Physics (Earth Sciences/Physics Department)

Christina Keller, Director of Physics
201 Akeley-Lawrence Science Center
(605) 677-5649
physics@usd.edu 
www.usd.edu/physics/

FACULTY

Professors:

Christina Keller, Condensed Matter Physics

Associate Professors:

Dongming Mei, Nuclear Physics, Astrophysics
Yongchen Sun, Laser Spectroscopy, Condensed Matter Physics

Assistant Professors:

Jing Liu, Nuclear Physics, Astrophysics
Ryan Martin, Nuclear Physics, Astrophysics
Joel Sander, Particle Physics, Astrophysics

Instructor:

Vernon McBride, Laboratory Coordinator

MAJOR:

Physics B.S.

MINOR:

Physics

Physicists are relationship experts. It’s their job to explore one of the most fundamental relationships of all - the one between matter and energy. Physicists help us understand the world at its most fundamental level, from the smallest particles to the universe itself. These fundamental ideas underlie all of the basic sciences, and are invaluable in applied science and engineering disciplines.

Students majoring in physics at USD take a traditional undergraduate physics curriculum that includes courses in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, and electronics. As the only physics major in the state housed in a College of Arts and Sciences, the program includes the rich tradition of the liberal arts. Students graduating with a B.S. in physics are expected to speak and write well, possess critical thinking skills, and have an interdisciplinary perspective that will serve them well in all aspects of their lives.

The Sanford Underground Research Facility located in western South Dakota provides undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to become involved in research activities probing cutting edge questions in physics such as the nature of dark matter.

Physics has broad applications in a number of fields and physics grads are in demand in a variety of occupations.  USD’s physics graduates have continued on in graduate programs in physics, chemistry, and mathematics; have entered medical and law schools; and have found employment in industry.

SCHOLARSHIPS

• Joseph F. and Martha P. Nelson Scholarship (available to Physics majors)
• G. I. Moller Scholarship (available to upper-level Physics majors)
• Harrington Book Award (available to upper-level Physics majors)