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

A brief guide to science outreach

Figuring out how to communicate with the public can be overwhelming. Here’s some advice for getting started.

December 16, 2025 04:38 PM

Features

/

Article

The urgent need for research governance of solar geoengineering

Amid growing investment in planetary-scale climate intervention strategies that alter sunlight reflection, global communities deserve inclusive and accountable oversight of research.

December 15, 2025 12:05 PM

Features

/

Article

Superconducting quantum circuits: At the heart of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics

Although motivated by the fundamental exploration of the weirdness of the quantum world, the prizewinning experiments have led to a promising branch of quantum computing technology.

November 25, 2025 03:04 PM

Features

/

Article

Solid-state batteries: Hype, hopes, and hurdles

As conventional lithium-ion battery technology approaches its theoretical limits, researchers are studying alternative architectures with solid electrolytes.

November 10, 2025 10:22 AM

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