Department of
Physics and Astronomy

Want to be Gainfully Employed Using Physics? Consider applying for Teaching Assistant or Lab Assistant position in the Physics and Astronomy Department. Applications are due Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 4:30 pm for Spring 2014 employment. The application form is available here. Weekly Seminar (Fridays at 3pm in Hagen Hall 325) Hands-on with Python by Matt Craig (MSUM Physics). (Click to see abstract) Python rocks; though your first introduction may have been limited to animations of blocks or solving differential equations, but it can do much more. This seminar will be HANDS-ON: if you have a laptop, bring one; if you don't have a laptop, bring a usb memory drive; if you have neither, COME ANYWAY and we will work in one of the computer labs. By the end of this workshop you will be able to: run python on your computer in a way that does not interfere with python for CS classes or PHYS 200/201. write and run an iPython notebook understand why this feels so true: http://xkcd.com/353/ choose a project (not necessarily science!) to explore further with python Before the seminar please go to http://moourl.com/yaypython and fill out the short survey (and follow any instructions you are given for installing python). Alternatively, scan this QR code to get to the survey: Department News Physics and Astronomy is helping with the 2014 MSUM Toothpick Bridge Competition for aspiring Engineers. (December 5, 2013) The MSUM Planetarium presents "Season of Light" Holiday Show. (December 5, 2013) Our department worked with Moorhead High School's robotics club to obtain a $5000 NASA Grant! (December 4, 2013) The Physics Club was awarded a "Distinguished Society of Physics Students (SPS) Chapter" designation by the National office of the SPS! (December 3, 2013)

Mission Statement Our mission is to provide excellent undergraduate instruction in physics and astronomy. In lower division courses, faculty use lecture demonstrations, cooperative learning methods, hands-on activities, and field trips to develop a broad working knowledge of physics. In upper division courses, in addition to the above methods, students learn through cooperative projects, research with faculty, and hands-on instrumentation and computation projects.

The MSUM Physics and Astronomy program is a student-centered program. We provide students with educational opportunities in the classroom and outside it in order to improve their preparation for a career using physics.

We have facilities including a nanotechnology and robotics lab, a student-built NMR machine, and the Paul P. Feder observatory.

Our faculty have high quality research programs in space physics, robotics, extragalactic, galactic, and solar system astrophysics, and physics education. Our undergraduate students participate in these research programs and gain experience to prepare them for careers in physics and related fields.

Contact Information
Office: Hagen Hall 307
Phone: (218) 477-2141
Email: lindellj@mnstate.edu

Send ground mail to:
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Minnesota State University Moorhead
1104 7th Avenue South, Hagen Hall 307
Moorhead, MN 56563

An interactive campus map of Minnesota State University Moorhead is available to find Hagen Hall.