Department of Physics and Astronomy

University of Alaska Anchorage

* Physics Courses

  • Astronomy 103-104, Introductory Astronomy, plus Labs (4 cr).
  • Physics 101, Physics for Poets (3 cr).
  • Physics 123-124, Basic Physics (Algebra based)(2 x 3 cr), plus Labs (2 x 1 cr).
  • Physics 130, Introduction to Physics (3 cr).
  • Physics 211-212, General Physics (Calculus based)(2 x 3 cr), plus Labs (2 x 1 cr), (info on prerequisites).
  • Physics 303, Modern Physics (3 cr).
  • Physics 314, Electromagnetics (3 cr).
  • Physics 324, Electromagnetics II (3 cr).
  • Physics 320, Simulation of Physical Systems (3 cr) (New).
  • Physics 456, Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos (3 cr).
  • Physics 498, Individual Research (1-6 cr) .

    • * Physics Degrees

    MINOR:
    A total of 18 credits is required for a minor in physics:

    PHYS 211, 211L, 212, 212L        General Physics I and II with Labs   (8 credits)
    PHYS 303                                     Modern Physics                                 (3 credits)
    Upper-division Physics electives                                                             (7 credits).

    MAJOR:
    UAA curently does not offer a specific major in physics.
    Students interested in studying physics at UAA can either
    (a) construct their own study program through the Interdisciplinary Studies Baccalaureate degree, or
    (b) obtain a Natural Science Baccalaureate degree.

    * Physics People

  • Joy Barbee, Dept. Secretary, 333 Engineering, 786-1238, anjlb2
    •  
  • Dr. Don Martins, Prof. and Chair of Physics and Astronomy, 333A Engineering, 786-1094, afdhm
  • Dr. Jim Pantaleone, Prof. of Physics and Astronomy, 320 Engineering, 786-4786, afjtp
  • Greg Parrish, Prof. of Physics and Astronomy, 309 Engineering, 786-1348. afmgp
  • Dr. Katherine Rawlins, Asst. Prof. of Physics and Astronomy, 304 Engineering, 786-1709. afkr
  • Dr. Travis Rector, Asst. Prof. of Physics and Astronomy, 302 Engineering, 786-1242, rector
    •  
  • John Messer, Term. Prof. of Physics and Astronomy, afjom
  • Nataly Sears, Adjunct Prof. of Physics and Astronomy sears

    • * Physics Tutors

    The Physics Department employs a few upper division students as tutors for students enrolled
    in the Physics 123-124 or Physics 211-212 courses. Weekly tutoring hours will be posted on the Physics
    Department bulletin board on the third floor of the Engineering building.

    * Research Opportunities

    There are many possibilites for students to engage in physics projects at UAA---usually for
    credit,     sometimes for cash, always for fun!  The Physics 498 course allows students to earn 
    from 1 to 6 credits     working with UAA faculty members who do research in astronomy,
    astrophysics, neutrino physics, nonlinear dynamics, and particle physics    .  Also, there is always a demand
    for people who would like to help create new physics     lecture demonstrations. If you are interested,
    talk to your favorite faculty member about the possibilities.

    * Physics Resources

    UAA Chaos and Complexity Group.

    Synchronization of Metronomes.

    Web Resourses for the PHYS211-212 textbook---Serway and Beichner

    Study Tips for Introductory Physics Students.

    Statistics on Undergraduate Education. In particular, see the report, "Does it matter where I go to College?", where recent data show that physics bachelors from small and large departments have similar salaries and job satisfaction.

    University of Alaska Anchorage
    3211 Providence Drive
    Anchorage, AK 99508