Mission Statement Department of Physics

The physics program at Millsaps College is designed to provide a curriculum responsive to the ever-changing needs of science in general and physics in particular. It is no longer unusual to find the broad theoretical concepts of physics interfaced with problems that are quite pragmatic in nature. Rather than simply emphasize a curriculum that is merely packed with facts, analytical methods and canned problems, the department seeks to provide opportunities for students to develop as independent thinkers and problem solvers and to learn how physics is done using experimental and theoretical approaches. Realistic but high expectations for students are maintained by providing a supportive climate, a sense of wonder and the excitement of discovery associated with physics. In keeping with the philosophy espoused by a liberally educated person, the faculty strives to incorporate philosophical and historical perspectives in the analysis of important physical theories to ensure that majors can understand the critical role played by physics in a technologically literate society.

In order to achieve its goals, the physics program seeks to combine rigorous theory courses with robust experimental offerings. This is accomplished with the help of laboratories in introductory physics, modern physics and electronics. The interface between physics and computers is another rapidly growing area that the department strongly supports with regard to both pedagogy and research. Specifically, in the classroom, use is made of multimedia lessons and demonstrations to enhance conceptual understanding of physics. In order to prepare majors for a wide-ranging array of careers, the department is strongly committed to providing opportunities for majors which require them to demonstrate an extra measure of responsibility, creativity and independence. Such activities usually take the form of teaching fellowships and experimental or theoretical research projects.

Research Areas
Theoretical Physics: Investigation of non-linear and chaotic properties of oscillatory systems using analytical and computational approaches. Analysis of boundary value problems dealing with the propagation of electromagnetic waves in stratified layers.

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