phy.ilstu

1. Physicsat Illinois State University www.phy.ilstu.edu

2. The ISU Physics Department • Undergraduate program only • 130 majors in 4 sequences • Physics • Engineering Physics • Computer Physics • Physics Teaching • Average of 18 graduates per year places ISU in top 5 of U.S. undergrad-only departments

3. Physics Faculty • Thirteen faculty involved in research and teaching • Physics Department has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio • Personal treatment • Lots of one-on-one attention • Easy access • Greater accountability

4. ISU Physics Advantage • Excellent class and laboratory experiences: • Small classes, individualized attention • Computer methods are integrated into courses • Strong laboratory/design program • Strong out-of-class experiences: • Superior student research program • Undergraduate teaching assistant program • Internships in national labs and industry

5. Physics Sequence • Flexible career preparation for students considering: • Graduate or professional school • Business or industry • Governmental lab or agency

6. Engineering Physics Sequence • 3 years at ISU – Solid engineering foundation • Strong preparation in the areas of physics and computer skills • 2 years at UIUC or other • Solid ISU background yields superior graduation rate • 5 years  2 B.S. degrees • Better prepared and more competitive engineers

7. Computer Physics Sequence • Among first such programs in the USA • Strong focus on: • Numerical methods and simulations • Data analysis and visualization • Growing need for people who know both science and computers

8. Physics Teaching Sequence • Constant need for high school physics teachers • Six physics teaching courses • Innovative program components: • Experiential learning • Service learning projects • Philosophy of education • Transition to student teaching • Nationally accredited by NCATE & NSTA

9. Research Experience • A model program involving undergrads only • Progressive mentorship • Continuing support • Variety of opportunities • Developing workplace skills • Small group collaboration • Communication skills • Project design, execution, and completion • Independent, creative thinking

10. Student Accomplishments • Hundreds of presentations, many journal articles • Argonne Undergraduate Research Symposium • ORNL Physics and Engineering Research Challenge • Prominent student recognitions: • APS APKER Award • APS Undergrad Research Award • Barry M. Goldwater Award • DAMOP Student Research Award • Robert G. Bone Scholar Award

11. Departmental Honors • Robert C. Shears Scholarship • Michael F. Canney Scholarship • Robert C. Young Physics Scholar Award • George Skadron Computational Physics Awards (research, achievement, service) • George Skadron Prize

12. Physics Club Activities • Trebuchet competitions • Faculty-student picnics • Tutoring & community service • Fun events (camping, bowling, etc.) • Homecoming floats • Women Mentors

13. Physics Outreach • Visits to local museums, school and social groups to present science demonstrations to young audiences • Workshops at Expanding Your Horizons conference for young women • Other events with community organizations and groups

14. ISU Solar Car Team • May 2011: Indy 500 • Summer 2010, from Oklahoma to Chicago • Summer 2009: ISU finished 5th out of 9 teams in closed track race • First race Summer 2005: 2500 miles on solar power (ISU finished 18th out of 42)

15. Successful Careers • Our graduates move on to many physics-related careers: • Research scientist • Industrial engineer • School teacher • Patent attorney • Medical doctor • Medical technician • Science librarian

16. Summary • National recognition ~ individual attention • Innovative programs ~ flexible choices • Forefront research ~ undergraduate involvement • Community outreach ~ student participation • Large university opportunities ~ small college experiences Fundamental Understanding and Practical Application