Physics is the science which investigates and attempts to explain the physical universe. The study of physics ranges from the very small to the very large. At the very small scale, physicists probe the basic particles out of which matter is made and the interactions between them. Among the particles are familiar ones, such as electrons and protons, and those more recently discovered, as neutrinos and quarks. At a larger scale, materials physics seeks to study and explain the physical properties of small and large collections of atoms. Much research is being done on the properties of materials, from 'bulk' behavior as we know it, to the intrinsic changes of behavior at limits such as lower dimensionality (quantum dots, or 2-dimensional interfaces), in simple crystals to complicated materials such as high temperature superconductors. At the largest end of the scale, physicists study the origin and structure of stars, galaxies, and the entire cosmos.
The results of physics investigations are more than esoteric facts. The advances in this century in relativity and quantum mechanics have fundamentally altered the way in which we view the world. Physical understanding has led to tremendous advances in technology such as transistors, lasers, and microwaves. There has been a steady stream of devices from physics laboratories to use in industry, medicine, and everyday life.
Physics majors learn the physical laws which explain the workings of the universe and which are the foundation of our technology. Students also learn how to apply these laws to different situations. In applying the laws of physics to solve physics problems, students get training in analytical skills and laboratory methods. A knowledge of physics is valuable in the job market, and a large number of employers are looking for the problem solving skills which physics develops.
The primary research specialties within the department are materials physics and elementary particle physics. Materials physics (or condensed matter physics) studies microscopic and macroscopic physical properties of matter, such as high temperature superconductivity, whereas particle physics (or high energy physics) studies the basic forces and particles at the sub-atomic level. Two premiere national laboratories, Argonne and Fermilab, are located within an hour's drive of NIU. Most of the department's faculty collaborate with physicists at the national labs and utilize equipment there. Some staff members from Fermilab and Argonne teach courses at NIU and occasionally supervise the research efforts of our graduate students. Research interests in the department also include acoustics and energy conversion. The department also has a number of faculty with strong interests in physics education. This includes one member who is a past president of the American Association of Physics Teachers. In addition, six members of the Physics faculty have been named University Research Professor and three have received the Outstanding Teaching Award in past years.
A Bachelor of Science degree in physics can lead to a variety of post-graduate careers. It is the usual prerequisite to enrolling in graduate school in physics. An undergraduate degree in physics can also lead to graduate work in engineering, business, or medical school. It is an especially appropriate degree for a joint Ph.D./M.D. in Medical Physics or related research areas in medicine. Finally, a physics B.S. can be a terminal degree leading to employment in a number of applied physics fields in both private industry and government or, with the appropriate certification in education, employment as a secondary school science teacher.
During the past decade, students receiving B.S. degrees in physics from NIU have followed all of the above career paths. Almost half continued on to graduate school, predominantly in physics Ph.D. programs. Most graduate students in physics are financially independent, with jobs as research or teaching assistants. About 10% of our graduates became high school teachers while the remainder are employed as engineers, technical research assistants, sales representatives, or editors.