Ave Maria University
As a physics major you engage in scientific inquiry based on the beauty and rationality of the material world. Here at Ave Maria University, your studies and lab work will bring you into contact with universal truths, so you will understand the world around you in a unique way. All while you discover the path for your future career!
Careers: Engineering, statistics, military, industrial laboratory, instructor
Physics majors are prepared to embark on a wide variety of post-baccalaureate careers. But your vocation in physics involves more than just science. Your studies and research at AMU, grounded in a Catholic liberal arts education, will prepare you to use science and technology to serve the common good.
Fast Fact: Past physics majors have done competitive research for undergraduate programs and internships.
In conjunction with the University’s Core curriculum, we strive to provide a first-rate education in the sciences and humanities in an environment that is authentically Catholic. In particular, we believe that the physical sciences are not simply technological disciplines, but are truly liberal arts in which we seek to know truth for its own sake.
Physics was born from the contemplation of the rationality of the material world. The Physics major provides students the opportunity to read the book of nature and to know the beauty of its composer.
“Things should be made as simple as possible, but not any simpler.” – Albert Einstein
“Our imagination is stretched to the utmost, not… to imagine things which are not really there, but just to comprehend those things which are.” – Richard Feynman
“The creation of Physics is the shared heritage of all mankind.” – Abdus Salam
Education: B.S., Chemistry, Providence College; M.S., Organic Chemistry, University of Rochester; Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, University of Rochester Office: Henkels 3050 Email: tony.barbosa@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 280-1584
Education: B.A., Chemistry Education, University of Northern Iowa; Ph.D., Analytical Chemistry, Iowa State University Office: Henkels 3032 Phone: (239) 304-7027 Email: ronald.freeze@avemaria.edu
Education: B.A., Mathematics, Ave Maria University; M.Ph., Physics, George Washington University; Ph.D., Physics, George Washington University Office: Henkels 3047A Email: daniel.sadasivan@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 348-4705
Education: B.Sc., Chemistry, Bowling Green State University; M.Sc., Chemistry, Northwestern University; Ph.D., Chemistry, Northwestern University Office: AB 3048 Email: stephen.thong@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 304-7940
Education: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico; M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University; Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, West Virginia University Office: AB 3038 Email: alex.tsai@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 280-1607
The physics major program at AMU has four points of emphasis:
What engineering possibilities exist at Ave Maria?
At this time, Ave Maria University offers a major and minor in computer science, but does not offer programs of study in engineering. Students interested in engineering may find that studying Physics or Mathematics is a satisfying alternative. Training in physics and mathematics, especially in a strong liberal arts context, provides a solid foundation upon which a variety of careers may be built. Furthermore, the physics, mathematics, and other courses offered at Ave Maria University satisfy many requirements for pre-engineering and computer science programs nationwide. Physics majors have enjoyed post-baccalaureate success and achievement in diverse fields.
Careers The American Physical Society (APS), http://www.aps.org, has data and distilled wisdom/advice pertinent to career arcs of physics majors. See especially: http://www.aps.org/careers/index.cfm.
Internships Past physics majors have participated in (external, competitive) Research Experience for Undergraduates programs and internships.
Required Courses
MATH 151 Calculus I MATH 250 Calculus II PHYS 221 University Physics I: Mechanics with Lab PHYS 222 University Physics II: Materials with Lab PHYS 223 University Physics III: Electricity and Magnetism with Lab PHYS 321 Modern Physics 2 Physics Electives level 330 and higher
Career Services prides itself on providing students, alumni and employers with the opportunity to connect. No matter where you are in your career search, whether it’s deciding on a path, preparing for your first job interview or working on graduate school or fellowship applications, we can help.
The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.
With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.
Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.