PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY 2007/2008
WHY STUDY PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER?
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Denver offers the MS and PhD degrees in a variety of areas of physics and astronomy. The department is particularly noted for its research in:
- experimental atmospheric spectroscopy and radiometry
- theoretical studies of molecular spectra
- atomic and molecular physics (excitation, ionization and charge transfer in atomic and molecular collisions using atomic/molecular/ion beam facilities)
- infrared astronomy (using the department’s Mount Evans summit observatory at 4,313 m and other facilities), galactic structure, the interstellar medium, solar-terrestrial and magnetospheric physics
- low-temperature materials physics, using nanofabrication techniques to control and measure properties of thin films and nanostructures down to 300 mK
- studies of high-resolution microcalorimeter X-ray and gamma-ray detectors
- research on transport and recombination effects of carriers in semiconductors, photoconductors and carbon nanotubes
- X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of ferroelectrics, superconductors and biomaterials
- studies of mechanical properties of environmentally interesting materials
The faculty carry out approximately $700,000 of sponsored research each year, funded by governmental and nongovernmental sources. There are excellent opportunities for graduate student participation in each of our research programs.
The PhD is the highest degree awarded and provides preparation for leadership roles in basic or applied research. Nearly all physics and astronomy faculty at universities and four-year colleges hold the doctoral degree.
The MS program prepares the student to join industrial or governmental laboratory research staffs, become members of planetarium or museum staffs, or become technical representatives of various organizations.
With additional work in education, MS graduates are well qualified to teach at the secondary or community college level.