The physics profession plays a very important role in our modern technological society. The study of physics also provides an opportunity to probe and describe some of the most fundamental laws and phenomena in God’s creation. Roberts Wesleyan offers a strong physics program with a great amount of flexibility and personal attention to individual needs. This program provides a strong foundation and preparation from which the graduate can proceed in a variety of significant directions, some of which are described in what follows.

The first two years of this program include supporting courses in mathematics and computer science in addition to the introductory sequence of physics courses. The last two years include additional supporting courses in mathematics and chemistry along with the advanced physics courses. Advanced courses cover topics such as classical mechanics, optics, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics, and quantum physics. Because of the size of the program, not all of the advanced courses are offered at Roberts Wesleyan. Through the cross-registration program of the Rochester Area Colleges, one or two of the advanced courses will be taken at the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, or one of the other area colleges.

Requirements for the physics major are 30 semester hours of physics, 12 semester hours of mathematics, 4 semester hours of chemistry, and 4 semester hours of computer science. The general education program of the College adds breadth to the student’s experience, and therefore prepares graduates not only for a professional career, but for a meaningful and rewarding life.

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Highly-competent, well-prepared faculty in this program provide high-quality instruction. A flexible curriculum, including directed studies and independent studies, is tailored to meet the individual needs of students.

Well-equipped laboratory facilities and computer support of instruction make possible a program that has high quality. Opportunities exist to gain practical experience and income as assistants in the laboratory program.

Cross-registration in advanced physics courses at one of the other Rochester Area Colleges enriches the program and provides a broad exposure to instructional methods and facilities.

Graduates from this program may enter careers in industrial or governmental laboratories. In this case, the type of work is similar to that of an engineer. Work with computers is usually included.

Physics graduates may prepare themselves for teaching careers in secondary schools. Other graduates go on into graduate study in preparation for careers in physics research and/or college teaching.

There are many levels at which a given event or situation can be described. An exhaustive description on one level does not rule out meaningful descriptions on other levels. For example, consider various descriptions of a sunset. One might be a very comprehensive scientific description in terms of atmospheric absorption and scattering of different wavelengths of light. Another description might restrict itself to the effects of the sunset on the viewers. A third might be given at the level of the beauty and wonders of God and his creation. All of these can be valid descriptions of the same phenomenon.

God reveals himself to humans in many ways, including through Nature (God’s work) and through the Bible (God’s word). Isaac Newton referred to these as God’s two books. We should read both of God’s books, and the two books, if interpreted properly, are consistent and compatible.

Candice Bacon, Assistant Professor of Physics. Ph.D., University of Rochester, MN M.A., University of Rochester, B.A.,Bethel College. At RWC since 2006.

E-mail: bacon_candice@roberts.edu

W. Thomas Deever, M.B.A., Adjunct Associate Professor of Astronomy; B.S. Otterbein College; M.S., University of Rochester, Institute of Optics; M.B.A., University of Rochester, Executive Development Program. At RWC since 2000.

Gary L. Raduns, Professor of Mathematical Sciences. Ph.D., State University of New York at Binghamton. At RWC since 2001. Teaching specialties: Mathematics, statistics.
E-mail: raduns_gary@roberts.edu.

Mary Skalicky, M.S., Assistant Professor of Computer Science.  M.S., Rochester Institute of Technology.  At RWC since 2007.  Teaching specialty:  Java programming and web development. 

E-mail:  skalicky_mary@roberts.edu.

Karen J. Scheske M.A., State University of New York College at Brockport. At RWC since 1990. Teaching specialties: Mathematics, statistics.
E-mail: scheskek@roberts.edu