Physics
As physicists, we use our creativity and a diverse array of problem-solving skills to probe the nature of the universe. Wheaton physics students enjoy the advantages of small classes (usually fewer than 10 students in upper-level courses), close contact with faculty, and camaraderie with fellow students. We offer an outstanding and individualized hands-on curriculum that challenges students to become involved in every stage of the problem-solving process. The mark of a Wheaton physics education at all levels is to complement rigorous coursework with experiences that call students to experiment, confront uncertainty, and make rational and informed decisions in order to probe more deeply into the problem.
By the time they graduate, all of our students have worked on original scientific research during the semester, over the summer, or as part of an honors thesis. Research in our department is concentrated in the areas of optics, lasers, astronomy, and planetary science. Students have co-authored papers published in top journals, and presented their research at national scientific meetings.
A sea on a moon of Saturn?
Associate Professor of Geology Geoffrey Collins and Assistant Professor Jason Goodman suggest there may be a sea of water trapped beneath the icy surface of Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons.
Ceramic Materials research group secures two grants
Physics Professor Xuesheng Chen's optical laser ceramic materials research secured two recent grants: $240,000 from the Department of Energy and $150,000 from the National Science Foundation.
Science literacy in the twenty-first century
Science is too important to be left to the scientists," says professor of astronomy Tim Barker without a hint of irony ...