Why study Physics and Astronomy at Drake
- The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Drake University
consists of 4 permanent faculty members, 4 laboratory instructors,
and 3 research scientists (also involved in teaching), providing a
student to instructor ratio of about 3/1 (see webpage on
department personnel and students).
- Students work closely with faculty receiving a lot of
personal attention in and out of the classroom. Faculty are always
available to help students and answer their questions. They
follow the student's progress in detail.
- The environment at the department is friendly and congenial.
Students are always encouraged in their studies. They are also
encouraged to work in teams, developing collaborative skills,
and to interact academically and socially (see webpage on
department personnel and students).
- The faculty are active researchers and students are offered participation
in research projects as early as their second year (depending on their
background and interest). Students often attend professional conferences
where they present their research work and co-author articles with
their faculty mentors (see webpage on
research activities).
- Students are helped to obtain summer internships at other
universities and national laboratories to obtain further research
experience in various environments (see webpage on
department news).
- Practically all the department graduates are admitted to
prestigious graduate schools for Ph.D. programs. Some students
who take Physics or Astronomy as pre-med are admitted to top
quality medical schools (see webpage on
department news).
- The department has a chapter of the Society of Physics
Students, engaging in student research grant proposals,
outreach programs, and social activities (see webpages
on department news
and department personnel and students).
- The department and Drake University offer
scholarships. The department
administers the prestigious
Physics Prize Test
once a year. The winner receives a full scholarship.
- The department operates the municipal observatory
which gives astronomy students hands-on experience and
the opportunity to participate in public educational programs.
- The department emphasizes diversity, actively seeking to
enroll students from groups that are underrepresented in science
and to welcome them in the physics and astronomy community.
Extensive information for prospective students is available
HERE.
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Physics & Astronomy Home Page