Physics
Do you like to get lost in the stars or figure out how objects move through time and space? Are you curious about electrons, laser holograms, computer chips, electronic gadgets, satellites, radios or superconducting magnets? Explore the physics behind these concepts with a major that studies the basic principles and laws of the universe, on which engineering and technology are based.
The physics program at Central College prepares students for industrial jobs, graduate school and research, teaching and other technical areas. Students benefit from the one-on-one attention provided by faculty devoted to teaching and working with students. Many physics majors continue directly to graduate school at various universities across the nation.
The Central Difference
Research Opportunities
The Central physics department is licensed by the state of Iowa to own and use a plutonium-beryllium neutron source and a cesium gamma-ray source for experiments in atomic and nuclear physics. The on-campus observatory with an 11-inch reflector telescope allows students to observe planets, stars and other celestial objects.
Students can use an x-ray diffractometer and a high-vacuum system with a mass spectrometer to conduct additional research projects. The physics program is also supported by a mechanical shop with a mill, lathe and welding equipment.
Savor the Journey
Riley Gray ’17 reflects on his fruitful Central College experience and encourages future students to savor the journey.
Facilities
Central’s Vermeer Science Center was awarded the silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating from the United States Green Building Council, the first LEED-rated building in the state. Students have direct access to classrooms and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and equipment.
A lab for the electronics course allows students to experiment with a variety of analog and digital circuits, and even build microcomputers. The advanced labs support a large variety of experiments including cloud chamber, Cavendish balance, laser optics, bomb calorimeter, Compton Effect, photoelectric effect, radioisotopes, Michelson interferometer and optical pyrometer.
Support for Student Research
Funding for research in physics is made possible through the Arthur J. Bosch Endowment for Student Research, which supports collaborative research projects with faculty and alumni during summer breaks.
Off-Campus Experiences
Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.
Beyond Central
Putting the “Hire” in Higher Education
- Nolan Freymark ’23, Design Engineer, Weiler
- Erica Shumaker ’21, Energy Resource Planner, Central Iowa Power Cooperative
- William Isiminger ’21, Engineer, Musco Sports Lighting
- Daniel Sunvold ’20, Field Applications Engineer, PPI
- Daniel Imoehl ’19, Software Developer, Optum
- Christian Daniel ’18, Graduate Researcher, Kansas University
- Aiden Cavanaugh ’18, Application Engineer, Open Systems International
- Riley Gray ’17, Dentist, Country Club Dental Care
- Jaemin Powell ’16, Applications Engineer Supervisor, Orolia Defense & Security
- Danielle Law Templeton ’13, Engineer in Training II, Stanley Consultant
Central Engineering Student Chosen for Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship
Katherine Stroh ’24 is completing a U.S. Department of Energy undergraduate research internship for the summer at the Ames National Laboratory.
Organizations
- Physics Club
- SCATE (Students Concerned About The Environment)
Graduate Placement
- University of Colorado Boulder, aerospace engineering
- Duke University, medical physics
- University of Arizona, hydrology
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, chemical engineering
- University of Iowa, hydraulics and water resources
- Ohio State University, physics
- University of Cincinnati, MD/PhD medical scientist program
- Iowa State University, biorenewable resources and technology
Internships
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
- Rice Quantum Institute, Rice University, Houston, Texas
- Center for Optical Technologies, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Penn.
- Center for Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.Va.
- Vermeer Corporation, Pella
- Materials science and engineering department, Iowa State University, Ames
- Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station, Fort Calhoun, Neb.
- Physics department, University of California, Davis, Calif.
Courses & Faculty
Central offers courses in physics theory, problem-solving skills and experimental techniques, with an emphasis on science as a method for learning about the world. Students are prepared to be able to reason from the general fundamental principles to specific applications in physics and engineering. Central students trained in physics are highly qualified and work in a variety of technical specialties.
Introductory courses such as General Physics I, General Physics II and Modern Physics I lay the foundation for the physics major. Both the junior and senior years include electives chosen by students based on their specific areas of interest. The physics major culminates with two semesters of advanced physics laboratories.
Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.
Meet the Faculty
- Chad Garber, B.S., M.Eng., Lecturer of Physics and Engineering
- Liz Golovatski, B.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics
- Viktor Martisovits, RNDr., M.S., Ph.D., Professor of Physics
- Alexey Pronin, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics
- Wendy Weber, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics
Sample Coursework
First Year
- General Physics I with lab
- General Physics II with lab
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- General Chemistry with lab
Sophomore Year
- Modern Physics I
- Waves
- Theoretical and Experimental Methods
- Multivariable Calculus
- Differential Equations
Junior Year
- Thermodynamics
- Modern Physics II
- Dynamics
- Optics
Senior Year
- Electromagnetism
- Electricity and Magnetism II
- Quantum Mechanics
- Advanced Physics Laboratories
Learn More
Want to find out more about Physics at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.
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