Skip to main content

Brigham Young University. Department of Physics and Astronomy

 Organization

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 1 Collection or Record:

Alumni Association campus newsletter samples

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197231235331]
Identifier: UA 852
Scope and Contents Contains outlines concerning department and college responses relating to possible department newsletters and reunions. Includes newsletters from the following Brigham Young University organizations: Department of Animal Science, "Roundup," 1989-1991; Department of Microbiology, "The Micro-Scope," 1990, and "Department of Microbiology Newsletter," Department of Food Science and Nutrition, "FS & N News," 1991; College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences newsletter, "Interact," 1989;...
Dates: 1981-1991