Physics Major
Physics Option
Physical Science Option
Astronomy Minor
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The Department of Chemistry and Physics has a range of equipment available for student instruction and research in various areas of physics. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these resources to supplement their coursework.
We are currently (Fall 2008) installing a new, 14.5-in undergraduate-research-level telescope at our Selu Observatory. As student work from this telescope emerges it will be detailed here.
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We have become heavily involved in geophysical studies of the north polar ice cap using our OhmMapper capacitively coupled resistivity system and a ground penetrating radar system. Here, an RU physics major deploys the OhmMapper on the sea ice just off the coast near Barrow, Alaska. More studies in this area are planned. Click the picture for a higher-resolution version. |
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We have several telescopes on-campus which students in our introductory and advanced Astronomy classes use. In addition, students are encouraged to use these for research projects such as studies of sunspot patterns, etc. These telescopes include both 8-inch and 4-inch scopes, solar light-reduction and hydrogen-alpha filters, and CCD (deep-sky objects) and digital camera (planets, our moon, our sun [at right]) capabilities. |
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The observatory at Radford University's 380-acre Selu Conservancy is available for student research projects. The observatory is in the top of the "silo" next to the research/multipurpose barn. The observatory houses a Quester-7 telescope mounted on a computer-controlled Losmandy G-11 mount. An SBIG ST-5 CCD camera is attached to the telescope. |
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RU student using the OhmMapper electrical resistivity subsurface mapper in the RU Wellfield area for geophysical study of the local hydrology. Other geophysical equipment that we have include a cesium vapor magnetometer, a Pulse EKKO ground penetrating radar system, a Lacoste-Romberg gravimeter, a "homemade" galvanic electrical resistivity array, metal detectors, and seismic probes. |
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Our wind tunnel was built as a Senior Honors Thesis project. The tunnel illustrates some of the basic principles of fluid dynamics including Bernoulli's Principle, laminar and turbulent flow and the Reynolds number. Click the picture for a higher-resolution version. |
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HRPT (High Resolution Picture Transmission) antenna on the roof of Curie Hall (upper image). This antenna is constantly tracking a constellation of weather satellites, with particular emphasis on NOAA-15, NOAA-16 and NOAA-17. Images and data from this and the GOES antenna below are used for student research projects in environmental studies, satellite imagery, and various programming projects. The lower image shows our GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) antenna, pointing at GOES-8 over the equator at 70W longitude.
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Nathan Tatman (Physics '06) Senior Honors Thesis Matt Frazier (Physics '04) Senior Honors Thesis
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A growing number of our students are choosing to write a Senior Thesis in preparation for graduate school. Topics are chosen and research/study schedules are planned in conjunction with individual faculty members. Topics have included theoretical subjects such as gravitational waves and applied subjects such as wind tunnel design and studies. |
