Physics and Astronomy Department

Meet the Physics and Astronomy Faculty
Physics and Astronomy Webpage

The Department of Physics and Astronomy develops in its students a comprehensive grasp of the principles of physics. Our programs emphasize the concepts and techniques that lead to an understanding of the physical universe.

The department offers flexible yet comprehensive programs. Placed in the context of a liberal arts environment, physics affords students three broad options upon graduation. They will be 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 the Siena Physics program is the unstructured Advanced Laboratory sequence, in which students pursue projects of their choosing with the guidance of faculty advisors. Equipment from all lab courses (optics, electronics, modern physics, experimental techniques, mechanics, electromagnetic theory, and observational astronomy), plus additional specialized research equipment, is also available for these projects. Some example equipment includes: an X-ray diffractometer, a 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. Students also have access to the Breyo Observatory, a 0.7-meter optical telescope with a modern CCD camera and spectrograph and state-of-the-art astronomical analysis software.

Satisfactory performance in all laboratory work is necessary to obtain a passing grade in any Physics course that has a laboratory component.

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 from either Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, SUNY Binghamton, or Western New England University. The 4/1 program with Clarkson University provides a unique opportunity for students to obtain a masters degree in engineering by completing a one-year program at the Clarkson University Capital Region Campus in Schenectady, NY after completing the B.S. degree in Physics or Applied Physics at Siena.

Finally, the Physics Department offers a curriculum for those interested in teaching. To obtain a teacher certification in a secondary school, 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 a New York State Initial Certificate in Adolescence Education in the subject area of Physics.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Minor

Courses

Applied Physics

Astronomy

Physics