Physics

Physics is the study of the fundamental ways that Nature behaves. Physical laws provide the basis for understanding processes in all the natural sciences, including chemistry, geology, astronomy, and biology. Physics students at CWU pursue the intellectual excitement of investigating natural phenomena, including light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of matter. In the process, students acquire valuable experience in problem solving, quantitative reasoning, and experimental design, and develop habits of independent study and self improvement essential to success after graduation.

Student Scholarship Opportunities

Two departmental scholarships are available for incoming freshmen and transfer students arriving in Fall, 2008, who plan to major in physics. Details can be found at the CWU Scholarship Office web site.

CWU Physics students receive national SPS research award.

The CWU chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) received a research award from the Sigma Pi Sigma national physics honors society. The project, "Electronic Realization of Chaotic Systems", was one of only five proposals funded nationwide by this program. Student David Cross and faculty project advisor Dr. Michael Braunstein were the lead authors of the proposal. The research will be conducted by several members of the SPS chapter at CWU (the "physics club"). Professor Sharon Rosell is the faculty advisor for CWU SPS chapter. Photos of students at work on the project are featured on the national SPS web page.