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, coursework in physics and applied physics affords students three broad options upon graduation. They will be well-prepared to pursue graduate study in physics, engineering, or an allied field; to embark immediately upon a professional STEM career, in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; 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 Capstone Research 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 1.5-meter grating spectrometer; HeNe and diode lasers including a 20 Watt diode array; a spectrum analyzer; magnetometers; dual-frequency GPS receivers; a signal digitizer; nuclear counters; a wavemeter (accurate to 0.001 nm); diffusion and turbo vacuum pumps; and modern computers which interface with digital multimeters through LabVIEW.

Students with an interest in astronomy also have access to the Breyo Observatory, an 0.7-meter optical telescope with a modern CCD camera and spectrograph and state-of-the-art astronomical analysis software, and have the option of minoring in astrophysics.

For students interested in engineering, the department also offers a B.S. in applied physics with two specialized tracks which focus on how physics applies to mechanical or electrical engineering. Both tracks require a common set of physics and math courses, but they differ in the emphasis of the engineering courses. The mechanical track is suitable for students who are interested in mechanical, civil, aerospace, or biomechanical engineering. The electrical track provides a solid foundation in analog and digital circuit analysis and design as well as the underlying theories of electricity and magnetism for students who are interested in a career or graduate school in electrical engineering.

The capstone, project-based course for both applied physics tracks is an Engineering Design course. Here, students work together in teams to complete all aspects of an engineering design and product/prototype development project, from conceptual design and 3D modeling and simulation, to prototyping, manufacturing, and testing. For this and all engineering courses, students have access to a wide array of tools, including bench tools, power saws, drill presses, a 14-inch band saw, precision measurement tools, lathe, mill, and laser-cutting tools, as well as 3D printers.

Siena also currently maintains articulation agreements with several engineering schools. The 4+1 engineering program with Clarkson University provides a unique opportunity for students to obtain a masters degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, energy systems engineering, or engineering and management by completing a one-year program at the Clarkson University Capital Region Campus in Schenectady, NY after completing the B.S. degree in Applied Physics or Physics at Siena.

Alternatively, the 3+2 engineering program allows students to obtain a B.S. degree from Siena and a B.E. degree in an engineering field of their choosing from either Clarkson University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, or SUNY Binghamton in a total of five years.

Finally, the Physics Department supports students interested in teaching. In order to obtain their teacher certification in a secondary school, students must complete the physics degree requirements as well as 30 hours of education coursework and a minimum of one semester of a foreign language. 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

Bachelor of Science with Certification

Physics, B.S. with Education Certification

Minor

Courses

Applied Physics

Astronomy

Physics