Missions & Goals

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Mission

Using a combination of traditional and innovative teaching methods that stress critical thinking, the Department of Physics at Wake Forest University offers all students an opportunity to better understand the workings of the universe in which they live and prepares them for a variety of professional careers both inside and outside the scientific field. Our faculty members, internationally recognized for their work in astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, and quantum information sciences, advance knowledge and develop technology for the enrichment of humankind. Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students learn and conduct research with the faculty in an environment that emphasizes interdisciplinary study and collaboration. It is this combination of world-class research opportunities offered within the atmosphere of an intimate, top-ranked liberal-arts physics department that makes the Wake Forest Physics program so special.

Goals

In keeping with the University and College mission of faculty and students engaging in teaching and research in classrooms and laboratories, Physics faculty should endeavor to engage in teaching and researching with students so that all physics students will be (1) proficient in the fundamental concepts of physics – classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum mechanics. Physics students need to (2) use critical thinking skills to formulate and solve quantitative problems. (3) We expect students to master the scientific method by demonstrating the ability to articulate questions and hypotheses, and then apply physical techniques to answer the questions and/or test the hypotheses. Other goals for student learning include (4) demonstrating an ability to apply core physical concepts in practical environments; (5) presenting well-organized, logical, and scientifically sound oral and written technical reports; and (6) understanding the variety of career paths and opportunities that are open to students who have majored in physics.