2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog - Kettering University

Physics / 131
PHYSICS
Bahram Roughani, Ph.D., Department Head
Room 2300N AB, 810-762-7499
broughan@kettering.edu
MISSION STATEMENT
The Physics Department at Kettering University provides students with a unique undergraduate co-op education in
Applied Physics and Engineering Physics, with emphases in acoustics, optics, and materials, while supporting university
programs through introductory courses and technologically relevant physics electives.
PHYSICS PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Physics is the most fundamental science and underlies the understanding of nearly all areas of science, technology, and engineering. Physics
is concerned with the study of energy, space, time, matter, the interaction between material objects and the laws that govern these interactions
at various scales from sub nano-scale to light-years scale. Physicists study mechanics, sound, heat, light, electric and magnetic fields,
gravitation, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, solid state physics, wave-like properties of particles and particle-like properties of
radiation. Applied and Engineering physics are not specific branches of physics but the application of all the branches of physics to the broad
realm of practical problems in scientific and industrial settings, engineering design and applications, applied science, and advanced industry.
Applied physics (AP) is the interface between physics, applied sciences and technology, between the theory, laboratory, and practice.
Engineering Physics (EP) is the interface of physics with specific areas of advanced or emerging technology, which are not covered in depth
under the traditional engineering education such as systems approaches in applications of optics, acoustics, and materials in fields such as
nanotechnology, telecommunications, medical physics and devices, or advanced and electronic materials. Applied Physics and Engineering
Physics degrees are flexible degrees designed to interface physics with applied sciences and engineering disciplines.
The degree in Applied Physics (AP) at Kettering University provides excellent preparation for work in industry or in government agencies.
The program also serves as a solid foundation for students desiring to go on to graduate school in physics or any number of fields in pure and
applied science. The curriculum in Applied Physics provides a solid education in mathematics, and applied sciences and physics with
emphasis on three areas of Applied Optics, Acoustics and Materials Science.
The degree in Engineering Physics (EP) at Kettering University unifies the Physics knowledge applications in Optics, Acoustics, and
advanced materials with a comprehensive engineering component emphasizing the systems engineering approach to prepare graduates for
engineering applications in emerging technology. The well balanced curriculum in Engineering Physics provides a solid education combined
with desirable skills that could lead to a career in industry and government sector as well as graduate studies in applied sciences and
engineering.
• The Applied Physics (AP) program includes a thorough background in mathematics, science, computer programming,
social sciences, humanities, and communication.
• The Engineering Physics (EP) program includes a thorough background in mathematics, science, engineering
fundamentals, individually designed engineering concentration, social sciences, humanities, and communication.
• Physics students (AP and EP) at Kettering take the same core physics courses in mechanics and electricity and
magnetism as physics students at other universities. Furthermore, our Physics students are required to take a
sequence of courses in optics, acoustics, and materials.
• Applied Physics students have the opportunity to earn a concentration in any areas of applied science, engineering
or even business and combine that with a sequence of courses in the field of optics, acoustics, or materials science.
• Engineering Physics (EP) students have the opportunity to earn an individually designed concentration in any areas
of applied science, or engineering and combine that with a sequence of courses in the field of optics, acoustics, or
materials science.
• Physics students at Kettering University (AP and EP) will graduate from the most unique physics program in the
nation that consist of the only comprehensive work integrated physics co-op in the nation that includes an industrial
thesis and areas of concentrations.
For more information about the Applied Physics program, including pictures and descriptions of our laboratory facilities and minors, please
visit our Web site: www.kettering.edu/physics or send an email to physics@kettering.edu.