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The study of the universe from the largest to the smallest
possible scales is the province of physics. Yet physics is
not so much a body of knowledge as it is a disciplined way
of looking and asking questions.
The Randolph-Macon physics program engages you in a personal
exploration of this exciting and rewarding discipline within
the context of a traditional liberal arts education. You will
be guided by a dedicated teaching faculty
whose interests encompass such diverse areas as astrophysics,
superconductors, electronics, computer modeling, non-destructive
materials testing, solar energy technology, the physics of
sports, and the magnetic properties of amorphous materials.
Our program offers the same broad scope of study as that
offered in many larger research universities, yet with a personal
touch. In addition to basic offerings in classical mechanics,
electricity and magnetism, relativity, and quantum physics,
the curriculum includes courses
in digital and analog electronics, solid state physics, thermodynamics
and statistical mechanics, special topics courses exploring
areas of particular interest, and advanced laboratories exploring
phenomena as diverse as physical optics, x-ray diffraction,
spectroscopy, and radioactivity.
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Our size permits individual attention for each student. Research
apparatus is not the private domain of the faculty - it
is intended and available for student use. Many students
culminate their studies with a two-semester senior project
in an area of particular interest. Recent investigations have
included an automated detector to study diffuse solar insolation,
an analysis of the frequency components of human voices as
a prelude to computerized voice recognition, effects of radiation
damage of high Tc superconductors, and a combined experimental
and theoretical study of the Rubens' flame tube.
Studying physics within a liberal arts environment can be
rewarding. According to a survey conducted by the American
Institute of Physics, more than half the students majoring
in physics at the undergraduate level were at colleges not
offering the Ph.D. degree. Some 40% of those who do pursue
graduate degrees in physics come from colleges like Randolph-Macon.
Many graduates in physics also receive enticing offers from
graduate schools in engineering. Others have used their physics
training to pursue careers in computer programming, industry,
or education. Some have returned to graduate school after
working several years in government or industrial laboratories.
Studying physics in the context of a liberal arts education
can also be intellectually satisfying in its own right. The
society of the next century will be shaped by the scientific
and technological advances of the present. Science has left
its imprint on history, politics, literature, and the fine
arts. At Randolph-Macon College, you learn physics accompanied
by studies with faculty and students in these other areas.
You and they will gain the ability to think about problems
and explore the issues of the day from a well-rounded perspective.
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