Brigham Young University. Department of Physics
Dates
- Existence: 1921 - 1972
Administrative History
The Department of Physics (1921-1972) was responsible for various courses in physics at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
The Department of Physics was established and placed in the College of Arts and Sciences in 1921 when the School of Arts and Sciences was abolished. In 1954 it was transferred to the newly formed College of Physical and Engineering Sciences. In 1972 the department was renamed the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
The Department of Physics was administered by a department chair, under the direction of the college dean. Department chairs of the Department of Physics included Carl F. Eyring (1921-1928, 1930-1937, 1939-1951), Milton Marshall (1929, 1938, 1951-1954), Wayne W. Hales (1955-1958), John H. Gardner (1961-1963, 1966-1972), Dwight R. Dixon (1964-1965).
The Department of Physics was responsible for teaching courses in: Elementary Physics, Household Physics, Mechanics and Sound, Electricity, Heat and Light, Molecular Physics and Heat, Electricity and Magnetism, Radio Instruments and Measurements, Optics and Astrophysics, Wave Motion, and History of Physics. By 1954 the department also taught courses in: Astronomy, Weather and Climate, Photography, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Mechanics, Physics of Air, Meteorology, Acoustics, and Nuclear Physics.
Citation:
BYU Organizational History Project, via WWW, viewed June 12, 2013: Department of Physics (est. 1921 and placed in the College of Arts and Sciences; 1954, transferred to College of Physical and Engineering Sciences; 1972, renamed Department of Physics and Astronomy; administered by department chair, under direction of college dean; department chairs included Carl F. Eyring (1921-1928, 1930-1937, 1939-1951), Milton Marshall (1929, 1938, 1951-1954), Wayne W. Hales (1955-1958), John H. Gardner (1961-1963, 1966-1972), Dwight R. Dixon (1964-1965); responsible for teaching courses in: Elementary Physics, Household Physics, Mechanics and Sound, Electricity, Heat and Light, Molecular Physics and Heat, Electricity and Magnetism, Radio Instruments and Measurements, Optics and Astrophysics, Wave Motion, and History of Physics; by 1954 the department also taught courses in: Astronomy, Weather and Climate, Photography, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Mechanics, Physics of Air, Meteorology, Acoustics, and Nuclear Physics)Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:
Atomic number dependence of neutral meson yield from proton bombardment
Contains outline, draft, and final form of Hales' PhD dissertation at the University of California at Berkeley. Also included are photographs, calculations, and a letter from Burton J. Moyer of the faculty at UC Berkeley.
Department of Physics and Astronomy planetarium records
Contains various materials concerning the Brigham Young University planetarium. Includes information about shows, programs, and various astronomy subjects. Also contains materials from other planetariums. Dates range from 1967 to 1999.
Department of Physics and Astronomy records
Contains files relating to the administration of the department, including correspondence, reports and recommendations, lists, and other materials pertaining to the Honors Program, extra compensation, NDEA, department facilities and the department budget. Also included are fact books relating to the Eyring Science Center.
Department of Physics collection of photographic equipment
Department of Physics department chair records
Contains materials from the Physics Department chair, including twenty-five mounted, photographic Lissajous figures and a reprint of the article, "Recording the Lissajous Figures" from The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. Also includes a mounted explanation of the process.
Department of Physics records
Includes correspondence from Cecil R. Oak, who was in charge of researching and constructing a Foucault's Pendulum at BYU (folder 18). Includes department records and correspondence concerning the curricula and administration of the Physics department.
E. John Eastmond papers
Dissertations, theses, class rolls, and grade proof lists. The dissertations and theses are those directed by Eastmond. The remaining materials relate to his teaching of physics at Brigham Young University.
Laboratory direction sheets in electricity and magnetism
Laboratory manuals for basic physics conaining 20 experiments.
Oral history interview with Wayne B. Hales
Interview by Edwin R. Kimball with Wayne B. Hales, concerning his experiences as a Brigham Young University student, and as a member of the BYU Athletic Council, his family and his experiences with other faculty and administrators at BYU. Includes transcript and sound recording.