Department of Physics

Antecedent Departments

Chemistry, Physics and Electrical Engineering (1954–1955)
Physics (1955–Present)

Department Heads 1954–1956 Col James V.G. Wilson 1956–1957 Col Edwin W. Brown 1957–1959 Lt Col Bennett E. Robertson 1959–1961 Col Archie Higdon 1961–1963 Col Gustav E. Lundquist 1963–1965 Lt Col Paul Baker Jr 1965–1966 Lt Col George W. Brock 1966–1969 Col Anthony J. Mione 1969–1970 Col William T. Haidler 1970–1971 Lt Col Jack T. Humphries 1971–1974 Col Mione 1974–1978 Col William A. Orth 1978–1980 Lt Col Winston K. Pendleton 1980–1984 Col John T. May 1984–1987 Lt Col David J. Evans 1987–1994 Col James H. Head 1994–1996 Col Rolf C. Enger 1996–2004 Col Head 2004–2006 Lt Col Ryan K. Haaland 2006–2011 Col Rex R. Kiziah 2011–2013 Lt Col Brian D. Griffith 2018– Col Kiziah		Permanent Professors Archie Higdon John Mione   Bill Orth John May   Jim Head Rex Kiziah

The Department Today:

The department provides calculus-based physics courses for all cadets with emphasis on Newtonian mechanics, conservation principles, rotational motion, gravitation, orbital mechanics, wave motion, electrostatics, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic waves, and physical optics. Physics majors choose a concentration; common choices include Astronomy, Laser Physics/Optics, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Weapons and Strategy, and Space Physics. The department offers meteorology courses in compliance with the World Meteorology Organization requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Sciences.

Curriculum:

The department offers 27 Physics and 4 Meteorology courses.
    Core Courses: 
         Physics 110. General Physics I with Laboratory
         Physics 215. General Physics II with Laboratory (Basic Science Option)
         Physics 264. Modern Physics (Advanced STEM Choice)
         Physics 371. Astronomy (Advanced STEM Choice)
         Meteor 320. Intro. to Meteorology and Aviation Weather (Advanced STEM Choice)
    Majors:  Physics
         Meteorology (joint with Economics and Geosciences)
    Minor:  Nuclear Weapons and Strategy (Interdisciplinary)

Noteworthy:

The department is home to major research centers that support faculty and cadets in developing real-world solutions to enhance the capabilities of the Air Force and Department of Defense. These are the Laser and Optics Research Center, the Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center, and the Center for Space Situational Awareness Research. Additionally, the Astronomical Research Group and Observatory conducts near-Earth and deep-space research including space object tracking. The Center for Physics Education Research engages in pedagogical innovation and the application of technology to the learning experience.