Discover

Share

Download

Features

/

Article

Four universities: University of Chicago

MAR 01, 1968

Joint treatment of physics and chemistry courses as a coherent unit is part of a curriculum designed primarily as a preparation for graduate study.

DOI: 10.1063/1.3034823

Mark G. Inghram

THE EMPHASIS IN the physics curriculum at the University of Chicago is strongly influenced by two rare characteristics of the university. First, it is one of the very few universities with neither an engineering nor an applied science program. Second, the university is one of the few schools in which graduate students outnumber undergraduates. At Chicago there are 5700 graduate students and 2600 undergraduates. Within the physics department the corresponding numbers are 200 and 120. Because of both of these characteristics, the department does not have the heavy undergraduate teaching load common to most universities.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the authors

Mark G. Inghram, University of Chicago.

© 1968 American Institute of Physics

Physics Today is looking for a Senior Editor. Apply Now.

Related content

Features

/

Article

Speak easy: The educational benefits of a three-minute research talk

The ability to communicate a key message clearly and concisely to a nonspecialized audience is a critical skill to develop at all educational levels.

February 05, 2026 04:16 PM

Features

/

Article

Making magnetized plasmas in the lab

With strong magnetic fields and intense lasers or pulsed electric currents, physicists can reconstruct the conditions inside astrophysical objects and create nuclear-fusion reactors.

February 04, 2026 01:14 PM

Features

/

Article

Exposing life’s limits with dimensionless numbers

A crude device for quantification shows how diverse aspects of distantly related organisms reflect the interplay of the same underlying physical factors.

January 27, 2026 03:35 PM

Features

/

Article

Celebrations of the international quantum year

Events held around the world have recognized the past, present, and future of quantum science and technology.

January 26, 2026 02:20 PM

This Content Appeared In

Volume 21, Number 3

Get PT in your inbox

PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

One email per week

PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

One email per month

PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

1 to 2 emails per week