Physics

Physics is the fundamental science underlying the investigation of all natural phenomena. Its elegant experiments and fundamental theories have provided much of the advancements in present-day science and technology. From the smallest sub-atomic particles to the vastness of cosmic expansion, and at the intermediate scales of our lives, in such areas as solid-state electronics, superconductivity, biological function, and geologic events - physics profoundly impacts our understanding of nature and our ability to harness its secrets for the progress of human kind.

The B.A. in Physics is designed for students who are interested in physics, but wish to have a broader education in their undergraduate years. Students who complete this program will have enough background to go on to graduate school in physics, but the program is more appropriate for students who desire a working knowledge of basic physics in order to pursue allied careers in such areas as geophysics, biophysics, science and public policy, to name a few possibilities.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:

• The basic laws of physics, their corollaries, and comprehension of how they can be applied to explain specific natural phenomena
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills in physics, related to hypothesis building, application of the scientific method, and mathematical methods to analyze physics theories and experiments, and devise solution strategies.
• Laboratory skills and exposure to a variety of experiments illustrating important phenomena, measuring techniques, and qualitative analysis of data and uncertainty at appropriate levels
• Contemporary areas of physics inquiry
• Written and oral communication skills for presentation of scientific results

Introductory courses consist of large lectures given by a faculty member and smaller recitation sections that are taught by graduate teaching assistants. The lectures introduce the material and the recitations focus on applications and problem-solving. The lectures use many demonstrations to show physics principles in live action. Almost all the introductory lectures use personal response systems, where students use clickers to respond to the instructors’ questions. The homework assignments for the introductory courses are typically submitted online. We also offer purely online introductory courses during winter session.

The introductory lab courses explore basic topics such as forces, kinematics, friction, electrostatics and electric circuits. These experiments are designed to illustrate and expand upon topics taught in the introductory lecture courses.

It is necessary to apply for acceptance into any of the Physics programs. The acceptance criteria for students who have completed the relevant coursework at UB are given with the summaries for each degree program. Students who receive a 4 or 5 on the Physics C Mechanics AP exam, and the Physics C Electricity and Magnetism AP exam, can get credit for PHY 107 General Physics 1 and PHY 108/PHY 158 General Physics 2/General Physics 2 Lab, respectively. 

UB requires a minimum TOEFL score of 79 (Internet-based) or 550 (paper-based) in order to be considered for admission. Students scoring between 70 and 78 or 523 and 547 on the TOEFL may be admitted to the university on the condition that they register for and successfully complete additional English courses in their first semester.

Sekula Scholarship
Each year the department awards up to seven scholarships to undergraduate physics majors. This award is based on merit, as well as financial need.

National Scholarships
The Department of Physics encourages and supports student applications for prestigious national scholarships and fellowships, such as offered by the Goldwater, Fulbright and National Science Foundation programs.