Physics Department Home

Contact Information
Department of Physics
University of Dallas
1845 E. Northgate Dr.
Irving, TX 75062
972-721-5072

The scope of studies in physics--from nuclei to stars--is well represented in the curriculum of UD's Physics Department, as well as in the research of individual faculty members. Students choosing to major or minor in physics take courses that prepare them for graduate studies, teaching, or industry. The low student-to-faculty ratio means many opportunities to interact with professors in courses and also in research.

The Physics Major

UD Students pose with astronaut Sunyita Williams outside NASA during thier November 2006 visit.

Physics derives its name from the Greek word for nature, and the goal of physics is to seek the fundamental nature of things. Resting upon a broad empirical basis, physics continues to thrust mankind into the unknown. The objectives of the Department of Physics center around developing in its students a critical understanding of physical phenomena, an intuition into how nature acts, and a facility to analyze various physical aspects of the world.

The Department aims to prepare its students for future careers as scientists through submissions to the discipline of the past and present. The curriculum of a major in Physics combines a firm grounding in the liberal arts and mathematics with a solid foundation in the sciences. A broad theoretical basis encompassing classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics, and quantum mechanics is supported by extensive laboratory experience in electronics, optics, atomic, and nuclear physics.

The dynamic interplay of theoretical studies and hands-on laboratory experiences form the core of the program. Seminar courses in current topics as well as courses in astronomy, condensed matter physics, acoustics, and nuclear and particle physics round out the curriculum and introduce students to modern questions confronting physics. Students are encouraged to participate in the research programs of the department, which range from nuclear physics, plasma physics, computational physics, and astrophysics.

An undergraduate degree in physics opens many doors to further studies in a variety of fields as well as in industrial employment. Most of our graduates proceed to graduate programs and are well prepared for research in physics. Teaching, applied mathematics, engineering, or other related sciences are also possible career choices.

A chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) is active with membership open to all interested students. A chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma, National Physics Honor Society, was established in 1984 to give recognition to outstanding students.

Entering freshmen are invited to apply for the Physics Department Scholarship Program. Contact the Admissions Office to apply.

Sigma Pi Sigma Initiates Spring 2006

Graduate Schools Attended by Recent Graduates

• 2008: Fulbright Scholarship to CERN, Rice University, Notre Dame Law School, University of Texas at Dallas

• 2007: Purdue University, University of Texas at Dallas

• 2006: University of Notre Dame, University of Minnesota

• 2005: University of Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Fulbright Scholar to France

• 2004: University of Chicago, Notre Dame, University of Wisconsin, Texas A&M University