Special interests include radiation damage, mathematical physics, and manned space flight activities. Special interests include elementary particle physics, computational physics, and condensed matter physics. The Academic Center provides a modern and comfortable atmosphere for the study of physics, astronomy, and pre- engineering programs. This building contains classrooms, faculty offices, lecture halls, computer facilities, laboratories, and a 150,000 volume library. The department has five dedicated laboratories for both introductory and advanced courses in physics and astronomy, a planetarium, both Macintosh and IBM PC computer facilities, a physics student research lounge, and a modest machine shop.
Responsible students enjoy accessibility to all departmental facilities.
In addition, students majoring in astronomy must take one year each of Physics, Chemistry, and Calculus. In addition, students majoring in physics must take a year of Calculus and a year of Chemistry. The program results in two bachelor degrees. Recent topics have included computer modeling of stellar structure, high temperature superconductivity, theoretical gravitation, modeling of nuclear masses, and computer image analysis of planetary data. With proper approval, a two-semester independent study can qualify for graduation with departmental honors, a notation that is recognized both at commencement, and on the student's diploma and transcript.