Department of Physics

Science and technology have come to play such a great role in today’s world that one may safely state that no educated person can live and contribute to life and society without a substantial understanding, if not training, in the sciences. Upon this conviction is built one of AUS’ principles: that no student shall graduate without having passed at least two courses in general science. The Department of Physics considers it one of its prime goals to fulfill this important mission by emphasizing two of the College of Arts and Sciences’ main objectives, namely: (1) making the students master quantitative reasoning, scientific inquiry and method; and (2) developing their critical ability to analyze and synthesize data and information. The department thus offers non-technical courses in physics and astronomy that are particularly appropriate for students from the non-science/technology areas, such as business, architecture, humanities and social sciences.

Looking at our world from another angle, one realizes that the environment is changing (one should say “being changed”) so fast that studies and research in this field become an urgent task for scientists (and others) to undertake. Changes brought upon by industries, fuel and energy consumption, and technology (from remote sensing to nuclear waste disposal and electromagnetic radiation) make it a priority to devote some of our human resources to understand and monitor these effects.

The Department of Physics provides the fundamental training required by students majoring in other disciplines, particularly the engineering fields. The department thus strives to provide students with a solid grounding in the basic principles and methods of physics.

The department also considers it as part of its mission to encourage its faculty to perform original research in their fields of expertise as well as explore new pedagogical methods that are susceptible to providing better and more effective teaching approaches. It also strives to provide a supportive work environment for students, faculty and staff.