Chair

Professor Giovanni Ossola
Namm Building, room N-811
Phone: 718-260-5276

Description

Physics studies the fundamental laws of our universe. By combining experimental data and theoretical models, and by using the powerful language of mathematics, physicists investigate and test the basic set of rules on which our natural world is grounded. This allows for predictions on the time evolution of physical systems, which ultimately test our present understanding and inspire new investigations.

The history of physics closely follows the progress of our civilizations. Scholars, philosophers, and scientists pondered for centuries topics such as the motion of celestial objects, the nature of light and matter, gravity, etc. This interplay of experimental results, ideas and models, discussed in a rich literature and, at times, also through fierce academic disputes, allowed our society to develop and grow, all the way to the advanced technological achievements of the present. “If we have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” wrote Sir Isaac Newton in 1675 in a letter to a scientific rival.

Throughout the history of mankind, physics forced scientists to question and challenge their beliefs in the light of new experimental evidence. In the early 1900’s, the theories of special and  general relativity revolutionized our concepts of time and space, and quantum mechanics forced us to rebuild our understanding of the concept of measurements and interactions at infinitesimally small scales.

As technology evolves and our scientific understanding improves, new unexpected challenges and revolutionary ideas are hidden somewhere, waiting to be found. This is what physics is about.

Mission

Physics is an essential component of education in an advanced society. The study of physics gives us an opportunity to learn the fundamental theories that will be needed to explore how the world functions as well as the discoveries behind technological advances.

The Physics Department offers courses in physics, astronomy, and general science where students develop an appreciation and understanding of nature and the underlying laws which govern our universe. Coursework develops comprehension of basic physical principles, competence in using logical procedures in problem-solving, and an awareness of historical advances and future potential in the field of science.

Courses offered in the department serve the needs of the entire college community, from introductory classes for non-science students, to the general physics curriculum for students interested in engineering and technologies, all the way up to the more advance applications for physics majors. Students may use courses offered by the department to satisfy the general education science requirement or as electives.

Degree Programs

The Bachelor of Science in program is designed to expose students to cutting-edge computational skills in high demand on the job market while providing all the foundational knowledge of a traditional physics curriculum, necessary for more research focused careers, in academia or in the industry. With its unique blend of mathematics, data science, computer science and physics, the curriculum offers a broad, balanced, and flexible education. Through our applied physics focus, students learn about the most complex laws of nature while developing the computational skills to explore these by themselves and pioneer their own smart solutions to the emerging problems of the world.

The Academic Minor in program is designed to further encourage the development of our students’ scientific curiosity as well as their mathematical and computational skills. It allows students to learn and practice their problem-solving skills and develop a better practical understanding of mathematical methods that are useful in all sciences, engineering and technological fields. All of these skills are extremely valuable for students that are pursuing a career in science, technology, or medical professions, both in terms of continuing their studies as well as directly entering in the job market.

Advisory Commission