The Physics Department of the University of Akron consists of 10 full-time faculty members. We offer programs which lead to Bachelor's and Master's degrees in physics, and a Ph.D in Chemical Physics in conjuction with the Department of Chemistry. In addition to the traditional Bachelor's degree which strongly prepares students for graduate work in physics or related fields, we will also offer, in conjunction with the College of Polymer Science and Engineering, a new Bachelor's degree with concentration in polymer science. In the near future, we plan to extend the choice of concentrations to a number of other fields, such as mathematics, computer science, and even business administration.

We offer rich opportunities for innovation in our research program. Jointly with the Department of Chemistry, the Department of Chemical Engineering and the College of Polymer Science and Engineering, we have formed a community which provides a diverse and invigorating program for graduate students working toward a Master's degree as well as doctorates in chemistry or polymer science with a specialty in physics. The research in our department covers a wide range of fields utilizing numerous techniques, including electron tunneling spectroscopy, reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction spectroscopy, and pulsed and continuous-wave NMR. Experimental projects in progress include studies in surface physics and thin films, diffusion measurements and NMR in polymers and solid-state physics. Theoretical projects in progress include critical phenomena and phase transitions, renormalization group theory, supersymmetry, fluid dynamics, polymer, semiconductor and solid-state physics. There is also activity in the development of computer-assisted instruction and application of the results to Physics Education research.

For examples of what some of our alumni are doing, click here.

For a list of our graduates in recent years, click here. (Still under construction)