Physics-PresbyterianCollege-Academics-ClintonSC

Our physics and engineering faculty focus on providing students a rigorous and experimental-based education.

We do this through small class sizes (we graduate roughly ten physics majors per year), faculty mentored research, and a dedication to the career aspirations of our students. As a physics student, you will enjoy opportunities for advanced research both on campus and elsewhere in United States or around the world. All students are required to perform research and present their research at a conference. Several students have published research papers in peer-reviewed physics journals.

The physics major at Presbyterian College provides a rigorous introduction to the philosophy, principles and methods of physics that prepares students for employment and for graduate school. The curriculum includes hands-on laboratories at all levels – from introductory to advanced – with integrated computer modeling and data analysis. Aside from research opportunities in faculty labs, usually funded by NSF and NASA, as a capstone to the major, all students complete an independent research project.

Research and projects have included:
  • Building novel prosthetics with 3D printing and integrated circuitry
  • Engineering braiding of ropes
  • Chronobiology studies and space weather
  • Granular physics
    Electron microscopy of tin whiskers for electronics
  • Earthquake development in Chile
  • Modeling and analysis of space storms and magnetospheric substorms