/Institutions/University-of-Northern-Colorado/json/Current/Undergraduate-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Northern-Colorado/json/Current/Undergraduate-Catalog.json

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Chair: Cynthia S. Galovich, Ph.D.

Location: Ross Hall 0232

Telephone: 970.351.2961

Website: www.unco.edu/nhs/physics-astronomy/

Faculty: Jan L. Chaloupka, Ph.D.; Tyler A. Engstrom, Ph.D.; Ansel J. Foxley, M.S.; Cynthia S. Galovich, Ph.D.; Charles A. Kuehn, Ph.D.; Mariana Lazarova, Ph.D.; Matthew Semak, Ph.D.

Emeritus Faculty: Richard D. Dietz, Ph.D.; Ruwang Sung, Ph.D.; Robert A. Walch, Ph.D.; Courtney W. Willis, Ph.D.

Course(s) Offered (Prefix):

• AST — Astronomy
• PHYS — Physics
• SCI — Science

Program(s) Offered:

• Bachelors Degrees
  • Physics B.S.
    • Astronomy Concentration
    • Engineering Physics Concentration
    • Mathematical Physics Concentration
    • Licensure: Science (Grades 7-12)
• Minors
  • Physics Minor
• Pre-Degrees
  • Engineering (Pre-Engineering)

Small, personalized classes are a hallmark of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The student is assured of consideration and expert guidance, with opportunities to thoroughly develop personal skills at a pace compatible with needs. From the earliest to the most advanced physics courses, the student has direct contact with faculty members.

Research experience is considered to be an essential part of the undergraduate degree. Students become involved in their own research projects under faculty guidance. These studies extend over two or more semesters and are sometimes pursued through cooperation with investigations in industry, government laboratories, or other universities.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has well-equipped astronomy, electronics, optics, and introductory physics labs, and computer use is integrated throughout the curriculum. Each lab has several computers dedicated to data acquisition and analysis and students have access to software such as MATLAB, SOLIDWORKS, and LabVIEW. In addition, there are several resources available for undergraduate research, including research stipends, a student machine shop, a 3D printing lab, and observational astronomy, audio, high-speed imaging, nuclear, and optics equipment.