Physics and Astronomy, Department of

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Dr. W. Christopher Hughes, Department Head
Phone: (540) 568-6109                                                      
Email: physics@jmu.edu
Location: Physics/Chemistry Building, Suite 2186       
Website: http://csma31.csm.jmu.edu/physics

Professors
K. Giovanetti, W. C. Hughes, B. Newcomer, G. Niculescu, I. Niculescu, S. Scully

Associate Professors
G. Albright, A. Banu, H. Butner, A. Constantin, C. Constantin, K. Feitosa, K. Fukumura, M. Mattson, G. Scarel

Assistant Professors
T. Finch, M. Kaveh-Baghbadorani, I. Melnikov, S. Pendleton, K. Weaver

Instructors
L. Lucatorto, J. Sterlace

Mission

The mission of the Department of Physics and Astronomy is the preparation of scientifically enlightened citizens. Science literacy is promoted by the production of teachers, researchers, technical professionals and knowledgeable individuals through the integration of classroom and experiential learning.

Vision

We strive to be a leading undergraduate physics and astronomy department by building a research-active, student-centered community.

Values

Excellence, integrity and mutual respect are the core values that define our department. The vigorous pursuit of research with undergraduates is central to extending our understanding of nature and the engagement of students directly in the practice of physics and astronomy.

Service to the university, the public and the profession is essential for continued vitality of science education and research.

Goals

To help students:

• Develop competence in using computers for computation, data acquisition, numerical control, device development, and information acquisition and processing.
• Appreciate the role of science in society and the historical development of physics in the ongoing quest to discover the structure of the universe.
• Gain an understanding of the basic principles and the experimental basis of the various fields of physics and the logical relationships of the various fields.
• Become capable problem solvers using techniques that require mathematical skills, conceptual and mathematical models, order-of-magnitude estimates, and an understanding of limiting cases.
• Develop competence in designing, constructing and using laboratory instruments, and to draw valid conclusions from experimental data.
• Improve written and oral technical communication skills.

Co-Curricular and Organizations

• Society of Physics Students

Programs

• Astronomy Minor
• Physics Minor
• Physics Minor for Engineers
• Physics, Applied Physics Concentration, B.S.
• Physics, Fundamental Studies Concentration, B.S.
• Physics, Individual Option Concentration, B.A.
• Physics, Individual Option Concentration, B.S.
• Physics, Physics and Engineering Combined Program Concentration, B.S.
• Physics, Professional Concentration, Pre-Medical Preparation Track, B.A.

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