Students are encouraged to do research in the Physics Department and may begin at any time in their undergraduate career. Students participate in research projects under faculty supervision for credit during either the fall or spring semester. Students may also register for an Independent Study during Summer Sessions I or II. By engaging in independent study, students develop a set of skills which will prepare them for success in any profession or career, and learn to communicate results effectively orally and in writing.
The best way to start the process of research is to investigate possibilities in your area of interest by visiting the People/Faculty page on the Physics website. View the profile and learn the area of interest and type of research conducted by the faculty. You may also do research with faculty who are not part of the Physics Department but still do physics-related research.
Students in the Honors Program in Physics are required by the College of Arts and Science to complete two successive terms of Independent Study in order to qualify for graduation with honors. See Honors Program for more information on the research for credit requirement of the honors track.
All requests for research with credit must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Fill out the independent study application form and have your Faculty Supervisor sign it. Make sure to include the number of credits that you will earn. Independent Study PHYS-UA 997 and 998 require 2 – 4 credits per term. Submit the form to Bill LePage, Program Administrator, Room 1005C, in order to receive a permission number to register.