PHYSICS LABORATORIES

AT VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY

I am sure you know that: Physics is an experimental science.

So, what is the implication of this truism for you?

The analogy is much like learning to swim. If you want to learn to swim, you have to "get into the water" and swim! So, if you want to learn physics, you have to "get into the laboratory" and do physics! Even if you think that you might want to be a theoretical physicist, you need a good foundation in experimental physics to understand what can and cannot be measured in the real world.

So, when you are going to select a university at which you are going to learn physics, look carefully at the laboratories and the laboratory equipment.

• How much of what you see is dedicated exclusively to undergraduates?
• Does the equipment appear to be well-maintained, and consistent with modern methods of doing physics?
• Do you see modern electronics for advanced experiments?
• Is there evidence of undergraduate students working on experiments?
• Are there modern, fast computers available for you in the laboratories?

At Valparaiso University, we are committed to providing excellent laboratories for our undergraduate students to do physics.

• One high speed computer for every two students in lab.
• Computer data collection and analysis applications (as in research!)
• Computer access to on-campus and off-campus networks from labs.
• Advanced undergraduate nuclear physics laboratories.
• Research grade electronics for data collection and data analysis.
• A 300,000 volt particle accelerator.
• Laboratory equipment and space for all physics majors, who are required to do a senior research project.

Visit Valpo and see our physics laboratories. We're proud of what we have; we are improving to provide an even better laboratory environment for you to do physics! Call 1-888-GO VALPO to arrange a visit.

For more information about our facilities click here.