Department of Physics and Astronomy

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The Department of Physics and Astronomy is an academic department within the College of Engineering and Science.

Contents

[edit] General Information

Physics is the most fundamental of the natural sciences, and it forms the basis upon which the study of other branches of science is founded. Physics is concerned with the fundamental behavior of matter and energy. Classical physics encompasses the fields of mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, acoustics and optics. Modern physics is concerned with the study of atoms and molecules, atomic nuclei, elementary particles and the properties of liquids, crystalline solids, and other materials. It also includes the study of the planets, stars, galaxies, and the areas of relativity, cosmology, and the large-scale structure of the universe.


[edit] Research

Clemson's Physics department contains a wide range of different research laboratories covering many fields including:

  • Astrophysics
  • Atmospheric and Space Physics
  • Biophysics
  • Materials Science
  • Nanomaterials
  • Solid State Physics
  • Surface Physics

[edit] Astrophysics

The Astrophysics department in primarily concerned with deep space. Topics of research include Nuclear Astrophysics, Supernovae, Gamma Ray Astronomy, and Stellar evolution. This portion of the department has access to a 0.9 meter optical telescope on Kitt Peak in Arizona.

Clemson Astrophysics Website

[edit] Atmospheric and Space Physics

Atmospheric Physics actually is focused on an area around earth which most people would consider space. Using rockets, balloons, and radar this section of the department probes the atmosphere 50km above sea level in an attempt to discover the mechanisms responsible for its motion and composition.

Clemson Atmospheric and Space Physics Website

[edit] Biophysics

The newest section of the Physics department. This section is under the direction of Dr. Pu-Chun Ke (pronounced like "tree") and researches a wide range of subjects such as using carbon nanotubes to deliver DNA into cells.

Clemson Biophysics Lab Website