling of star and planet formation, stellar old-age and death, mathematical physics and ordering and everyday phenomena.

Visiting Assistant Professor Maryam Farzaneh joined the faculty at Denison in 2009. She earned a B.A. at Sharif University of Technology and a Ph.D. at Boston University. Her research interests include experimental condensed matter physics.

Visiting Assistant Professor Kathy Harper joined the faculty at Denison in 2008. She earned a B.S. and an M.S. at Case Western Reserve University and a Ph.D. at The Ohio State University. Her research interests include physics education research.

Associate Professor Daniel Homan joined the faculty at Denison in 2003. He earned a B.S. at the University of Maine and a Ph.D at Brandeis University. His research interests include radioastronomy of distant active galaxies, the physics of relativistic jets, and cosmology. He was recently awarded a research grant for a project entitled "Investigating the Circular Polarization of Extragalactic Radio Jets."

Assistant Professor Prabasaj Paul joined the faculty at Denison in 2002. He earned a M.Sc. at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and a Ph.D. at the University of Utah. His research interests include theoretical investigation of photonic bandgap design, scattering of waves off rough surfaces and quantum information.

Professor C. Wesley Walter joined the faculty at Denison in 1996. He earned a B.S. at the University of Dallas and an M.A. and a Ph.D. at Rice University. His research interests include laser spectroscopy, negative ions and atomic and molecular collisions.