Physics at Tennessee Tech
Mission
The central mission of the Department of Physics at Tennessee Technological University is to promote the learning of physics through effective teaching, research, and public service.
The department addresses this mission in several different ways.
- B.S. Programs in Physics
Two B.S. programs of study accommodate those students who wish to prepare for graduate study in physics (Option I), and those who wish to prepare for immediate employment or graduate study in another scientific or technical field (Option II). The low student-to-faculty ratio in courses taken by physics majors means that students and faculty get to know each other very easily and this promotes a 'family-like' atmosphere in the department.
- Minors in Physics and Astronomy
A minor in Physics can be obtained by taking the introductory calculus-based courses, plus two more sophomore level courses and one junior/senior level course. Only two courses beyond the introductory level are required for a minor in astronomy.
- Service Courses
The department teaches introductory course sequences in physics and astronomy that are required by many different technical majors across campus. Most of these courses meet the university’s general education requirements for natural sciences. Also, many of these courses employ research-based teaching strategies that have been found to improve student learning.
- Research
Department faculty are engaged in research in various areas of nuclear and fundamental physics, quantum information, and physics education. Seven faculty have grant support from the either the U.S. Department of Energy or the National Science Foundation to carry out this work, and there are many opportunities for undergraduate students to participate.
The department is staffed by nine faculty members, an equipment technician, and an administrative assistant. All departmental personnel, including students, have the opportunity to become involved in all phases of fulfilling this mission.