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Augsburg Physics Overview The principles of physics underlie every physical aspect of our world, from the smallest subatomic particle to the largest galaxy in outer space. The work of the physicist is to uncover these fundamental principles upon which other scientific work can be based. Each day physicists make significant contributions in many areas of science, including meteorology, medicine, oceanography and space exploration. Far from being an isolated science, physics is very much a part of the world in which we live. Discoveries in physics have affected history, political science, philosophy and other disciplines - even the arts. Augsburg College offers one of the strongest undergraduate physics programs available in a private liberal arts school setting. At Augsburg, physics students have rigorous and up-to-date preparation in physics, ready access to professors, and the opportunity to work with faculty or local industry on research projects. There is also the opportunity to grow in other ways through the college's strong liberal arts programs and extracurricular activities such as the fine arts and athletics. Department History In 1957, Dr. Theodore Hanwick left his post as chairman of the Physics Department at Rutgers University to start a physics program at Augsburg. Since then, over 120 physics majors have graduated from Augsburg. Some graduates pursue careers in industry or accept high school teaching positions, but the majority go on to earn advanced degrees in physics or related fields. Because of the excellent academic and practical preparation they receive at Augsburg, almost all of these students receive assistantships and fellowship support for graduate studies. The department has been continuously supported since 1970 for atmospheric and space science research funded by NASA and the US National Science Foundation (NSF). Augsburg was the first small college connected to NASA's SPAN computer network which is now part of the internet. During summer 1998, the entire department's facilities were renovated at a cost of over $900,000, with major support from a $379,000 grant from NSF. |