Physics is a science that is fundamental to all sciences and uses mathematics as
its language. Because of the role that science plays in our technological society,
it is necessary that students be trained in the sciences, with physics playing a
core role. The Department of Physics seeks to provide the necessary physics
experiences via formal coursework, laboratory training, and research to give
students the requisite skills of a well-educated liberal arts major. The program
articulates the mission of the University through emphasis on physics and
related scientific areas. Specific goals of the Department are:
- To provide activities and courses of instruction in physics and related areas
to meet the mission and needs of the general University and the Division
of Natural Science and Mathematics.
- To provide activities and courses of instruction in physics and related areas
to meet the needs of undergraduate and graduate physics majors.
- To encourage the creation of new knowledge by performing outstanding
research.
Students who complete the physics major will be able to:
- demonstrate scholarship by communicating basic knowledge in physics orally
as well as in writing, and by participating in department research programs;
- relate the importance of physics to other areas of knowledge;
- apply the knowledge gained to the solution of problems related to various
disciplines; and
- be able to compete in a quality graduate program upon
receipt of the undergraduate degree or to enter the work force and perform
in a competent and competitive manner.
Fisk’s Physics Department carries on an active research program in such areas
as infrared and Raman spectroscopy, crystal growth, chemical physics, plasma
physics, and surface physics. Fisk has for a number of years conducted
specialized research on behalf of federal agencies such as NASA, the National
Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy and for private industry.
With its Center for Physics and Chemistry of Materials, Fisk is among the very
few undergraduate institutions at which the National Science Foundation has
chosen to establish a Center of Excellence. Graduate and undergraduate
students have opportunities to become involved in the research efforts of
faculty members, and a number have collaborated with their professors in
publishing research results or presenting them at professional meetings.
The undergraduate offerings in physics meet a variety of student needs. Some
students seek the B.A. degree with a major in physics; others seek the B.S.
degree; still others pursue joint majors combining physics with another
discipline; and a number have pursued dual degrees in physics and engineering
offered in collaboration with Vanderbilt University. The Fisk/Vanderbilt Dual
Degree program is a five-year program that allows a student to earn both a
Bachelor's Degree from Fisk with a science major plus a Bachelor's Degree
from Vanderbilt in engineering. We also have a concentration in astrophysics
and space science, taught jointly by Fisk and Vanderbilt professors. Students
choosing this option will also be directed to summer research internships in
astrophysics. The Materials Science Concentration in particular takes advantage
of the extensive research in that area which is currently being conducted within
the department. Physics is, moreover, a fundamental part of the scientific
education of majors in any of the mathematical and natural science disciplines.