Small major, quantum leaps
Tiny physics department offers personal attention to ambitious students
Kaitlyn Buss
Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Features
The ground shakes from the construction upstairs, the dusty display cases are empty and a bunch of old computers sit neglected on the floor. A teacher is helping a student in one of the nearby labs. The barren hallway buzzes under the fading fluorescent lights while the ladies' restroom sign has disappeared.
This is the physics floor of Strosacker Science Building.
It might not seem impressive, but within its humble walls, Hillsdale College's physics department holds up under the pressure of a school that focuses mostly on the humanities.
Graduating one or two seniors every year, the tightly-knit physics department offers its students something many big universities lack - personal instruction.
"Around here teaching is the main duty," Associate Professor of Physics Adam Smith said. "I like teaching better than doing research."
Jennifer Hawk '06, who graduated with degrees in chemistry and physics, agreed.
"It's definitely the biggest advantage," she said. "You get a lot of individual attention. There's lots of opportunity to ask questions, and the professors' doors are always open. They're always available."
Hawk is now in graduate school at Duke University.
Junior Katie Mustazza, who changed her major from chemistry to physics this year, said she knew the curriculum would be challenging but liked the idea of small class sizes. Her physics classes this semester have four and five students in them.
"It's kind of like private tutoring," she said. "It's a different way of learning the stuff. You have to put a lot of responsibility on yourself."
Elliot Williams '07, who graduated with a degree in physics, said the low number of majors did not bother him. He enjoyed the individualized attention and opportunity to work with lab equipment.
Upper-level physics classes usually have only two to three students. Associate Professor of Physics Ken Hayes said this is usually an advantage in the world of science.
This is the physics floor of Strosacker Science Building.
It might not seem impressive, but within its humble walls, Hillsdale College's physics department holds up under the pressure of a school that focuses mostly on the humanities.
Graduating one or two seniors every year, the tightly-knit physics department offers its students something many big universities lack - personal instruction.
"Around here teaching is the main duty," Associate Professor of Physics Adam Smith said. "I like teaching better than doing research."
Jennifer Hawk '06, who graduated with degrees in chemistry and physics, agreed.
"It's definitely the biggest advantage," she said. "You get a lot of individual attention. There's lots of opportunity to ask questions, and the professors' doors are always open. They're always available."
Hawk is now in graduate school at Duke University.
Junior Katie Mustazza, who changed her major from chemistry to physics this year, said she knew the curriculum would be challenging but liked the idea of small class sizes. Her physics classes this semester have four and five students in them.
"It's kind of like private tutoring," she said. "It's a different way of learning the stuff. You have to put a lot of responsibility on yourself."
Elliot Williams '07, who graduated with a degree in physics, said the low number of majors did not bother him. He enjoyed the individualized attention and opportunity to work with lab equipment.
Upper-level physics classes usually have only two to three students. Associate Professor of Physics Ken Hayes said this is usually an advantage in the world of science.
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