Physics Department

College of the Sciences
Ellensburg
Discovery Hall, room 139
Mail Stop 7422
509-963-2727
https://www.cwu.edu/academics/physics/

Faculty and Staff
Chair
Erin Craig, PhD

Professors
Michael Braunstein, PhD, nuclear physics, astronomy
Bruce Palmquist, PhD, science education
Andrew Piacsek, PhD, acoustics, computational physics

Associate Professors
Erin Craig, PhD, computational biophysics
Cassandra Fallscheer, PhD, astronomy
Nathan Kuwada, PhD, experimental biophysics
Darci Snowden, PhD, atmospheric physics
Benjamin White, PhD, condensed matter physics

Lecturers
Nathan Chapman, computional physics
John Weisenfeld

Visiting Faculty
M. Miron Zaini, PhD, medical physics

Staff
Rachel Foss, secretary senior
Deanna Marshall, program manager, northwest Earth and space sciences pathways
Addison Wenger, instructional and classroom technician III
Peter Zencak, instructional and classroom technician IV

Department Information

Overview

Physics is the study of the universe and its elements - from the interaction of subatomic particles and investigations in nanoscale science, to the motion of everyday objects, to the evolution of galaxies. Most businesses want people who can analyze complex situations and solve problems. CWU physics majors learn these skills along with computational and electronics skills. The physics curriculum includes theoretical courses as well as laboratory classes and research opportunities in state-of-the-art labs that provide the practical training relevant to both graduate school or professional work in science and engineering. Students can participate in the department’s award-winning Physics Club, Astronomy Club, Biophysics Club, and Rocketry Team. The CWU physics department offers several distinct career-focused degree tracks that provide an on-ramp to high-demand careers in Engineering, Medical Physics, STEM teaching, and more.

Physics Major BS (standard track):
Students in this degree track pursue careers in applied physics, fundamental physics research, software design, science writing, and other cutting-edge STEM applications. This degree track is recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in Physics.

Physics Major BS, Biophysics Specialization:
Biophysicists study the fundamental physical principles of life and applications of physics to medicine and bioengineering. The Biophysics Specialization has specialized courses and research opportunities in several areas of biophysics, including learning opportunities in the high-demand field of Medical Physics in coordination with regional industry partners. This degree track is recommended for students interested in pursuing careers or graduate studies in interdisciplinary STEM fields including Biophysics, Medical Physics, and Biomedical Engineering.

Physics Major BS, Engineering Specialization (part of a Dual-Degree Physics/Engineering Program):
The engineering specialization prepares students for careers in applied physics and engineering through participation in a Physics/Engineering Dual Degree program. Students in this program begin their studies at CWU and, after completing a specified curriculum, transfer to an engineering college at a partner institution where they complete a degree in engineering. Upon completion of the dual-degree program, students receive an engineering BS from the partner institution and a physics BS from CWU. The total length of time for both degrees is expected to be about five years, with approximately three years at CWU (dating from enrollment in MATH 172) and approximately two years at the engineering institution. At CWU, students must complete a minimum of 90 credits, including all general education requirements. The Physics BS, Engineering Specialization, may also be completed as a stand-alone program that leads to a Physics BS with emphasis on engineering applications.

Physics Major BA:
The Physics BA program is for students wanting a broad liberal arts education with an emphasis in physics. This is the appropriate major for students interested in teaching high school physics. It may be a suitable foundation for students who are planning a career that applies their physics skillset in another field, such as business, education, law, medicine, writing, environmental concerns, public safety, or computer programming. Students who successfully complete the Physics BA and STEM Teaching Program are eligible to apply for Washington State teacher certification.

Physics Minor:
The physics minor is an excellent complement to a variety of other science majors. It is also ideal for students who want to reinforce a liberal arts major with a technical background.

Astronomy Minor:
The astronomy minor is an excellent complement to a variety of other science majors. It is also ideal for students who want to reinforce a liberal arts major with a science background. Astronomy minors may not use any courses in this minor as physics major electives.

Department Standards

All students must meet with a physics academic advisor to map out an individualized course of study to complete their degree program. All physics majors must complete a portfolio of their work and accomplishments in physics. Physics majors are required to complete a research project and must have a research plan approved by their physics advisor prior to their junior year (or 2 academic years before their anticipated graduation date). All physics majors are required to participate in a total of 10 hours of community service or outreach activities and submit a physics outreach assessment form as part of their physics portfolio. A minimum of a 2.25 GPA is required for graduation.

National Physics Honor Society (Sigma Pi Sigma)

Students in the department’s BA and BS programs who demonstrate academic excellence and a high level of engagement with student clubs related to physics may be nominated by faculty for induction to Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society.

Course Offerings
Frequency of course offering information can be found at the department website: https://www.cwu.edu/academics/physics/ or by contacting the department directly.