Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibilityAbout the Department - Physics - La Sierra University
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About the Department

A female student with a plasma ball.

At La Sierra, we believe that all of God's creation is worth exploring, including, electrons, spinning asteroids, uranium isotopes, black holes and quantum entaglement.

In physics, faculty and students use their God-given curiosity to explore answers to questions big and small:

  • How does the spin of a baseball make it curve?
  • Why is the light of a laser so intense and pure in color?
  • What does it mean to study physics through the lens of faith?

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Physics Department faculty is to:
  1. Promote an appreciation of the relationship of the world to its Creator Jesus Christ;
  2. Appreciate the value and beauty of physics for understanding the physical world around them;
  3. Prepare students for post-baccalaureate studies in science;
  4. Provide service courses to other academic departments and programs.

Research opportunities

As a physics student, you will have incredible opportunities to work alongside professors both in and outside of the classroom.

  • During the school year and in the summer, assist professors with research.
  • Publish research findings with professors and other students in scholarly journals.
  • Collaborate on research with your fellow students and professors in small, upper-level courses.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Competency in Subject Areas
    1. Physics - Competency in Physics:
      • Students develop the ability to formulate, deconstruct, and solve complex physics problems using mathematics up through calculus, differential equations and linear algebra.
      • Students develop depth of understanding in the fundamental subject areas: mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal and statistical physics, and quantum mechanics as they relate to physical phenomena.
    2. Biophysics - Competency in Biophysics:
      • Students develop the ability to formulate, deconstruct, and solve complex biophysics problems using mathematics up through calculus.
      • Students develop depth of understanding in the fundamental subject areas: human body mechanics, properties of biological materials, biomedical imaging, cellular physics and statistical and thermal physics as they relate to physical and biophysical phenomena
  2. Computer Tools and Instrumentation:
    • Students use basic laboratory data analysis techniques, including distinguishing statistical and systematic errors, propagating errors, and representing data graphically.
    • Students effectively use mathematical and experimental software packages and equipment necessary for designing and implementing experiments in biophysics and physics.
  3. Communication of Scientific Material to Colleagues and the General Public:
    • Students communicate using presentations and written information using appropriate use of software and multimedia modes of communication. The communication should be well-organized, logical, and scientifically sound biophysics and physics.
  4. Preparation for Life After College:
    • Students are prepared for graduate study in physics, biophysics or other related disciplines.
    • Students are prepared for careers in scientifically oriented jobs in industry and business.

Get to Know Us

Faculty & Staff
About the Department

Degree Program

Biophysics
Physics

Contact and Location

physics@lasierra.edu
(951) 785-2136
San Fernando Hall, Room 206

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