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Physics Strategic Plan
Our mission: The mission of the Idaho State University Department of Physics is to pursue cutting edge research in both fundamental and applied physics, and to train of the next generation of physical scientists, technicians, and educators. Overview: The Idaho State University Department of Physics is actively engaged in a variety of cutting edge research pursuits, all of which focus on the use of experimental nuclear physics techniques to address problems in both fundamental and applied science. Ma jor efforts include: • nuclear non-proliferation and homeland security • radiation effects in materials and devices • nuclear reactor fuel cycle physics • accelerator applications • biology • fundamental nuclear and particle physics Strategic Plan: ISU’s strategic plan has six complementary goals. These are summarized by Access, Learning, Research, Service, Faculty, and Support. Goal 1: Access The department’s primary mission is to provide quality research and education in the physical sciences. Our plan to improve graduate and undergraduate access includes delivery of more courses in Idaho Falls, and to add more emphasis to our undergraduate program. Our goal is to create new degree programs and emphases that are: (a) con- sistent with and build upon our existing strengths in nuclear science, (b), are “low cost”, in the sense that in addition to requiring little additional financial and human resources, they do not add to our teaching burden, (c), consistent with the broader ISU mission of health sciences and, (d), boost enrollment in our programs. One of the degree programs that we propose to add are a D.A. program for students that wish to pursue a career of teaching in high schools or 2-4 year colleges. Similarly, we plan to pursue an M.A. program that is also focused on careers in teaching. In both cases, the coursework would utilize existing classes. The new degree emphases that we wish to pursue are a “bio-science” track to our B.A. physics degree for health-science and teacher career options. This is simi- lar to the bio-science track of our health physics B.S. degree. In addition, we wish to pursue a pre-med focus to our B.S. program which is designed for students that are interested in medical school. This would be particularly attractive to those who wish to become medical doctors since physics ma jors have a higher acceptance rate to medical schools than from any other discipline. Both of these emphases should bolster our enrollment and make a degree in physics accessible and useful to a wider range of students at minimal cost. Goal 2: Learning By making our courses more accessible to a wider variety of students, we seek to double our number of undergraduate ma jors and student enrollment and thereby increase ISU’s contribution to the scientific and intellectual capital of Idaho. We note that we have more than doubled both our graduate and undergraduate enrollment in the last three years, and we seek to do this again in the coming five years. At the same time, we aim to raise the caliber of our students through active recruiting both locally and internationally. We feel that the previously mentioned degree initiatives will greatly increase the number of students of local origin whom we serve. At the international level, we are actively pursuing formal agreements with institutions at Tbilisi State University (Georgia), Kharkov National University (Ukraine), and the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil). These agreements will involve the participation of bright and highly motivated students from around the world, and the ISU Department of Physics seeks the support of the ISU administration in these efforts. Since the great strength of the modern research university is its interweaving of the research and teaching missions, a high priority for our department will be the recruitment and retaining of faculty with strong interests in both research and gradu- ate education. In particular, we seek to recognize and reward, to the extent possible, the mentoring of graduate students. Goal 3: Research We will continue to raise the research profile of our department in a manner which enhances, rather than detracts from, our teaching mission. First, this will involve increasing our faculty numbers. Secondly, we seek to increase and diversify our external funding. Approximately 85% of the regular, tenure track faculty in the department have external funding, averaging about $400 thousand per faculty 2 member per year and resulting in a prolific record of scientific publications. However much of the external funds coming to physics faculty (through the department or the IAC) are either directly or indirectly DoD or DOE funds, and these are typically short-term (1-year) contracts. We need to diversify to other sources of funding such as the NSF, NASA, NIH, and the DHS (Department of Homeland Security). In addition, we have a strong need to fully utilize the physics department base- ment laboratory space. When the Physical Sciences building remodel was completed in 2002, a large amount of space (approximately 4000 square feet) in the basement was left unfinished. The current finished lab space is already at capacity. With the arrival of several new faculty in Fall 2006 and our emphasis on experimental physics, the conversion of this space to laboratory facilities is crucial. In addition to faculty and graduate research, finishing this lab space is also important for serving our un- dergraduate B.S. student’s senior pro ject research. Goal 4: Service The ISU Department of Physics plays an active role in service to the com- munity. We will continue our extensive program of outreach to elementary and high school students which includes numerous public physics lectures and demonstrations, as well as a summer program involving high school students in research. The Department will also seek to continue its contribution to the local econ- omy. One local company, Positron Systems, has already spun off from work done by faculty in our department. Also, plans are underway to commission a cyclotron for the production of isotopes for medical applications in a local hospital. We seek to contribute to the local economy is less direct ways, as well. As part of our goal of making the ISU Department of Physics a powerhouse of nuclear physics research, we are organizing two scientific conferences to increase our profile in the scientific community. For the summer of 2007, we plan to host both the meeting of the Northwest Section of the American Physical Society and the AccApp (Accelerator Applications) conferences. The later conference is expected to attract on the order of 300 physicists from around the world, thus contributing to business at local hotels and restaurants. Goal 5: Faculty In addition to good skills in classroom teaching, we will particularly focus on recruiting faculty who have a strong interest in mentoring graduate students and whose research interests are in line with the departmental focus of nuclear and health physics. We will also recruit those who will provide promising opportunities for ob- taining external funding and will enable students to obtain skills which are of value in the job market. We plan to do this by leveraging external grants and contracts to pay for them. In this regard, our connections to our external partners (such as INL, Jefferson Lab, Sandia, Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore and Lawrence Berkeley Lab- oratories) are important. We note in particular that the Jefferson Lab administration has expressed some interest in supporting a faculty member in accelerator physics. The pursuit of such opportunities will be an key part of our strategy in the upcoming five years.
Goal 6: Support
Our support staff are of value to our Department in a number of respects. The
secretarial staff often provide a public face to our students and play an important role
in generating a helpful and pleasant atmosphere conducive to high student retention.
As a department with a heavy emphasis on experimental work, our technical
staff are also essential. In this regard, we seek to stabilize the budget of the Idaho
Accelerator Center to provide a more secure source of funds which will enable the
long term retention of experienced and qualified technical staff.
In conclusion
The tra jectory of the ISU Department of Physics that has been established
over the course of the last several years has been a good one. In the next five years, we
plan to continue our trends of increased enrollments and external research funding,
and the addition of more first rate faculty. At this stage, the Department is by no
means “mature” in the sense that there are still a great many things which can be
done to improve it further. With the goals laid out here, we believe we can enhance
our effectiveness in executing our research, teaching and service missions.
Student Information (Kirsten)
Prospective Students
ISU and the ISU Physics department are happy to assist your entry into the ISU Physics program. The ISU Physics department uses the general admissions department to screen applicants for undergraduate studies. See the links below to start on your way.
Applying and Registering
- ISU Prospective Student
- How to Apply
- Financial Assistance
- Academic Advising (General Advising)Physics Advising is done by Dr.Wells
- Registration and Records
- Online Registration
- Transferring to ISU from another school
- Transfer Credit Evaluation
Program Description
- Physics Program Description
- Why ISU Physics?
- Physics Information Sheet
- Physics B.S. Course Schedule
- Facilities
Area Description
- Community Page
- Pocatello, Idaho
- Campus Tour
Research and Facilities
- IAC - Idaho Accelerator Center
- Beam Lab
Q & A
What does the Physics Program entail?
What do physicists do? Physicists work in industrial and government sectors, with jobs from research to production, even the financial and computer industries. Physicists are well suited to tasks that require stepwise problem solving skills. These skills include analytical and logical thinking, moderately advanced math skills, good observational and communicational skills.
How long will it take to graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Physics from ISU? The length of a student's education is dependent on the pace with which a student passes requried courses. However, if a student strictly follows the program outlined in the ISU Undergraduate Catalog, as approved by an advisor, it can be completed in eight regular semesters (Fall/Spring). A Masters of Science in Physics will take additional time. Please contact an advisor for more assistance.
Where is the Physics building located? It is located in the Physical Science Building: 785 S. 8th Ave. Pocatello, ID 83209
Physics Catalog
Campus Information
Recreation
Programs (Valeriia)& Classes (Tony)
Class Information
Resources for Current Physics Students
The ISU Physics department is actively concerned with the success of it's current physics students. Please select If you are a current ISU Physics student, the links below should help you advance your education. If these links to not meet your needs, please contact the ISU Physics Department.
Registration and Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance Academic Advising (General Advising) Physics Advising is done by Dr. Dan Dale Registration and Records Department Online Registration Undergraduate Catalog Physics Section of Undergraduate Catalog
Faculty and Staff
Contact an Instructor Current Graduate Students
Online Coursework -- by Professor
Hackworth, Martin
Online Coursework -- by Instructor
Martin Hackworth
Lectures
PHYS 152 -- Astronomy
PHYS111/112 -- General Physics (summer)
PHYS211/212 -- Engineering Physics
PHYS 325 -- Weather and Climate
Labs
PHYS101L -- Essentials of Physics Lab
PHYS 153 -- Astronomy Lab
PHYS 113/213 -- Physics Lab I
PHYS 114/214 -- Physics Lab II
Program In formation
Physics Programs
The ISU Department of Physics offers many degree options including a Physics minor, an Associate of Science, a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, a Ph.D. in Applied Physics and a Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Science in cooperation with the College of Engineering.
Please see the Physics section of the undergraduate catalog for required classes and more program information.
Undergraduate Programs
An Associates degree is available for those completing an introductory sequence of physics courses.
A Bachelor of Arts or minor in Physics are also available to aid students seeking an interdisciplinary education.
The Bachelor of Science program provides a core curriculum focusing on physics and related courses. Beyond the core curriculum the student may choose from physics and related courses in order to complete the degree. The program is designed to provide a flexible degree that can be used for a career in physics or closely related fields. The student should complete a B.S. before progressing to a Master of Science in physics. BS course requirements.
Graduate Programs
The Master of Science in Physics program is tailored to the student's needs. An appropriate faculty member should be consulted when tailoring the program to meet student needs.
The Master of Natural Science in Physics program is designed primarily for teachers and prospective teachers who want to improve their understanding of the subject matter of physics.
The Ph.D. Applied Physics is available in the areas of Radiation Science, Accelerator Applications and Applied Nuclear Physics.
RUE Program
http://physics.isu.dev.dewlinux.com/internships/reu.html
HS Intern Program
http://physics.isu.dev.dewlinux.com/internships/internship.html
Facilities & Research (Yujong)
Physics Facilities
ISU Physics Facilities
The ISU Physics department offices and facilities are located on the first floor of the Physical Science building, located at 785 S. 8th Ave., Pocatello, ID 83209.
Several facities are available for student and faculty use. Please use the links below for more information on those facilities available.
Beam Labs
18MeV and 6MeV LINACs
Van de Graaff Accelerators
Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC)
BREMS
Physics demonstrations and equipment available in the Department
Idaho Accelerator Center
Research
Research
The ISU Physics department conducts research specializing in the following areas.
Homelandsecurity/nuclear nonproliferation/nuclear safeguards
Environmental monitoring
Materials Science
General Health Physics
Accelerator Physics
Cross Cutting / Interdisciplinary Research
Photon activation analysis
Radiobiology
K -12 Educational Programs
In Service Teacher Programs
You may want to visit the pages of the Wells Research Group for more information on accelerator and applied nuclear physics research and collaborations.
People
Faculty (Hector)
Faculty
Beezhold, Wendland, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus beezwend@isu.edu
Bernabee, Kirsten, M.S. Instructor bernkirs@isu.edu
Calderon, Hector Visiting Assistant Professor caldhect@isu.edu
Chandler, Katherine Assistant Professor chankath@isu.edu
Cole, Phil, Ph.D. Associate Professor colephil@isu.edu
Dale, Dan, Ph.D. Professor daledani@isu.edu
Forest, Tony A., Ph.D. Associate Professor foretony@isu.edu
Gesell, Tom, Ph.D. Professor gesethom@isu.edu
Hackworth, Martin, M.S. Senior Lecturer/Lab Supervisor hackmart@isu.edu
Harmon, Frank, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus harmfran@isu.edu
Hunt, Alan, Ph.D. Associate Professor huntalan@isu.edu
Kim, Yujong, Ph.D. Assistant Professor yjkim@isu.edu
McNulty, Dustin, Ph.D. Assistant Professor mcnudust@isu.edu
Shropshire, Steve, Ph.D. Professor shrostev@isu.edu
Tatar, Erdinch (Eddie), Ph.D. Associate Professor tataerdi@isu.edu
Wells, Douglas, Ph.D. IAC Director, Physics Acting Department Chair welldoug@isu.edu
Staff
Nickell, Ben Systems Administrator nickbenj@isu.edu
O'Neill, Sandra Administrative Assistant oneisand@isu.edu
Alumni
Alumni
Support the Idaho State University department of Physics.
Your support is invaluable in creating a learning environment that allows the Idaho State University Department of Physics to improve the education of our graduates.
Increasing the number of scholarships helps accommodate well deserving students within our department.
Increasing the size of our endowment helps support the academic program by improving the effectiveness of physics demonstrations, the renovation and repair of our facilities, financial aid, support graduate research opportunities as well as many other needs and priorities.
Your support of the Physics Department helps many deserving students attending Idaho State University find success.
Pledge a donation to the Department of Physics (Be sure to check the college/department button and type "Physics" in to the text box.)
Special Events ( Eddy)
ISU Physics Events
Current Events
Current Events
ISU Physics and SPS Demo Show. Saturday, April 26th at 5pm. More information. Physics labs schedules: PHYS 153, 113/213, 114/214). For more information see the LAB FAQ for more info. American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) annual meeting was held March 23 - 24, 2007 at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.
Ongoing Activities
Departmental Colloquium Schedule Quarknet Idaho/Utah Chapter of the AAPT ISU Physics Demo Shows Physics Roadshow Schedule
Symposia
=Physics & Astronomy Buzz= Dan
ISU Physics Press Releases
News and Press Releases
The ISU Society of Physics Students (SPS) has earned the Blake Lilly Award by the American Institute of Physics for their science outreach to Idaho schools and community groups, and public science presentations.
Club members and physics faculty visit more than 40 schools and community groups a year for science presentations, activities, and workshops. They also organize a "Punk'n Chuck" competition and the Southeast Idaho Science Olympics, and present an annual public science demonstration show on the ISU campus.
The club is one of five SPS chapters nationwide to receive this award in 2011.
The Blake Lilly Prize recognizes SPS chapters and individuals who make a genuine effort to positively influence the attitudes of school children and the general public about physics.
An article on the ISU club's activities is posted on the National SPS web page at http://www.spsnational.org/programs/awards/2011/blake_lilly.htm, and will appear in the Fall 2011 issue of the "SPS Observer." The award consists of a plaque and a three-volume set of the Feynman Lectures on Physics.
Science in the News
Science News Headlines Science Daily Science News Online Science@NASA Headlines AAAS ScienceNow Science Friday