We teach all physics and general science courses using the student-centered learning method.  Years of physics education research has shown that traditional lectures are ineffective in enhancing student learning.  As a result, several pedegogical methods have been devised all of which minimize class lectures.  We have adopted a blend of methods that include interactive lecture demonstrations, context-rich problem solving, and hands-on discovery-based activities. Using this approach, we confront students with their often deep misconceptions of science through carefully crafted curricular material.

We have traditionally held small class sizes with personalized attention and instruction.  Currently, there are 3 full time and 2 part time faculty members in the Department.  The Department currently has about 20 physics majors and, on average, graduates about 4 students per year.  The advanced physics classes, typically, have between 5-10 students, while the general physics classes are restricted to 25 students.  This means we have a small student to faculty ratio and can develop closer relationships with our students.

We are dedicated to providing students with the essential skills and knowledge required to pursue a wide range of professional careers.  A large number of physics majors have been admitted to highly ranked universities to pursue graduate studies in physics.  Examples include the University of Maryland, University of Pennsylvania, College of William and Mary, Purdue University and Washington University at St.Louis.  Alumni of the Physics Department have also gone on to succesful professional positions in private companies, industry, engineering, the US Army, and local software companies.  Due to the proximity of NASA-Goddard and the I-270-technology corridor, some of the students recieve local summer internships.

All physics majors are required to participate in directed physics projects.   Interested majors play an active role in the research programs of faculty.  Students gain hands-on experience with the latest research techniques in the fields of Solid State Physics, Nonlinear Optics, and Physics Education.  Such student-faculty collaboration provides students the opportunity to present their papers at local and national meetings as well as co-author publications.

The Department also has active research programs in Solid State Physics, Nonlinear Optics, and Physics Education Research.

The Solid State Physics Laboratory features:

• Computer controlled thermoluminescence apparatus including photomultiplier tube
• Optical Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) setup for studying the luminescence properties of luminescencent materials
• Time-Resolved Optical Luminescence setup (TR-OSL) for measureing the luminescence lifetimes of optical materials
• UV and Beta irradiation chambers
• Sample preparation setup
• Several computer-interfaced UV/VIS spectrometers for studying the optical properties of thermoluminescent crystals.

The Nonlinear Optics Laboratory features:

• Nitrogen-pumped dye-laser system producing 7 ns pulses
• Melles-Griot air-cooled, tunable argon-ion laser system (9 lines available) with about 130 mW each at 514 nm and 488 nm.
• Omnichrome air-cooled, sealed cavity argon-ion laser operating at 488 nm with about 50 mW
• Hands-on helium-neon laser operating at 632.8 nm
• 7 mW polarized HeNe laser also operating at 632.8 nm
• 0.48 m monochromator with computer interface from CVI
• Tektronix 500 MHz digital storage oscilloscope
• Burliegh optical spectrum analyzer
• Laser beam profiler and Temperature controller from Thorlabs
• Low current amplifier, lock-in amplifier, and optical chopper from Stanford Research
• Laser power meters and photodetectors from Newport, Melles Griot, and Thorlabs
• Research Grade optical components and holders from Melles-Griot, Thorlabs, New Focus, and Newport
• Research Grade optical table from Newport and refurbished by Vere

The Physics Education Research Laboratory features:

• A neutral enviornment for conducting and transcribing student interviews
• A workstation to build and develop interactive lecture demonstrations
• New 8" telescope with CCD camera