Department of Physics

Department of Physics

The Department of Physics is one of the most fundamental and all- inclusive of the sciences. It is an attempt to understand the foundations of our universe through the study of the phenomena of motion, force, energy, sound, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, heat, light, and quantum mechanics. Physics students use advanced mathematics to solve challenging experimental or theoretical problems, so they often major in mathematics as well. The ability to analyze a problem and find the best possible solution is vital to success in many fields. As a result, physics graduates often work in such seemingly non-related areas as medicine, law, biology, business, or military science, as well as in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or industry.

Physics is housed in the Physical and Environmental Sciences building with access to modern computers and physics laboratory equipment. A 14-inch telescope and several other telescopes are located at the ECU observatory on campus. Small classes and ready access to caring professors help students succeed.

Bachelor of Science in Physics

Physics The Bachelor of Science in Physics prepares students for employment in a wide range of fields or for graduate school in Physics or related areas including Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics and Astronomy.

Physics Teacher Certification Concentration

The Bachelor of Science in Physics with a concentration in Teacher Certification provides the physics content and pedagogy through education courses for licensure and a career in secondary science education. Graduates may also be ready to pass certification exams in Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry.

Medical Physics Concentration

The Medical Physics concentration is designed primarily for students planning to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the field. While some entry-level jobs in dosimetry may be available with a bachelor’s degree, this program is tailored to meet the prerequisites for admission to CAMPEP-accredited graduate programs in the U.S. and Canada.

With careful elective selection, this degree ensures students are well-prepared for admission to any accredited MS or PhD program in medical physics.

To learn more about the field, visit the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) website.

Pre-Engineering Program

The Pre-Engineering program is managed by the Physics department. This is a 2- or 3-year program which gives students the fundamentals of Physics, Chemistry, Math, etc. that are needed to prepare a student to transfer to a university that offers an Engineering degree. Some students also transfer to an Engineering Technology program. Many students complete a Physics degree at ECU and then transfer to an Engineering school to obtain a master’s degree