Overview

The Physics Department at SMU provides opportunities for interested undergraduate students to perform research on a number of topics. These projects provide valuable practical experience confronting actual physical problems in a research environment. As such, they provide an important complement to the knowledge gleaned from coursework. A modest stipend for the student's efforts is also included. Each project involves the student working closely with a Physics faculty advisor to choose the topic and conduct the research. At the end of the project, a brief description of the results of the work will be written up by the student. The list of currently offered topics is given below, as well as a list of past projects under this new program. Each project is designed to fit comfortably into a normal schedule for a full-time student. These projects are open to Physics and non-Physics majors alike. Interested students should contact one of the Physics faculty or the Undergraduate Research Coordinator, Prof. Bob Kehoe (kehoe@physics.smu.edu or (214) 768-1793).

Current Projects:

Prof. Coan's projects

  • Measurement of Muon Gyromagnetic Ratio
  • Prof. Ye's projects

  • Semiconductor Chip Testing and Analysis
  • Time Resolution of GPS Technology
  • Prof. Kehoe's projects

  • Searches for Stellar Variability
  • Prof. Scalise's projects

  • Chua's Chaos Circuit Demonstrator
  • Construction of Lecture Demonstrations
  • Past Project Reports:

    2006-2007:

  • Measurement of Muon Gyromagnetic Ratio A. Weckiewicz, '07 (initial proposal)
  • Missing Et Resolution in Z+2 Jets Events B. Stanley, '07 (initial proposal)

    2005-2006:

  • Time Resolution of GPS Technology
  • Magnet Design

    Senior Theses and pre-Masters Write-ups:

  • Analysis of Higgs Boson Background R. Nordsell '06
  • Top Quark and Background F. Farro, PHY 8600 thesis, '06



    Prof. Kehoe's Home Page