• Alumni
  • Parents
  • News
  • Events
  • Library
  • Business Office
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Quick Links
Austin College Logo

Sherman, Texas

Visit

Apply

Scholarships

Get Info

MENU
  • About
    • Fast Facts about Austin College
      • Mission
      • History
      • Kangaroo Mascot
      • Austin College Page Plaid
    • Major Grant Projects
    • Office of the President
      • About President O’Day
      • Contact the President
      • Essays & Speeches
      • Past Presidents
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
      • Action Timeline | 2016 to the Present
    • Administration
    • Board of Trustees
      • Trustee Profiles
    • Institutional Marketing & Communications
      • Media Kit
        • 175th Celebration Logos
      • Online Magazines & Newsletters
        • [at]ac | E-Newsletter
      • IMC Professional Internship Program
    • News & Events
    • Campus & Visitor Information
      • North Texas Area
  • Admission & Aid
    • Scholarships and Financial Aid
      • Scholarships for New Students
      • Scholarships for Current College Students
      • Applying for Aid
      • Work Study
      • Loans
      • Federal Verification of FAFSA Data
      • Forms & Documents
      • Policies
      • Tuition & Payments
      • VA Education Benefits
      • Financial Aid Staff
      • Net Price Calculator
      • Financial Aid FAQ’s
      • Financial Wellness
    • Apply Now
      • Freshmen Students
      • International Students
      • Transfer Students
      • Application Dates & Deadlines
    • International Students Application
      • Requirements
      • Scholarships & Financial Assistance
      • Admitted International Students
    • Transfer Students
      • Transfer Application
      • Transfer Scholarships
      • Transfer Student Orientation
    • Visit Campus
    • Meet Your Counselor
      • Meet the ‘Roo Navigators
    • Why Choose Austin College?
      • College Planning for 11th Grade Students
      • Making the Most of Summer
    • Austin College en Español
      • Solicitud
      • Apoyo Financiero
    • Austin College Advantage
    • The Word on AC
    • The Finish in Four Guarantee
    • After AC
    • Refer A Student
  • Academics
    • Majors, Minors & Programs
      • Social Justice and Community Engagement Program
    • Center for Student Success and Access Services
      • Tutoring Services
        • Resources and Links
        • Review Sessions & Workshops
        • Meet Our Tutors
        • Become a Peer Tutor
      • Student Success
        • First-Generation Students
      • Access Services
      • Navigate AC
    • Applied Learning
    • Centers & Programs
      • Center for Career & Professional Development
        • Handshake
        • Career Exploration
        • Internships
        • Job/Internship Search
        • Employer Services
        • Graduate/Professional School
        • Graduate Outcomes
        • Online Resources
        • Career Center Events
        • Career Alumni Connections
        • Contact Us
      • Center for Community & Regional Development
      • Center for Environmental Studies
      • Center for Southwestern & Mexican Studies
      • Faculty Development
        • Sabbatical Series
        • Thursday Lunch Topics
        • Reading Groups
        • Johnson Center Activities
        • Additional Resources
      • First-Year Experience
        • Mission Statement
        • First-Year Seminar
        • Peer Mentors
        • First-Year Information (FYI)
      • Office of International Programs
        • International Education Week 2021
        • Global Living Learning Community (GLLC)
        • Support Services for International Students
      • Posey Leadership Institute
      • Student Research
        • ENSURE Program
        • Sciences Summer Research Program
        • Student Research Dissemination Awards
        • ACUMEN
        • Responsible Conduct of Research
        • Student Scholars Conference
        • Scarbrough Summer Research
      • Writing Center
    • Faculty
    • Fellowships & Scholarships
      • Honors Convocation in Sherman, TX
        • Homer P. Rainey Award
      • Departmental Honors Program
        • Honors Program Nomination Procedures
        • Honors Program Requirements
        • Honors Thesis Formatting
      • Phi Beta Kappa
        • Membership Archive
        • Membership Criteria
      • Fulbright Grants
      • Peace Corps Prep Program
        • How to Apply
        • PCPP Benefits
        • PCPP Curriculum
        • PCPP Campus Committee
        • Peace Corps Alumni
    • Academic Affairs
    • Registrar’s Office
    • Grad School Opportunities
      • Physician Assistant (PA) Program
      • Health Science Programs
        • Texas Tech Early Decision Program
        • Health Professions Advising Guides
        • Health Sciences Scholarships
        • FAQ’s About Health Sciences
        • Health Sciences Advising
        • Resources
      • Law
      • Engineering Pathways
      • Ministry
      • TTU Grad Program
      • Gateways to Grad School
        • Partner Programs
        • Partner Universities
        • Texas Tech Health Sciences Programs
    • Graduate Teacher Program
      • Program & Policy Information
      • Teaching/Course Certification Requirements
      • ATP Forms & Documents
      • ATP Advisors
      • Noyce STEM Program
        • Noyce STEM Summer Internships
        • Noyce STEM Scholarships
      • Thinking Camps
    • January and May Term 2024
      • Travel JanTerm/MayTerm | Liability Release
      • January Term 2024 Expo
      • Travel JanTerm/MayTerm | Medical Release and Info
      • Travel JanTerm Scholarships
        • Travel JanTerm 2024 Scholarship Application
      • January Term Photo Galleries
    • Military and Veteran Services
      • Veterans OnwardTM*
    • Summer Term
  • Campus Life
    • Campus Police & Safety
      • Campus Emergencies
      • Severe Weather
      • Rules & Regulations
      • Crime Prevention
      • Campus Police Staff
    • Campus Services
      • Campus Bookstore
      • Dining Services
      • Post Office
      • Information Technology
    • Career Center
    • Counseling Services
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Scope of Care
      • Counseling Center
      • Signs & Symptoms
      • Web Resources
      • Contact Us
      • Texoma Resources
      • Student Wellness
        • By Choice Students
        • Greek Organizations
        • FAQs About MSB
    • Health Services and Treatment
      • Austin College Community Health
        • COVID-19 Protocols
        • Information for Visitors
      • Clinic Hours & Health Services
      • Immunizations
      • Health Forms
      • Student Insurance
      • After Hours Assistance
    • Religious Life
      • Presbyterian Traditions
      • AColyte
      • Worship & Bible Study
      • Many Spiritual Traditions
      • ACtivators
      • Religious Life Staff
    • Residence Life on Campus
      • Room Selection
      • Living on Campus 2023-2024
      • First-Year Experience
      • Student Staff
      • Residential Calendar
    • Student Emergency Resources
    • Student Life
      • Campus Activities
      • Clubs & Organizations
        • ACtivators
        • Esports
        • Recreational Sports
      • Documents & Links
      • Greek Life
      • Student Life Staff
      • Student Life Publications
      • Student Publication
        • AC Observer Job Descriptions
      • Transportation Opportunities
    • Service Station
      • Board Profiles
      • Great Day of Service
      • JanServe
      • First We Serve
      • Aramark Appreciation
      • Alternative Spring Break
      • Austin College Tutoring (ACT)
      • Tostan
      • Thrift Store Drive
      • RooBound
      • Servant of the Year
    • Student Assembly
      • Student Assembly Representatives
      • Student Development Fund
      • Resolution Database
    • Title IX Office
      • Mandatory Student Training
      • Reporting
      • Policy Definitions
      • Grievance Procedures
      • Texas Compliance
      • Title IX Staff Training
    • Student Awards
    • Student Photo Gallery
  • Athletics
    • acroos.com
    • Legends
    • Athletics “A” Association
    • Support Athletics
  • Giving
    • Make a Gift
    • Annual Giving
    • Estate Planning
      • Oscar & Anna Laura Page Meditation Garden
    • Donor Resources
    • Contact Us
Info For...
  • Alumni
  • Parents
  • News
  • Events
  • Library
  • Business Office
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Quick Links
Home » Academics » Majors, Minors & Programs » Physics Department

Physics Department

PhysicsAt Austin College, students learn physics by DOING physics.  From the first-year Workshop Physics to the Advanced Research Experience, students explore the exciting fields of physics, astronomy, and engineering with our fun, hands-on learning approaches. Austin College students develop critical technical and leadership skills to become sought-after scientists and engineers for the 21st century.

 

Apply Now


Did you Know?

Top Ranking Expand

Austin College ranked #2 in Texas and #4 in the Southwest for the number of physics degrees awarded as a percentage of total enrollment (data from American Institute of Physics).

Award-Winning Students and Faculty Expand

Austin College’s Society of Physics Students has been recognized as a “notable chapter” by the national SPS office. Our faculty have received numerous awards, including “Texas Piper Professor of the Year” (Dr. David Baker) and “Austin College Melugin Award for Outstanding Scholarship” (Dr. Andra Petrean and Dr. David Whelan in separate years).

Hands-On Learning Expand

With our Workshop Physics method, students learn physics concepts 6 times better than their nationwide peers from traditional classrooms. This active learning approach permeates our curriculum – it is more fun and it works!

Adams Observatory Expand

Students explore the night sky and perform cutting-edge research with one of the best college astronomical observatories in the United States.

Internships Expand

Recent students have been awarded competitive internships at nearby engineering companies such as II-VI Corporation (Finisar), L3Harris Technologies, and Presco Products.

Coolest Place on Campus Expand

Dr. Petrean’s research lab contains a cryostat that can cool samples down to 10 Kelvin, almost absolute zero temperature!

TEDxAustinCollege

Featured Physics Speakers

David Whelan

David Whelan
TEDx Talk

 

David Baker

David Baker
TEDx Talk

New Opportunities

  • Engineering Physics Major:  This major prepares students for rewarding careers in engineering and applied physics.
  • Physics/Mathematics Teacher Certification, Grades 7-12:  This certification program provides necessary coursework for future teachers in the high-demand areas of physics and math.
  • Bryant-Taylor Scholarship:  A limited number of awards are available each year between $5,000 and $7,500 annually. Additionally, recipients may be eligible for a one-time stipend up to $4,000 for an approved summer research or internship opportunity.

What's Happening

  • Guest Speaker: Tony Stevens, "Astrophotography" - October 25, 4:30 pm
  • Larry Robinson Celebration during Homecoming - October 29
  • Homecoming and Family Weekend Star Party - October 29
  • Guest Speaker: Posey Leadership Award Winner Sylvia Acevedo, "Career as an Engineer" - November 2
  • Student Research Presentations - November 15
  • See the Previous Events

Uniquely AC Physics

Diverse, Collaborative Environment

Our students help each other. The atmosphere is collaborative rather than competitive, learning from everyone’s diverse strengths. Many physics majors double-major in another subject, while others are  involved in extracurricular activities on campus such as student government, choir, theatre, or athletics.  The Society of Physics Students sponsors campus-wide activities including outdoor picnics, telescope star parties, and an annual basketball tournament with physics faculty and students.

Physics

Cool Classes

Robotics and Advanced Instrumentation. Exploring the Cosmos. Engineering Design with 3D Printing. Nanotechnology. Atmospheric Physics: Upgrading the Austin College Weather Station. We offer cool, nontraditional courses that encourage students to think outside the box and to develop skills for solving 21st century challenges.

Physics
Physics

Student Research

At Austin College, you'll conduct authentic scientific research as part of your physics major. You might explore strange behavior in massive stars, intriguing properties of gold at the nanoscale, extreme weather changes on Earth and other planets, or intense time dilation near a black hole. We don't just want you to learn about physics, we want you to do it! Physics majors conduct two research projects with two different professors to gain experience with a variety of research techniques.

Physics

STAR Leadership

All physics majors and minors also participate in Austin College's STEM Teaching and Research (STAR) Leadership program. In this unique program, students develop vital leadership skills in the areas of interpersonal communication, collaborative learning, and problem solving. We hope to develop well-rounded leaders to tack the unknown problems of tomorrow.


Andra Petrean with students in labMeet Our Physics Faculty & Staff

  • David Baker, Adams Observatory Co-Director, explores extreme stuff on Earth and other planets.
  • Curtis Cummins, is the Electronic Instrumentation Technician for the Science Division.
  • Andra Petrean, Physics Department Chair, investigates high temperature superconductors and nanofilms.
  • Donald Salisbury, is an intellectual descendant of Albert Einstein and focuses on quantum cosmology.
  • David Whelan, Engineering Pathways Advisor and Adams Observatory Co-Director, studies the variability properties of intermediate- and high-mass stars.

Physics Program Details

  • Physics Major Checklist
  • Engineering Physics Checklist
  • Physics Minor Checklist
  • View the Physics Courses
  • Read more in the Austin College Bulletin
  • See the STEM Leadership Program

STEM Programs at Austin College

 

Engineering Program Details

Austin College offers dual-degree programs in engineering that allow students to study in the liberal arts at Austin College, followed by engineering at one of our partner institutions.

Engineering the Weather Station


A Future in Physics

Physics grads have gone on to Harvard, Michigan, Rice, Syracuse, Colorado State, LSU, Texas A&M, Stanford, Penn State, MIT, UTD, Northwestern, and Arizona!

 

They also work at prominent companies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions, such as Texas Instruments, Apple, Dallas Semiconductor, Washington Safety Management Solutions, Halliburton, Lockheed Martin, Tyco Electronics Power Systems, Habitat for Humanity, Ft. Worth Independent School District, Austin Peay State University, LSU, and the University of Rochester.

 

Meet Our Alumni

Allison Schmitz ’05

Allison Schmitz won a Fulbright Scholarship to study general relativity in Barcelona, Spain.  This research expanded on her senior honors thesis with Dr. Don Salisbury on quantum cosmology.  

Amy-Glazier

Amy Glazier ’17

Major: Physics – Minor:  Math and Chemistry  Bio: From a young age, I was drawn to the stars, and by the time I was a teenager, I knew that I wanted to study astronomy. Knowing how beautiful and mysterious the universe is, knowing that we are all made of stardust, knowing all humans are more… [Read More]

Aryn-Hays

Aryn Hays ‘14

The learning experience that Austin College provided me has been INVALUABLE. By providing a completely customizable education that allowed me to select the courses I was interested in and projects I wanted to work on, Austin College prepared me for roles I did not yet know I would take on. I feel that Austin College… [Read More]

Dilini Pinnaduwage

Dilini Pinnaduwage ’02

Dilini Pinnaduwage, who graduated with a Ph.D. in applied physics from Harvard University, completed an honors project in physics with Dr. Larry Robinson as thesis director. The title of her thesis was “Constructing an External Cavity Diode Laser.”

Heather Quantz ’07

Heather Quantz’s senior honors thesis investigated the vortex dynamics in a single crystal of the high temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O7-d with Dr. Andra Petrean.  Heather presented the results of this work at the Spring 2007 Meeting of the Texas Section of the American Physical Society.

John Donor

John Donor ’14

John Donor graduated from Austin College in 2014 with a B.A. in Physics. He received an MS in physics from TCU in 2017 and his PhD is pending in 2020. He currently works as a graduate assistant at TCU in Ft. Worth.

Mark Hagge

Mark Hagge ’13

Mark Hagge graduated from Austin College in 2013 with a B.A. in Physics and Mathematics. He went on to participate in a joint MS/MBA Program at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in Electrical Engineering and Business.

Michael Holcomb

Michael Holcomb ’12

My experience at Austin College successfully prepared me for doctoral study. Experiential learning gave me the ability to quickly acclimate to varying teaching modalities used by my graduate professors and developed skills in critical thinking that allowed me to hit the ground running when I begin my dissertation research. I am proud to be an… [Read More]

Nathan Drake ’07

Nathan Drake conducted research at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California on dust devil tracks near the North Pole of Mars under the supervision of AC’s own Dr. Baker. His work provided valuable information on possible landing sites for the Mars Phoenix lander, which was published in Geophysical Research Letters, a top-tier scientific journal.


 

Physics Extras

  • Adams Observatory
  • IDEA Center
  • IDEA Center Self-guided Green Tour
  • Austin College Weather Station
  • Society of Physics Students
  • Austin College Physics on Facebook

IDEA Center Self-Guided Tour

facebook-icon

physics-lab

GET IN TOUCH

903.813.2000
Austin College
900 N. Grand Ave.
Sherman, TX 75090

Contact Us

GET SOCIAL

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

GET LINKED

  • Human Resources
  • Campus Offices
  • Faculty/Staff Directory
  • Outlook Email
  • Title IX Office
  • Campus Conduct Hotline
  • Health Services

GET CONNECTED

Subscribe

Connect to AC

Request Information

Copyright © 2021 - All rights reserved | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Consumer Information | Site by thrive-logo