The tutorial programs in the Physics and Astronomy Department offer unique opportunities for exceptional students. Majors engage in an in-depth study of physics and related fields, while broadening their knowledge in subjects suiting their individual interests. Graduates of the program may go on to jobs in a variety of scientific and technical fields, or choose to pursue graduate study and careers in research.

At the heart of the program is the tutorial, in which the student studies selected material in a given subject area under the guidance of a faculty member acting as tutor. At individual weekly meetings, typically lasting about 90 minutes, the student and tutor discuss the weekly reading, solutions to problems, and other assignments. Tutorials continue through all four years of the program. Students typically spend one-quarter to one-third of their total time (and academic credit) in tutorials, the rest being in laboratories or in other required or elective classes.

Because the Honors Tutorial College has no specific general education (or "distribution") requirements, students are free to create unique courses of study in subjects outside their major fields according to personal taste. Physics and astronomy students frequently take courses in chemistry, biology, and computer science; but interest in areas much further afield, such as music, language, or history, is also very much encouraged.

Eligibility

Students are carefully selected by the Honors Tutorial College and the Physics and Astronomy Tutorial Board on the basis of superior ability and sustained motivation. The faculty look for good scores on standardized tests (650 or above on SAT quantitative or 30 or above on ACT math and natural sciences), but are also interested in a strong high school record (grade point average and class standing). The personalized aspects of the tutorial system occasionally make it possible to accept students who have performed less well on standardized measures of ability but who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in other ways.

Curricula

There are 3 separate programs available to HTC physics majors:

• Physics (major code BS1905)
  The Physics major begins with a solid foundation in classical and modern physics and laboratory techniques, leading to deeper study in more specialized areas including quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, nuclear and elementary particle physics, and condensed matter (or "solid state") physics. The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics is appropriate for students whose plans include graduate work in physics or a career in industrial research.

• Astrophysics (major code BS1931)
  The Bachelor of Science degree in Astrophysics is intended for students interested in pursuing graduate work in astronomy, or planning careers related to space science. The curriculum includes the same foundation as the Physics major, with astrophysics courses making up a significant part of the junior and senior years. The senior thesis (see below) is expected to be on an astrophysical topic.

• Engineering Physics (major code BS 1925)
  This program is offered jointly by the Physics and Astronomy Department and the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, and is described separately at the above link.

A double major can also be developed by the student in consultation with the Directors of Studies in the respective departments. Physics and mathematics is a popular double major, as is physics and chemistry. Unusually creative combinations are also possible; however, a student contemplating an unusual double major should be prepared to spend more than four years fulfilling the requirements of both programs.

Senior Thesis

The senior thesis is required for graduation with one of these degrees from the Honors Tutorial College. Research studies and thesis writing typically occupy a student part-time for one academic year. The topic can be in any of the fields listed below, or in some other area of physics as arranged with the student's advisor.

Research

Physics and astronomy students are strongly encouraged to gain experience as research assistants, either in the Physics and Astronomy Department's laboratories or through temporary internships at other universities, research centers, or national labs or observatories. Research work usually begins in earnest in the third or fourth year---though opportunities can sometimes arise earlier---and often becomes the basis of the student's senior thesis.

Research opportunities are available in the Department in the areas of:

• Condensed Matter and Surface Science--- creating, studying, and simulating the properties of new substances, such as thin magnetic films and semiconductors that produce blue light;

• Astronomy and Astrophysics--- studying the structure and evolution of galaxies and galaxy clusters, the power sources of quasars, and the nature of the gas in interstellar space;

• Nuclear and Particle Physics--- investigating how the basic building blocks of matter interact with each other, and how they combine to form the elements we know;

• Nonlinear Dynamics--- analyzing and controlling chaos and modeling the complex behavior of biological systems such as interacting neurons.

In addition, advanced students interested in teaching can sometimes be given paid appointments as teaching assistants in the elementary physics labs.

Required Courses

Courses required for the Physics and Astrophysics majors are listed below. In addition all students must satisfy the freshman and junior English Composition requirements. Not all courses must be taken in the years indicated; consult with your advisor and see the links below for "Typical Courses of Study" and the complete list of required courses for each major.

Physics:

1st year: Physics freshman seminar, Tutorials (mechanics, electricity & magnetism, heat, waves, optics, special relativity), Calculus

2nd year: Tutorials (quantum mechanics, nuclei & particles), Electronics Lab, Calculus, Differential Equations, Fourier Analysis

3rd year: Tutorials (advanced mechanics, special topics), Electrons, Photons, and Nucleons Labs, Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, Vector Analysis

4th year: Electricity and Magnetism, Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Senior Thesis

Astrophysics:

1st year: Physics freshman seminar, Tutorials (mechanics, electricity & magnetism, heat, waves, optics, special relativity), Calculus

2nd year: Tutorials (quantum mechanics, nuclei & particles), Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, Electronics Lab, Intro. Astrophysics, Stellar Astrophysics, Calculus, Differential Equations, Fourier Analysis

3rd year: Tutorials (advanced mechanics, special topics), Galactic Structure, Extragalactic Astr. & Cosmology, Electrons, Photons, and Nucleons Labs, Vector Analysis

4th year: Electricity and Magnetism, Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Observational Astrophysics, Senior Thesis

Grading

Physics and Astrophysics students take a mixture of tutorials and regular classes. For both, a syllabus at the beginning of the quarter will be given to the student that will outline the particular grading policy for the class or tutorial. Tutorials are usually graded by means of exams, homework and performance during the tutorial meetings.

Scholarships

The Physics and Astronomy Department annually awards Shipman Scholarships to qualified freshman majors. The Shipman award is currently $1500. There is also a special Shipman Scholarship for women and minorities. Award of a Shipman Scholarship does not preclude the awardee from receiving other Ohio University financial aid and scholarships.

Application Deadlines

The deadline for application for admission to the Honors Tutorial College for Fall Quarter is December 15. Interviews of qualified applicants are conducted in January. Applications for the Shipman Scholarships are accepted until February 1.