Brigham Young University. Dept. of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy was created in 1972 and placed in the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences. It was previously the Department of Physics. In 1973 the department was moved to the newly formed College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Department chairs have included John H. Gardner (1972-1973), B. Kent Harrison (1973-1980), Howard B. Vanfleet (1980-1989), Daniel L. Decker (1989-1995), Dorian M. Hatch (1995-2001), R. Steven Turley (2001-2004), Scott D. Sommerfeldt (2004-2008), Ross L. Spencer (2008-2013), and Richard R. Vanfleet (2013- ).

Variant names

Brigham Young University. College of Physical and Engineering Sciences. Dept. of Physics and Astronomy

Brigham Young University. College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Dept. of Physics and Astronomy

Brigham Young University. Physics and Astronomy Dept.

Description

Established: 1972

Location: Provo, Utah (1972- )

Functions

The curriculum of the Department of Physics and Astronomy is designed to provide 1) training for students who intend to pursue graduate work in physics or astronomy; 2) preparation for students who intend to enter industrial or governmental service as physicists or astronomers; 3) a fundamental background for other physical sciences and engineering; 4) the broadening program required by the biological science, premedical, predental, and nursing programs; 5) training in the subject matter of physics for prospective teachers of the physical sciences; and 6) a perspective of science and an introduction to the role of physics in the human quest for understanding.

Assets and Administrative Structure

The department was administered by a department chair under the direction of the dean.

Associated Units

Superior unit: Brigham Young University. College of Physical and Engineering Sciences (1972-1973)

Superior unit: Brigham Young University. College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (1973- )

Earlier unit: Brigham Young University. Dept. of Physics (1972)

Sources

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog, 1970-1972: p. 528 (Previously the Dept. of Physics)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog, 1972-1973: p. 545 (John H. Gardner, Chair)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog, 1973-1974: p. 534 (B. Kent Harrison, Chair)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog, 1980-1981: p. 225 (Howard B. Vanfleet, Chair)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog, 1989-1990: p. 282 (Daniel L. Decker, Chair)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog, 1995-1996: p. 419 (Dorian M. Hatch, Chair)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog, 2001-2002: p. 431 (R. Steven Turley, Chair)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog, 2004-2005: p. 416 (Scott D. Sommerfeldt, Chair)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog, 2008-2009: Accessed online at: http://saas.byu.edu/catalog/2008-2009ucat/departments/PhysicsAstronomy/PhscsMain.php on 11/02/2009 (Ross Spencer, Chair)

Brigham Young University website, via WWW, Sept. 18, 2013 (Richard R. Vanfleet dept. chair, replacing Ross Spencer) http://news.byu.edu/archive13-aug-chairs.aspx

Maintenance Information

Record ID: EAC-2009-00434

Creator: LFW