What is Physics?
Physicists explore the nature of physical reality at its most fundamental level, from the icy depths of the South Pole to the hunt for the dark matter which is an important part of the universe. Physicists ask the fundamental questions - How did the universe begin? What is it made of? How can we exploit properties of matter?
What does a physicist do?
As a physics student at South Dakota Mines, you will explore the properties and laws that govern space, time, energy, and matter.
With physics at South Dakota Mines, you will learn to undertake duties a physicist might do, including:
• Planning and conducting scientific experiments to test theories
• Developing scientific theories and models that attempt to explain the properties of the natural world, such as the force of gravity or the interaction of sub-atomic particles
• Writing scientific papers
• Presenting research findings
• Exploring fundamental properties of materials
• Using complex math to analyze data
• Designing scientific equipment
• Developing computer software to analyze and model data
Courses for this Degree
• Vibrations, Waves, and Optics
• Experimental Physics Design
• Thermodynamics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Relativity
• Observational Astronomy
• Electromagnetism
Course Curriculum
Catalog Links: Physics
Internships and Co-ops
At South Dakota Mines, 73% of students gain real-world experience through internships, co-ops, and research at such places as Soudan Underground Laboratory and Sanford Underground Research Facility located in Lead, just an hour from campus. Our students earn an average salary of $22.62/hour on these internships and co-ops.