PURPOSES AND GOALS OF THE PHYSICS PROGRAM
The Physics Program is an undergraduate program, working in conjunction with Texas Physics Coalition to enable it to grant Baccalaureate degrees in physics. The program serves a large number of students from engineering, the sciences, pre-engineering and pre-medical programs, and other undergraduates seeking to satisfy core curriculum requirements. The goal of the department is to provide students with an education and training in physics, supported by a strong foundation in the liberal arts curriculum, which will prepare them for advanced degrees and a variety of careers, such as in architecture, business, computer science, education, engineering, health, humanities, science, and technology disciplines. This goal is accomplished by establishing a firm foundation in the principles and methods of physics with an emphasis on original research that address real world issues.
HONOR SOCIETIES, CLUBS, AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS:
Students who have had at least one course in physics above the elementary level and whose grade point averages are B or better are eligible for membership in Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics honor society. Students having an interest in physics may also join the Society of Physics Students, an organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of physics throughout society.
THE PRAIRIE VIEW OBSERVATORY COMPLEX
Constructed in 1997 and seeing first light in 1998, the Prairie View Solar Observatory has been involved with solar observations for more than 25 years. The initial program was housed with the Solar Observatory Research Group, who was involved in plasma physics and magneto dynamic studies in addition to solar physics. In 2019, the Solar Observatory Addition was constructed and it houses two additional domes for nighttime astronomy activities. Construction was completed in mid-2019 and the new solar observation program began in January 2020 and continues to this day. The observatory complex is intended to enhance the physics, physical science, and earth science courses with hands-on activities for investigating daytime and nighttime astronomy.
For several semesters, we have been offering two sections of Astronomy and Geology, an old course with a new twist. Part of the instruction and activities involve the solar observatory. We offer two sections in the fall semester and two sections in the spring semester.