Atomic force microscope A physics student places a sample in our department's atomic force microscope. This type of microscope uses a sharp probe to "feel" the surface of a material and can be used to sense the position of bumps as small as individual atoms! Source David Sherwin
Dr. Tiffany Summerscales demonstrates that like charges repel using a Van de Graaff generator. A rubber belt in the generator carries electrons away from the metal dome, causing it, and anything touching it, to become positively charged. Individual hairs stand up as they are repelled by other hairs and the rest of the body. Source Clarissa Carbungco
Black holes and gravitational waves Merging black holes ripple space and time in this artist's concept. Pulsar-timing arrays—networks of the pulsing cores of dead stars—are one strategy for detecting these ripples, or gravitational waves, thought to be generated when two supermassive black holes merge into one. Source JPL/Swinburne Astronomy Productions
This image of a solar prominence was taken at the Kingman Observatory on March 8, 2019, using an 8-inch reflector telescope with a light-limiting red filter to highlight the Sun's chromosphere. A solar prominence is material ejected from the Sun's surface and is roughly the size of the Earth. The textured appearance of the Sun's surface is due to hot rising gases. Source Carson O'Ffill
Why Physics at Andrews?
- We're small. You won't get lost in the shuffle. You'll have ample opportunities to interact directly with all six PhD professors, each with an active research agenda. We offer full BS degrees in physics and in biophysics with all the benefits of a small, tutorial environment. We pride ourselves in our collaborative, mentoring atmosphere.
- We're family. We develop the whole person. You'll have unique opportunities to develop your communication skills through presentations and networking. Academic forums and faculty home environments will help you develop your spiritual priorities and religious worldviews. And of course, you will make lifelong friendships in "226," the special study area set aside for our majors. After you graduate, you'll have a lifetime e-mail home with us, too.
- We work hard together. We believe in students working side-by-side with teachers. Majors typically assist in teaching laboratories to supplement their income and experience. They also take advantage of the individual research they can do with our professors. What better way to prepare for the physics workplace?
- We reward excellence. Most majors qualify for departmental scholarships. These make great additions to your resume. Our students typically excel and we like to recognize that.
- Phone: 269-471-3430
- Toll-free: 866-471-3430
- Email: physics@andrews.edu