Visit the Physics Department Web Site
As a physics student at Alma College, you acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to succeed in employment or further professional training. You have the opportunity to gain a variety of practical experiences in many areas, including:
- Optics
- Astronomy
- Nuclear physics.
- Satellite image processing
You may complete a second major or minor in mathematics or computer science. In addition, Alma’s electronics minor provides courses in:
- Electronic instrumentation
- Digital electronics
- Microcomputer programming
- Interfacing and telecommunications
Facilities
- The modern Dow Science Center features a planetarium and laboratories in physics, electronics, optics, astronomy, physiology, biology and geology.
- Individual space for independent research projects is available evenings and weekends.
- The electronics laboratory has analog and digital electronics, telecommunications electronics and microprocessor programming and interfacing.
- The optics laboratory is equipped for electro optics, including holography.
- Freshman-level laboratories have computers equipped with the latest technology for experiments in mechanics, force, energy and electricity.
Computer Support
Instruction at Alma is supported by computer technology. A campus-wide network links more than 650 microcomputers, printers and terminals.
Students are encouraged to bring their own computers to campus to best utilize available services. Access to the Internet, campus network, library, electronic mail and a variety of printers is available in all residence halls.
Students are assigned a system account number and password to use any public access campus computer or terminal without reservations or additional fees.
Putting your Mass in Motion at Alma
Physics resources include:
- Easy access to faculty in a personal setting.
- Current computer facilities with a student-to-computer ratio of 6.5:1.
- Planetarium.
- Optics laboratory equipped for electro optics, including holography.
- Full nuclear spectroscopy system.
- 16,000-channel multi-channel analyzer for neutron activation work.
- New laboratories in physics, electronics, optics, nuclear science and astronomy.
Careers and Graduate School
Alma’s Physics program rigorously prepares students for graduate study in physics or engineering. It also provides an excellent undergraduate preparation for careers in business, law, medicine and teaching high school physics, mathematics and astronomy.
Approximately half of Alma Physics graduates enter physics and engineering graduate programs.
Those whose primary interest is physics often earn doctorates and find positions as faculty members at colleges and universities.
Physics graduates who seek immediate employment usually find positions related to their academic program, most in computer-related fields. About half eventually earn graduate degrees, often with company sponsorship.
