Experiential Learning

Hands-On Physics Learning

Valpo’s Department of Physics and Astronomy gives students rich experiential learning opportunities—from collaborative research with faculty to senior thesis projects and national conference presentations. These hands-on experiences prepare students for careers, graduate programs, and scientific discovery.

First Things First

Let’s Explore

Research

Student Organizations

Outreach

Mathematics & Statistics Department

Honors Work

Students of exceptional ability may earn up to six credits toward graduation through supervised independent research. If this work meets certain requirements, they may be awarded Honors in Physics or Astronomy.

Course Catalog

Mathematics & Statistics Department

Research Opportunities

Collaborative Research

All of the department’s faculty are also active researchers and use their projects to mentor students. Professors and students regularly co-publish and present their findings from projects in the following sub-fields:

Independent Research

Every student majoring in the Department of Physics and Astronomy completes a senior research project before graduation. This work develops their research skills, analysis, and the communication of scientific findings.

In addition to writing a final report, students present their research at the Physics Colloquium. This has the additional benefit of allowing incoming students to learn about the process from their first year, creating a culture that celebrates student research.

Opportunities to Present Research

Students have the opportunity to share their research at regional and national conferences and at Valpo’s annual Symposium On Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression. Recent presentations by physics and astronomy students include:

A Long-Term Variability Study of Dying Low- and Intermediate-Mass Stars
PMMA Mechanical Test for the Medium Scale High Voltage Apparatus (MSHV)
The Effect of Lightning on Tropospheric Ozone Concentrations Over Valparaiso, Ind. in 2006 and 2007
A First-Principle Study of Small Neutral and Anionic Silver Halide Clusters
Compatibility of Photomultiplier Tube Operation with SQUIDs for a neutron EDM Experiment
Measuring Azimuthal Angular Resolutions in p↑+p → jet + X and p↑+ p → jet + π± + X
Measuring Quantum Conductance in Gold Nanowires
Measuring the Cosmic Ray Energy Spectrum
Characterizing the Frequency and Seasonal Dependence of the Sea Breeze in Houston, Texas and Its Impact on Surface Ozone
Using π0’s to Understand Proton Spin Structure through Polarized p+p Collisions at 1 < η < 2 and √s = 200 GeV at STAR

Cooperative Education

Qualified students may combine semesters in applied physics or research at a professional work site with other semesters of traditional academic studies on campus. Enrollment in this program is limited by the availability of positions offered by suitable cooperating companies.

Cooperative Education

Mathematics & Statistics Department

Student Organizations

Physics students can deepen their learning through the Valpo Society of Physics Students, Pre-Medical Arts Club, Club Educate, and Earthtones. The department also hosts a chapter of the honor society Sigma Pi Sigma.