Purpose
The collection supports present and anticipated teaching and research in the field of physics. At present, the central focus of the department and the chief interests of the faculty are encompassed in the following areas of teaching and research: acoustics, astrophysics, computational physics, condensed matter and materials physics, elementary particle theory and phenomenology, geophysics, geophysical fluid dynamics, magnetism, mathematical physics, non-linear dynamics, nuclear physics, optics and lasers, physics education research, shock wave physics, signal processing, spintronics, surface physics, thermodynamics, solid state physics, ocean physics, quantum mechanics, low temperature physics, surface science, and materials science.

The Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysics. An honors program is available in either program. The B.S.. in Geophysics is offered jointly by the Department of Physics and the Department of Geology and Geophysics. It is an interdisciplinary program supported by physics courses, geophysics courses, and geology courses.

The Department also offers the Master of Science in Physics and the Master of Science in Applied Physics degrees. The M.S. program in Applied Physics allows students to concentrate in areas such as applied mathematics, applied physics, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, acoustics, and geophysics.

In addition, the Department of Physics participates in an interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Engineering and Applied Science involving faculty from the College of Engineering and the College of Sciences.

The programs in physics have a natural interrelation with degree programs in the Mathematics Department, the Computer Science Department, the Department of Geology and Geophysics and all programs in engineering.

In addition to the support for the specific degree programs of the Physics Department, the collection, especially in view of its broad interdisciplinary nature, also serves as a resource for undergraduates and graduate students and faculty members in chemistry, computer science, geology and geophysics, and mathematics. Related colleges, departments and programs covering subjects of interest to physics include: the College of Engineering, Departments of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Geology and Geophysics.

Language
The primary language of acquisition is English. Materials in Russian (English translation) are also considered.

Chronological Guidelines
By the nature of their work, current research in Physics is of primary importance, although some aspects of Physics tend not to be dated. Some items may be of interest as part of the history of Physics.

Geographical Guidelines
Geographical guidelines are not relevant to collection development in physics.

Treatment of Subject
Theory and applied research related to mechanical and electronic devices are most important. The high-level caliber and the cutting edge nature of works in physics suggest that current materials (printed and electronic) should be the primary focus for collection. Textbooks should be given secondary consideration for collection development and are collected on a selective basis.

Types of Materials
Monographs and serial publications form the basis for acquisitions. Because of ongoing development in the following fields, special attention should be given not only to individual works, but to monographic series and multi-volume sets in the chief areas of interest listed above. Reference materials, including bibliographies, handbooks, and dictionaries are acquired. Theses and dissertations from other institutions are collected on a selective basis.

Date of Publication
Emphasis is on materials published within the last five years. Current materials are important but not exclusive. Archival materials also have a high priority.

Related Policy Statements
Related to Physics are the following disciplines: