Students

One of the best things about being a physics major is getting involved with the department outside the classroom. Here are some ideas:

Being a TA

Teaching assistants (TA's) assist professors in principally two ways: lab assistance and grading. Duties for lab TA's may include attending weekly training meetings, running lab sessions, grading lab reports, and keeping office hours to assist students who need help. Students are paid an hourly rate based on experience with the department.

Being a TA can be a very valuable experience. Students often find that they have a much deeper understanding of physics after being a TA. In addition, having the responsibility of being a good TA is attractive to employers and graduate schools. One of the favorite benefits to being a senior TA is having a desk in our student office, affectionately called "The Zoo".

Applications for TA positions can be obtained from Donna VanderGriend in the department office. Students will be matched with open positions as they become available. Successful completion of the Physics/Astronomy core, PHYS 121, 122, and 123, is required.

Getting Involved with Research

Faculty in the Physics & Astronomy Department actively involve students in their research. Students who are taking PHYS 121 or PHYS 122 and who would like to learn more about research opportunities for students should consider taking our seminar for prospective majors, PHYS 190. Students are also welcome and encouraged to approach faculty individually and inquire about research opportunitites. Many students who get involved in research with faculty over the summer choose to extend their research into a Senior Project.

Many opportunities also exist outside of Western for undergraduates to get involved in summer research, including the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program and the NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program.