 For
the inquisitive and questioning, the
study of physics can be a most rewarding pursuit. It is an inexhaustible search for the fundamental laws and
structure of the universe, the nature of matter
and
energy and the forces
by which objects interact, and is guided by the ideas that ultimately these laws
and structures are understandable, simple, and beautiful.
Building descriptions of atoms, organic material,
stars and the origin
of the universe, scientists and engineers then use their understanding of
physical principles to solve practical problems in such areas as product
development, process control and instrumentation. Today's
world is complex and often confounding, but physics graduates are well prepared
to enter this world because they have begun to understand the laws that govern
the way things work and the physical principles behind these laws.
Products and technology change constantly, but physical
principles do not.
This
student handbook introduces the physics, engineering, and astronomy
programs and resources available at Gettysburg College. It is directed to all
those who seek fundamental knowledge of the wonder-filled physical world we
share, who enjoy questioning, experimentation, discovery, and just plain
tinkering. It speaks to those who anticipate becoming professional physicists,
astronomers
and engineers, as well as to those who seek a stimulating and
challenging course of study to prepare themselves for absorbing graduate study
and stimulating careers.
In
order to help you make the most of your years at Gettysburg, information on
the excellent laboratory, shop, library and computing facilities available
to you is provided. A
description of the activities, requirements and expectations of the Gettysburg
College Physics Department, including information on courses, on the
Dual-Degree Engineering Program, and on opportunities for research, tutorials,
and other academic studies will be found here. The handbook describes some of
opportunities for careers and graduate study, and outlines what to do to
prepare for the years after graduation.
The
members of the Gettysburg physics faculty seek to present to you a clear and accurate
picture of what the study of physics at Gettysburg College can offer, and what
makes Gettysburg outstanding
among college physics
programs. We want to help you assume responsibility for and control of your
education by informing you of what demands will be made of you, and w hat
opportunities and rewards to anticipate here and after graduation. You may
have a number of questions and we welcome them. We
hope to help you make an
informed choice of a major - and we hope that it will inspire a positive,
enthusiastic decision to declare that major in physics!
"The scientist does not study nature because
it is useful; he studies it because he delights in it, and he delights
in it because it is beautiful. If nature were not beautiful, it would not
be worth knowing, and if nature were not worth knowing, life would not
be worth living." -Jules
Henri Poincaré
Back to
Guide to Physics
/j2
|
