Brigham Young University. Department of Physics and Astronomy
Dates
- Existence: 1972-
Administrative History
The Department of Physics and Astronomy (1972-) provides curriculum in physics and astronomy to prepare students for careers in those fields.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy, previously called the Department of Physics, was created in 1972 and placed in the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences. In 1973 the department was moved to the newly formed College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. The curriculum of the Department of Physics and Astronomy is designed to provide 1) training for students who intend to pursue graduate work in physics or astronomy; 2) preparation for students who intend to enter industrial or governmental service as physicists or astronomers; 3) a fundamental background for other physical sciences and engineering; 4) the broadening program required by the biological science, premedical, predental, and nursing programs; 5) training in the subject matter of physics for prospective teachers of the physical sciences; and 6) a perspective of science and an introduction to the role of physics in the human quest for understanding.
The Department Chairmen have included John H. Gardner (1972-1973), B. Kent Harrison (1973-1980), Howard B. Vanfleet (1980-1989), Daniel L. Decker (1989-1995), Dorian M. Hatch (1995-2001), R. Steven Turley (2001-2004), Scott D. Sommerfeldt (2004-2008), and Ross Spencer (2008- ).
Citation:
BYU Organizational History Project, website viewed Oct. 31, 2012: Dept. of Physics and Astronomy (1972-, Dept. of Physics, College of Physical and Engineering Sciences, 1973, College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, training for graduate work, industrial or governmental service, physicists, astronomers, background for physical sciences, engineering, broadening program, biological science, premedical, predental, nursing, training prospective teachers, role of physics, human quest, John H. Gardner (1972-1973), B. Kent Harrison (1973-1980), Howard B. Vanfleet (1980-1989), Daniel L. Decker (1989-1995), Dorian M. Hatch (1995-2001), R. Steven Turley (2001-2004), Scott D. Sommerfeldt (2004-2008), and Ross Spencer (2008- ))Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:
Department of Physics and Astronomy printed materials, 1959-1975
Department meeting minutes, classroom instructional material, forms and form letters, newsletters, and department reports.
Department of Physics and Astronomy records, 1982-1993
Contains an examination for a physics course taught by H. B. Vanfleet in 1993, in addition to correspondence about a physics annual committee meeting that he attended in 1982.
Graduate Studies records on Department of Physics and Astronomy, 1992-1999
Materials are related to the graduate program of the Department of Physics and Astronomy from 1992 to 1999. Materials include reports, department reviews, and proposals.
H. B. Vanfleet research files, 1978-1995
Contains Vanfleet's research files on various topics within physics including diffusion, electricity, nuclear physics, and quantum mechanics. Files date from 1978 to 1995.