Physics

*** As of March 2013, the admission of new students into the Physics program has been suspended until further notice. Current students will be able to continue their progression in this program.***

Introduction

Physics is the study of the natural world, focusing on the fundamental nature of matter and energy, and interactions between the two. Physicists are engaged in understanding as much as they can about the workings of the universe, and the physics major at Manhattanville equips students to join this remarkable effort. However, training in physics develops skills in problem-solving, analysis, and applying knowledge that are essential to many disciplines and careers beyond scientific or industrial research, including engineering, medicine, business and finance, economics, and the law. A Manhattanville physics major is equipped for all of these careers and more, while acquiring the full benefits of a liberal arts education.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Optional Minors

Students can minor in Physics

Career Ideas

Consultant, Doctor, Engineer, Entrepreneur, High School Teacher, Physicist, Video Game Designer

Program Administrators

Austin Purves, department chair, 914-323-5334, austin.purves@mville.edu

Faculty and Staff

Department Chair

Austin Purves

Full-Time Faculty

Austin Purves

Adjunct Faculty

Pooja Pathak

Ilya Reznikov

Overview

The Physics Department offers a unique program that a student can realistically complete within three years. Students fulfill the major requirements by taking courses in advanced physics, mathematics, computer programming, and chemistry. Students will also take a senior research symposium, in which they apply knowledge gained through coursework to understanding current research and unsolved problems. Majors are also strongly encouraged to broaden their experience through summer research internships off campus. A physics minor allows students with multiple interests to benefit from some training in physics as well. The minor can typically be completed in two years.

The Department also offers a variety of general-interest courses designed for non-science majors, in which particular topics are explored as a way of understanding fundamental physics principles. At least one such course is offered every semester. Students interested in science are encouraged to take College Physics I & II or University Physics I & II. College Physics is the algebra based course designed to satisfy the requirements of pre-professional programs in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. University Physics, for which calculus is a co-requisite, covers similar material at a more advanced level and prepares the student for more advanced courses in physics and other natural sciences.

**NOTE THAT THE PHYSICS MAJOR REQUIREMENTS ARE EXPECTED TO CHANGE DURING THE 2016-2017 ACADEMIC YEAR. PLEASE SEE DEPARTMENT CHAIR FOR UPDATES.