Bachelor of Science in Physics

Program Description

The B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy capitalizes on the unique opportunity provided by UVI’s Virgin Islands Robotic Telescope (VIRT) at Etelman Observatory and our X-ray detector research partnership with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA – GSFC) to provide UVI students with a quality academic program in physics with authentic research experience in the subfield of astronomy and astrophysics.

Students will do research in one of UVI's many ongoing physics and astronomy research areas, including observational studies of gamma ray bursts, cataclysmic variables (CVs) and other variable astrophysics sources, current and historical analysis of weather characteristics and weather patterns in the VI, and development of new X-ray detectors for NASA's next generation of space-borne astrophysics observatories. The addition of these new skilled student researchers will aid faculty research projects, expanding research and faculty scholarship expectations and opportunities.

In addition, the Etelman Observatory has a strong community outreach program that will provide our Physics majors opportunities for public speaking and engagement. Student and faculty presentations will highlight ongoing research projects during these community events.

The B.S in Physics degree has three primary learning outcomes for students who complete the degree:

1.Mastery of the domain knowledge in the field of physics and fluency in domain knowledge in the field of astronomy

2.Mastery of the fundamental methods of scientific research, including research methods, laboratory skills, and proper treatment of uncertainty analysis

3.Mastery of communication skills including methods of communicating results to both technical and lay audiences.

Additional Information

For More Information Contact

Title	Name
Dean	Sandra Romano, PhD
Department Chair	Stanley Latesky, PhD
Program Coordinator	David Morris, PhD
Administrative Assistant	Julene Chapman