Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy

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Harry D. Downing, chair
Cole STEM Building, Room 207A
Phone: (936) 468-3001
Fax: (936) 468-4448
P.O. Box 13044, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
Email: hdowning@sfasu.edu
Web: physics.sfasu.edu

Faculty

Regents Professors
Thomas O. Callaway (1998-99)
Harry D. Downing (2013-14)
Norman L. Markworth (2000-01)

Professors
W. Dan Bruton, Joseph A. Musser, Walter L. Trikosko

Associate Professor
Robert B. Friedfeld

Assistant Professors
James T. Adams, Christopher J. Aul, Hector A. Ochoa

Lecturers
Edward J. Michaels, Ali A. Piran, Collin J. Timmons

Objectives

The courses in physics, engineering and astronomy are designed to acquaint students with the general all-embracing principles that are the foundations of the present understanding of physics, engineering and astronomy, and to furnish experiences in lecture and laboratory that will develop scientific attitudes, insights and techniques. The department seeks to prepare students for graduate study or to provide students preparing to teach at the pre-college level with a background appropriate with their needs; to provide students with the physics and engineering background required for work in engineering, related sciences and medicine; and to assist non-science majors in developing an insight into the physical aspects of our environment and the extensive scientific activity of our society.

Physics Freshman Scholarships and Financial Aid

In addition to those opportunities provided through the Office of Student Financial Assistance , the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy offers a number of scholarships to well-qualified students majoring in physics or engineering physics. Inquiries regarding scholarships should be directed to the chair of the physics, engineering and astronomy department. Beginning freshmen are advised to make application for a scholarship during their senior year in high school. Part-time employment opportunities within the department are usually available to physics majors and minors, astronomy minors, engineering physics majors, and engineering minors who have completed, with good academic records, a portion of their physics, engineering and astronomy courses.

Student Organizations

The Society of Physics Students at SFA has been extremely active since the 1970s. The club is a support organization involved with activities that serve the department, the university and the local public. These activities include public viewing sessions at the SFA Observatory, STEM Day and Physics Magic Shows for underprivileged children. Since 1990, the club has won 24 national Outstanding Chapter awards. Twelve to 16 students each semester attend the Society of Physics Students Zone 13 meetings held in conjunction with the Texas Sections of the American Association of Physics Teachers and the American Physical Society.

The Engineering Student Organization was started in 2015 alongside the new engineering physics degree offered at SFA. This is a group of individuals who share an interest in engineering and participate in engineering projects stemming from the department, university and in public outreach settings. Activities include involvement with major engineering societies’ project-based competitions, like those held by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The organization also is home to student-led projects, study groups for engineering courses and opportunities to interact with faculty members on research endeavors.

Programs

• Physics, B.S.

• Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering Concentration, B.S.
• Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering Concentration, B.S.

• Physics/Engineering Dual Degree, B.S.

• Astronomy Minor
• Engineering Minor
• Physics Minor

• Physical Science Teaching Certification

• Pre-Engineering

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