ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

 

Physicists seek to understand nature at its most profound level. From the behavior of quarks that are the constituents of protons and neutrons, to superclusters of galaxies, physicists seek to learn the inner workings of nature. As physicists explore new parts of nature, practical applications emerge. In fact, many spectacular technologies are byproducts of physicists' investigation of nature.


At Whittier, Physics and Astronomy is a small department, attracting some of the college's best students to a friendly atmosphere, small classes, opportunities to participate in research, and close interactions between students and faculty. Courses are often taught in a non-traditional Workshop format that emphasizes learning by investigation and extensive use of the department’s excellent computing facilities. Physics majors enjoy 24 hour per day access to the Physics Lounge and Physics Library where students work together on homework, or simply relax.

The Whittier College Chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) is at the core of the intellectual and social life of the department. SPS sponsors several lectures per semester by physicists from other colleges, universities, national labs, and industrial labs who discuss their research. SPS also sponsors astronomy parties in the desert, trips to research facilities off-campus, a pizza and movie night, an annual picnic, and other activities.

The Whittier College Department of Physics and Astronomy offers all of its majors the opportunity to participate in research. Faculty and students engage in research together and have authored papers together. In addition, our students' research experiences have helped them gain admission to top graduate programs and secure positions of responsibility in industry. Moreover, participation in research is just plain fun.

The Physics program at Whittier is rigorous and is designed to prepare students for entry into Ph.D. programs in Physics. But the major is also flexible and offers students options which help prepare them for careers in teaching and employment in industry after graduation. Many of our Physics Majors also complete a major or minor in Mathematics.


To read the recent article "Why Study Physics?" from the American Physical Society's website, please click here.