Department of Physics and Astronomy

Thompson Complex, Central Wing
Office 246, Phone: (270) 745-4357 Fax: (270) 745-2014
e-mail: Physics.Astronomy@wku.edu
website: Physics.wku.edu

Dr. Keith Andrew, Head

William McCormack Professor of Physics: Charles H. McGruder, III
Madole Professor of Physics: Douglas Harper

Professors: K. Andrew, M. Carini, R. Gelderman, K. Hackney,  R. Scott, W. Van der Meer, P. Womble
Associate Professors: A.Barzilov, S. Bonham, L. Strolger
Assistant Professors: V. Dobrokhotov, S. Gibson. E. Kintzel, I. Novikov,

The Department of Physics and Astronomy provides a multidimensional framework to support a variety of professional goals and interests of students. The curriculum available within the departmental program affords preparation for careers as physicists in government or industrial laboratories, for teaching in public schools or junior colleges, for entering advanced programs at the graduate level, or as a basis for studies leading to careers in engineering and other professional fields. Fundamental to the program are scientific facilities and faculty providing opportunities for practicing scientific inquiry, which is the basis for understanding the operation of the physical universe, from the smallest to the largest components.

Modern facilities and equipment enhance the instructional program of the department. Space on the first three floors of the Thompson Science Complex Central Wing provides classroom, laboratory, shop, research, and computing accommodations, as well as convenient access to the facilities of Academic Computing Services. The adjacent Hardin Planetarium supports astronomy laboratories and demonstrations for classes, as well as interpretation of astronomy and the physical universe for school groups and the general public. A roof-top astronomical observatory provides students with convenient access to the department’s 12.5 inch Cassegrain reflector and several smaller telescopes. The University Physics laboratories are equipped with modern laboratory equipment and data acquisition interfaces using software that is standard in the physics community. From the beginning of their careers our students are exposed to modern laboratory methods.

The diversity of our faculty is a major strength of our undergraduate program, allowing students to benefit from a breadth of available interest and specializations. Undergraduate students are encouraged, in the course of their studies, to participate in a variety of research opportunities with faculty members. Individual student research projects may start as early as the sophomore year, supported in some cases by available assistantships or formal course credit. Descriptions of current research studies by faculty members and specific research opportunities available to undergraduate students are outlined on the department’s website.

The department sponsors a local chapter of the nationally affiliated Society of Physics Students (SPS) for students interested in physics, as well as a section of the Sigma Pi Sigma honor society. The local SPS chapter sponsors or participates in a variety of social and service activities related to physics, including field trips, trips to scientific meetings, tutoring, and interacting with students from area schools.

The Hilltopper Astronomy Club provides support for students interested in astronomy both as a hobby and a science. Regular observing sessions, informal meetings, and various projects are some of the benefits available to members.

Physics is the basic science, and all of the programs outlined below are designed to provide a sound knowledge of physical principles. The programs are also flexible to the extent that the student can select related courses in biology, chemistry, geology or astronomy to prepare for a career in interdisciplinary areas such as biophysics, geophysics, environmental science or chemical physics.

When planning a program of study in this department, each student should be aware of the University academic requirements and regulations contained in this catalog in the chapter, “Academic Information.” Specific attention should be given to the sub-sections in the chapter entitled (a) Academic Programs, (b) General Requirements, and (c) Academic Requirements and Regulations.

Major in Middle School Science
The middle school science education major (MSSE, reference number 734) is for students who plan to teach science in grades 5 through 9.  The MSSE major requires completion of the science and mathematics education (SMED) program also.  Upon successful completion of both majors, the student will earn a Bachelor of Science degree and will qualify for an institutional recommendation for a Kentucky Provisional Certificate for teaching in the middle grades (5-9) science field.

To earn the MSSE major, the student must earn a grade of “C” or better in each of the required core courses (33 semester credit hours) and in each of the minimum of 15 semester credit hours of courses selected from the list of restricted electives.  MSSE majors must earn a grade of “C” or better in a mathematics course chosen from MATH 117, 118, or 126.  Students must have an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 for all completed science courses.  Students who complete this major will receive a 6 hour waiver of the university requirement that at least half the minimum hours in the major be at  the 300- or 400- level.

Students seeking academic advising with regard to preparation as a mathematics or science teacher should contact the SKyTeach office, Hardin Planetarium, (270) 745-3900, or refer to the SKyteach website – http://skyteach.wku.edu for additional information.

Upon completing the appropriate certification requirements (including attaining a 2.5 GPA in both majors and overall and the minimum required scores on the appropriate PRAXIS II examinations) the student will be eligible to apply for Kentucky certification for Middle Grades Science, grades 5-9.

Required courses: ASTR 104 or 106; GEOL 111/113, 112/114; BIOL 120/121, 122/123; CHEM 105/106 or 120/121; PHYS 105, 201 or 231/232; SMED 360.
Restricted Electives: (Minimum of 15 semester credit hours required, representing at least three of the five science disciplines.  Asterisk indicates that another restricted elective is a prerequisite):  ASTR 405; GEOL 308, 310, 311, 325, 380, 405; GEOG 427*, 471; BIOL 325, 326, 327, 334, 319/322, 348, 350*, 407, 411/412*, 430*; PHYS 410.

Major in Physics
The major in physics (reference number 754) requires a minimum of 35 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. A minor or second major is required. The foundation for the undergraduate major is provided by a core sequence of six lecture and five laboratory courses, requiring a total of 26 semester hours. This core sequence consists of the following:

• PHYS 180 /181 (4) Introductory Modern Physics and Lab
•  PHYS 255/256 (5) University Physics I and Lab
• PHYS 265/266 (5) University Physics II and Lab
• PHYS 301 (1) Electrical Measurements Lab
• PHYS 302 (1) Atomic Lab
• PHYS 321 (3) Introductory Modern Physics II
• PHYS 350 (3) Classical Mechanics I
• PHYS 398 (.5) Junior Seminar
• PHYS 440 (3) Electricity and Magnetism I
• PHYS 498 (.5) Senior Seminar

The student majoring in physics must complete, in addition to this core, a minimum of 9 semester hours of selected upper division departmental courses. The selection is determined by the student’s career aspirations, subject to approval by the student’s departmental advisor. The upper division electives must be chosen from the courses listed for departmental majors and minors, excluding PHYS 389, 399, and 489. No more than 3 hours of PHYS 475 may be counted toward the 35 hour minimum requirement for the major. Support requirements include MATH 126, 227, 307, 327, and 331, 3 semester hours of CS 230 or higher, and CHEM 120/121. (Support requirements differ for teacher certification; see below.) The department has prepared several career-oriented tracks, which detail relevant departmental electives and additional or departmentally-approved substitute support courses. Advising tracks currently defined within the Bachelor of Science in physics program include the following:

1. The general physics track is designed for those students who wish to pursue careers as physicists or are preparing for graduate study in physics.
2. The applied physics track combines extensive technical knowledge, related problem-solving skills, and computer techniques To prepare students for positions in industrial and governmental laboratories.
3. The physics and astronomy track prepares students for careers in astronomy/space science and for graduate study in these areas.
4. The teacher certification track prepares students for careers teaching physics at the secondary school level. Support requirements for this track include a certifiable mathematics minor and mathematics courses required as pre-requisites or co-requisites for departmental courses. The student must also complete professional education requirements as specified by the School of Integrative Studies in Teacher Education.
5. Dual-degree - physics/engineering (see below).
6. Other - There are some specified programs such as a suggested pre-medicine curriculum for students wishing to major in physics. Course recommendations for these tracks are available from the departmental office. In all cases, the student must work closely with the departmental advisor from the beginning to plan a program of study that meets departmental and University requirements and that maximizes preparation to meet career goals.

Dual-Degree Option (Physics/Applied Sciences/Engineering)
This is a 3/2 option that requires three years of study at Western Kentucky University and two years at a science/engineering school, leading to two degrees, one in physics and astronomy at Western Kentucky University and one in engineering or applied science. Western Kentucky University has cooperative agreements with a number of partner institutions. Under these agreements a student can pursue his/her studies at Western Kentucky University for three years, taking courses in general education, mathematics, chemistry, and physics as required for a major in physics. The student then transfers to one of the partner schools for an additional two years of study in an engineering or applied science area of his/her choice. By transfer of credit from the partner school to Western Kentucky University and upon completion of the graduation requirements at Western Kentucky University, the student receives a bachelor of science degree in physics from Western Kentucky University.  At the end of the fifth year and upon completion of the graduation requirements at the partner school, the student receives a Bachelor of Science degree from the cooperating school.

Minor in Astronomy
The minor in astronomy (reference number 318) requires a minimum of 20 semester hours and is designed to provide a background in astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary science for students from a wide range of backgrounds. Students who intend to undertake graduate work in astronomy should complete a major in physics with a minor in mathematics. A minor in astronomy consists of at least 16 credit hours of required core courses and at least 4 credit hours from the list of restricted electives. The core requirements are ASTR 214 (4 hrs); ASTR 314 (4 hrs); and an introductory sequence of classical physics: PHYS 255/256 and PHYS 265/266 (10 hours); or PHYS 201 and PHYS 202 (8 hours); or PHYS 231/232 and PHYS 332/233 (8 hours). Physics majors must substitute GEOL 111/113 for PHYS 255-256. The actual elective credit hours required for an astronomy minor is dependent upon satisfaction of the university requirement that at least one-half of the credits required for each major or minor be earned in courses numbered 300 and above. The list of restricted electives includes: ASTR 305, 414, PHYS 316, 441/404, 445, 450, 465, GEOL 325, 330, 350, 370, 420 or 465.

Minor in Biophysics
The minor in biophysics (reference number 329) requires a minimum of 18 semester hours. This course sequence is intended to serve students of the life sciences, that is, students of biology, pre-medicine and pre-dental, agriculture, environmental health, psychology, science teaching, environmental engineering, pre-veterinary, pre-pharmacy and pre-optometry. In general, this curriculum treats the physics of life processes and various applications of physics to biology and medicine. (See the Biophysics section in this catalog.)

Required courses: PHYS 231/232, 332/233, and 335 or 337 or 431; and at least 6 hours selected from appropriate physics and/or biology courses approved by a biophysics advisor.

Minor in Physics
The minor in Physics (reference number 435) requires a minimum of 23 semester hours. Two options are available:

1. A non-certifiable minor consisting of PHYS 180, 255, 265, 321, and a minimum of 9 semester hours selected from the lecture courses under the bulletin heading DEPARTMENTAL MAJORS AND MINORS.
2. A certifiable teaching minor of 24 hours is available for those students who have a certifiable major in another science or in mathematics. The required courses are: PHYS 255/256, 265/266, 350, 410, 440, and 441/404.

Graduate Degree Programs
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers courses leading to the Master of Arts in Education (physics minor) and Master of Science in Homeland Security Sciences.

Course Categories
The courses offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy belong to four categories according to clientele:

1. Non-Science Majors
   General courses treating a selection of coordinated topics in sufficient depth to be beneficial to the non-science students; 100-level.
2. Science and Math Majors and Minors
   Introductory courses for science and math students; mainly 200-level.
3. Education Majors and Minors
   Upper division courses for prospective teachers; 300- and 400-level.
4. Department Majors and Minors
   Upper division courses for students following the program options of physics, physics education, dual-degree: 300- and 400-level.