Physics is the study of the structure of the material universe, the particles that comprise it, and the forces by means of which these particles interact. The mission of the physics department is to engender in students an understanding of that structure and those particles and forces, and an appreciation of these fundamental principles.

Consistent with the mission of Saint Mary’s University, the physics department seeks to develop the professional competencies of its graduates and to instill in them a habit of lifelong learning.

General Department Goals
To this end, the physics department will present to students a broad survey of the interconnected concepts of classical and twentieth-century physics, and will develop in students an array of problem-solving skills appropriate to and involving those concepts. Through knowledge of these concepts and acquisition of these skills, students will then be able to:

• Live, continue learning, and pursue careers as scientifically literate and technologically competent adults;
• Demonstrate and profit from their expertise in the techniques of modern experimental physics and electronics;
• Appropriately and advantageously employ computer technology both for data acquisition and processing, and algorithm development and execution; and
• Communicate their knowledge and skills effectively and cogently in a variety of modalities (oral, written and graphical).

The physics curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to teach, to do research, to enter engineering professions or such interdisciplinary fields as biophysics, astrophysics, medical physics, health physics, etc. The physics department endeavors to help students see the impact of scientific thought, methods, and discoveries on contemporary society. Through class and laboratory work, students develop the ability to interpret phenomena in light of existing theories. A strong emphasis is placed upon laboratory experience in order to bring students to a level where they can work independently, and where they have developed initiative and reliability in their work.

Majors offered:
Biophysics
Engineering Physics
Physics Science Education

For more information contact:
Paul J. Nienaber, SJ, Ph.D., Chair
Physics Department
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights #32
(507) 457-1555
pnienabe@smumn.edu