physastro.owu.eduDepartment of Physics & Astronomy | Ohio Wesleyan University

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In the past century, few areas of inquiry have advanced as rapidly as physics. Astronomy, too, is undergoing rapid development with the aid of orbiting observatories such as the James Webb Space Telescope. Department Features A flexible and exciting program with abundant research opportunities to prepare you for graduate study in physics, astronomy, engineering, medicine, and law—or a wide array of careers including in technology industries or teaching. Options to earn Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees in physics or astrophysics. Recent OWU students have been accepted for graduate study at Princeton, Caltech, MIT, Cornell University, the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Cambridge University, The Ohio State University, the University of Michigan, and others. See our senior student page to find out what our students next steps are after graduation. We offer 3-2 engineering opportunities, where students spend three years at OWU and two in an engineering program at schools such as Caltech, Washington University in St. Louis, and Case Western Reserve University, earning bachelor’s degrees from both schools. Available Majors Physics Major The physics major can prepare you for: graduate study in physics or fields related to physics (such as biophysics or geophysics); secondary education; pre-engineering; professional school in medicine or law; or employment in physics-related positions in industry or government. OWU offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in physics. Physics Major Physics Major with Pre-Engineering Option The 3-2 program offers a B.A. in physics from Ohio Wesleyan and a B.S. in engineering from one of OWU’s partner engineering schools, which include the California Institute of Technology, Case Western Reserve University, Washington University in St. Louis, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering, and the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Special admission requirements apply at some programs. Physics Pre-Engineering Major Astrophysics & Astronomy The astrophysics major prepares you for graduate study in astrophysics or in physics, or for careers in high-tech industries, teaching, and more. The major provides the strong background in physics and mathematics required for a deep understanding of astrophysical phenomena. OWU offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in astrophysics. Astrophysics Major Available Minors Physics Requirements PHYS 110 C, PHYS 110 L, PHYS 111 C, PHYS 111 L, PHYS 280 C, and two additional physics and/or astronomy courses numbered 275 or above. Astrophysics Requirements ASTR 310, ASTR 311, and ASTR 345; PHYS 280 C and and one of the following: PHYS 310, 320, 360, or 380. A student may major in physics and also minor in astrophysics. Astronomy Requirements ASTR 110, ASTR 111, and ASTR 260; PHYS 110 C or PHYS 115; and one additional course numbered 250 or above in astronomy or physics to be determined in consultation with the Physics and Astronomy Department Chairperson. Students may not major in physics and minor in astronomy. Meet Our People OWU is people. Brilliant, engaging, passionate, friendly, genuine people. Meet some of them here. Yunhua Ding Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Dr. Ding’s research focuses on theoretical studies of spacetime symmetries, with primary interest in testing Lorentz and CPT symmetry in precision experiments, including theory of Lorentz- and CPT-violating quantum electrodynamics, particle and antiparticle comparisons in Penning traps, corrections to particle’s spin precession in Electric Dipole Moment experiments, and Lorentz and CPT tests in atomic, molecular, and optical systems. Robert Harmon Perkins-Howard Professor of Physics and Astronomy In addition to teaching courses in theoretical physics as well as in theoretical and observational astrophysics, Professor Harmon utilizes OWU’s Perkins Observatory for classes and research, including the study of starspots. He mentors undergraduates conducting research during the summer, the results of which often are presented at regional and national conferences. Brad Trees Richardson-Linebaugh Professor of Physics and Astronomy Professor Trees teaches introductory and upper-level physics courses. His specialty is theoretical condensed matter physics, and his research interests include the dynamics of Josephson junction arrays and the synchronization of coupled oscillators. He explains the latter as the study of how, when, and the potential benefits of getting signal-generating devices to work together. Barbara Andereck Jacob S. Zook Professor of Physics and Astronomy Professor Andereck specializes in theoretical solid state physics. She says, "I teach a freshman honors tutorial called ’Time,’ where we explore the measurement of time, time as a fourth dimension, the arrow...