College of Arts and Sciences 
251 Clippinger Labs
Phone: 740.593.1718
Fax: 740.593.0433
physics@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/cas/physastro/

David Ingram, Interim Chair

Mission

The mission of the Department of Physics and Astronomy is to create knowledge through forefront research; to provide students across a range of disciplines with an introduction to problem solving, critical thinking, and basic concepts in physics and astronomy; to prepare our undergraduate majors with a solid foundation in the discipline for use in their subsequent life, work, or advanced studies; and to instill in our graduate students a high level of knowledge and skills that enable them to carry out original research.

Programs

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Ohio University offers the following academic programs:

Majors

Physics Major (B.A.) - BA3331  

Physics Major (B.S.) - BS3331  

Applied Physics (B.S.) - BS3332  

Astrophysics (B.S.) BS3335  

Physics Meteorology (B.S.) - BS3338  

Minors 

Physics Minor - OR3331   

Astronomy Minor - ORASTR  

Special Opportunities

The Physics, Engineering Physics and Astrophysics Tutorial Programs are four-year courses of study for exceptional students capable of a more independent approach to learning. The tutorial, a weekly one-on-one meeting with a faculty member, is the core of the program. In their fourth year, students write a thesis on an advanced research topic.  Due to the nature of its core curriculum, the Physics Tutorial Programs must restrict the number of students that can be accepted each year. Admission into the program is initiated through the Honors Tutorial College or through the Director of Studies within the department. Applications are accepted only from incoming or first-year students.

Physics and Astronomy Departmental Honors are offered to Physics and Astronomy majors with an exceptional record of academic achievement. Participation in this program makes it especially valuable to students interested in pursuing graduate work. Admission into the Departmental Honors program involves the completion of an application; students must have at least a 3.2 GPA and must submit an abstract outlining a research project under the direction of a Professor that will be written up and submitted to the Undergraduate Chair.  The deadline for applications is in the semester before the student expects to graduate.

Physics and Astronomy Department Scholarships are available to assist majors throughout their period of study at Ohio University.  These scholarships are based on academic achievement or on a combination of achievement and financial need; the application deadline is February 1 each year and the awards are announced at the end of the academic year.

Paid Physics and Astronomy Internships are available during summer semester for students wishing to enhance their undergraduate experience by doing a one-on-one research project with a professor.  These internships are available for students at all levels.

Sigma Pi Sigma is a student-led honor society for Physics and Astronomy majors. Besides providing a venue for students to meet and share their interests, membership in Sigma Pi Sigma offers career development information, opportunities for community outreach projects, and the possibility to attend and present research work at national conferences.

Physics and Astronomy Alumni Newsletter is published yearly and includes recent highlights from within the department and from our alumni.  Articles range from research summaries to announcements, such as awards, alumni news, and other information about the Department of Physics and Astronomy.