Physics and Astronomy Department

Meet the Physics and Astronomy Faculty
Physics and Astronomy Webpage

The Department of Physics and Astronomy aims to develop in its students a comprehensive grasp of the principles of physics. The program emphasizes the concepts and techniques that have led to our present state of understanding of the physical universe.

The department offers a flexible and comprehensive program. Placed in the context of a liberal arts environment, the generality and applicability of Physics grant the major three broad options upon graduation. He or she is well prepared to pursue graduate study in Physics or an allied field, to embark immediately upon a professional career in science, or to enter one of the numerous careers which require or are enhanced by a broad knowledge of science in today’s technological society.

Contributing to the flexibility of Siena’s Physics program is the unstructured Advanced Laboratory sequence in which students pursue projects of their choosing with the guidance of faculty advisors. The equipment of all lab courses (optics, electronics, modern physics and experimental techniques) plus the research equipment of the department are available for these projects. Some example equipment includes: an X-ray diffractometer, 1.5m grating spectrometer, HeNe and diode lasers including a 20W diode array, spectrum analyzer, magnetometers, dual frequency GPS receivers, signal digitizer, nuclear counters, wavemeter (accurate to 0.001 nm), diffusion and turbo vacuum pumps, and computers that interface with digital multimeters through Labview.

Satisfactory performance in all laboratory work is necessary to obtain a passing grade in any Physics course accompanied by a laboratory experience.

Siena currently has several articulation agreements available to students who are interested in obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering. The 3/2 program allows students to complete a B.S. degree from Siena and a B.E. degree from a cooperating engineering school in a total of five years. Students can complete the bachelor’s of engineering at Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, SUNY Binghamton, Manhattan College, or Western New England University. The 4/1 program with Clarkson University provides a unque opportunity for students to complete a master’s in engineering by completing a one-year program at Clarkson’s Schenectady campus after completing the B.S. degree in Physics or Applied Physics at Siena.

Education Certification: A curriculum is offered for those interested in teaching. For teacher certification in the secondary schools, students must complete 30 hours in Physics and cognate courses as outlined below. In addition, the student must achieve a minimum quality point average of 2.5 in Physics courses and 2.75 overall. Students successfully completing this program receive a B.S. in Physics and New York State Initial Certificate in Adolescence Education in the subject area of Physics.

Courses

Applied Physics

Astronomy

Physics