Physics
College of Arts and Sciences
Do you want to look inside an atom, visualize the sound of a trumpet, or gaze on a supernova? Do you want to design a rocket engine that sends people into outer space or program a computer to simulate life? There are just a few things a physics major might do.
Our curriculum emphasizes doing, not just learning science, all courses give students the opportunity to work on experimental and theoretical projects. Students also have an opportunity to work with faculty on research projects white at Doane University.
Lied Science and Mathematics Building
- Features three physics labs
- Including state-of-the-art equipment for teaching physics and conducting research
- Photoelectric effect apparatus
- E/M apparatus
- Franck-Hertz Experiment apparatus
- Nuclear counting instrumentation
- Gamma-ray spectrometry instrumentation
- IR-visible spectrophotometer system
- Magnetic levitation apparatus
- Electron tubes
- Celestron C-8 telescopes
- 18" Starmaster Newtonian telescope
- A machine shop for student use
- A Physics Study Room
- The Physics Department has:
- An Amptek X-123 x-ray spectrometer
- Amptek Eclipse IV 45kV/50μA x-ray generator
- Amptek XRF-FP quantitative analysis software (x-ray fluorescence)
- Cenco 1 meter curved crystal spectrometer
- Newport RP Reliance 4’x6’ optics bench with accessories
- Newport 2'x2' table top optics bench
- Kodak Motion Corder Analyzer SR-Ultra (high-speed digital video- 10000 fps)
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The Doane Difference
Research and Campus Culture
Doane Physics students have unique undergraduate opportunities to perform research with faculty, including paid summer research projects. Not only with advantages in the classtoom, but students also have a plethora of other activities to be involved in - including athletics, theatre, music, student organizations, Greek life, and more.
Professional Development
Whether you plan on pursuing an advanced degree or a career directly after graduation, Doane Physics students are well-prepared for success through graduate school and internship/career placement.Â
Dual Degree Engineering Program
This program allows a student to earn a Bachelor's degree from Doane University in a major such as physics and a bachelor's of science in an engineering discipline in five years of study. Typically, students spend three years at Doane and then complete teh degree with two years of work at an engineering school.Â
Program Information
Biochemists and Biophysicists
2018 Median Pay: $93,280 per year
Job Outlook: +6% from 2018-28
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.Â
Physicists and Astronomers
2018 Median Pay: $119,580 per year
Job Outlook: +9% from 2018-28
Physicists and astronomers study the ways in which various forms of matter and energy interact.Â
Chemists and Materials Scientists
2018 Median Pay: $78,330 per year
Job Outlook: +4% from 2018-28
Chemists and materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and analyze the ways in which substances interact with one another.Â
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Source: bls.gov/ooh
Doane University’s Physics majors may participate in month, or semester-long internships, gaining hands-on work experience for college credit. Paid and unpaid internships are available.
Recent Physics majors have been placed with:
- Glentek, El Segundo, CA
- Nebraska Department of Roads, Lincoln, NE
- Square D Schneider Electric, Lincoln, NE
- U.S. STRATCOM Headquarters, Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, NE
View detailed course information
Complete the following core courses:
Complete the following cognates:
Complete A or B
A. General Emphasis
3 credits of PHY at the 300-400 level
Senior project sequence
B. Computational Physics Emphasis
Senior project sequence
Four-Year Plan
Society of Physics Students
The purpose of the Society of Physics Students is the advancement and diffusion of knowledge of physics, the encouragement of interest in physics throughout the academic and local communities, and the introduction of students to the professional community. The Society of Physics Students is a national organization for any college student interested in physics. The Doane University chapter is open to students of any major. Chapter activities seek to help students become contributing members of a professional community.
Project SERVE & Noyce Scholars
Pre-Engineering 3-2 Programs
Students may choose to enroll in a dual degree program for a B.A. or B.S. from Doane, and a B.S. in Engineering or Applied Science. Doane University has formal articulation agreements with the engineering programs at Columbia University (New York), the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, and Washing University (St. Louis). Normally, students attend Doane University for three years and complete the program with two years of study at an engineering school. Pre-engineering students may complete their studies at any accredited engineering school in the U.S.
Physics faculty and students regularly participate in the Doane University Summer Research Program, which pays students to work on a project during the summer. Students are also encouraged to participate in one of the many summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs available regionally and nationally.
Every Physics major, aside from those on the Teacher Education track, must complete a senior research project in a 3-semester research sequence. Students work closely with a faculty mentor to define the project, carry it out, and then report the results in a formal thesis and at the college’s undergraduate symposium, MindExpo, or at a regional or national meeting.
Doane is a good college. It is located in a very peaceful town.
Ryan Yu '21
Physics