<p>Hi. I'm applying to Davidson College RD. I know Davidson is strong in the political sciences and such, but how strong are its programs in natural science? I'd appreciate any comments. Thanks!</p>
<p>Someone will be able to tell you more specifically, but from what I have seen and heard Davidson is very strong there as well. In visiting the campus I saw great lab and science facilities (at least the looked nice, I dont plan on entering those fields). good luck.</p>
<p>They have some really good links on their website to each individual science department. Each departments website varies but if you keep looking around you can find lots of info. I am considering studying physics at Davidson so when i visited i met with the head of the physics department. The most notable things that i learned and observed are:
1 most of the physics majors from davidson go to really good grad schools like harvard
2 they only have about 5 or 6 physics majors a year
3 if youre lucky you will be able to do research junior year but its very unlikely that you will have the opportunity to do so earlier. Also, you can't really do it on the side of your other classes; instead, you need to have a certain class designated as ----- (i forgot the name its like research period or something)
4 its possible to still study abroad but rather difficult; however, the department will work with you
5 they have a special physics library in the basement of the building that is really cool, it has this huge table in it, many chalkboards and several computers in addition to a refrigerator and a microwave (it was the size of a large classroom)
6 most of the research is on laser spectroscopy</p>
<p>I conducted physics research this summer so that was naturally what i wanted to continue. After visiting Wake Forest and also having a tour of their physics facilities and research projects i came up with the following conclusion: if you want to do research go to a big university like either an ivy or a state university. Wake definitely had more research and they need ppl to conduct it, they were not nearly as limited in this aspect as davidson. However, the overall caliber of the academics as davidson far outweighed the benefit and my need for bigger physics facilities. Davidson really does not have the ability to host much research, it seems like mainly the professors have a piece or two of side research that the students can help with but other than that there is nothing. Also, it does not seem like any of the professors are doing any ground-breaking research. An interesting tidbit it found out was the head of the department, Dr. Cain, is also the head of the board that writes the AP physics test.
Also I talked to a senior physics major and asked her if she ever got tired or how small the school was and if she ever got sick of ppl. Her answer has stuck with me, she said she mainly gets tired of having the same professors over and over again, one that shes had for the majority of her physics classes is her least favorite teacher.</p>
<p>Dr. Cain also explained to me that the departments have to locate about 1/3 of their time and resources to the classes to fulfill majors; 1/3 for core requirements; and 1/3 for ppl who are just interested in physics. So overall if you are looking for a school that has a stellar science department with many class options and research opportunities go to a huge school. If you want a very good education and a solid grounding in the sciences with professors who know you well, go to Davidson.</p>
<p>Like all classes at Davidson the natural science classes are good.</p>
<p>Wow, silverflare, thanks for that detailed post! My application is in, and your comments helped. :)</p>
<p>I think you guys have done a good job evaluating the Physis program. However, I have a few subtle points to share. A kid on my freshman hall who is only remotly considering majoring in Physics has lined up a paid research position with a Davidson proffessor for the summer and next year. It is my opinion that the comment about getting research positions before you declare is harder at davidson then at a large school is probably incorrect. I don't go to a large school, but how are you supposed to make an favorable impression on a proffessor taking classes with 400+ students when that same proffessor has many declared majors to advise? Davidson students are one of the most active and busy sets of students in the country - take a look at the athletic / arts programs and the variety of clubs etc, and compare this to the student body of 1700. You may be busy doing othr things, but if research is a priority then I'm sure it's available. Finally, the record of prestegous grad schools the Davidson Physics majors attend would seem to demonstrate that quality research and innovation is reaily available, afterall this is one of the main requirements for grad school. Finally, if it is really the case that Davidson proffessors haven't been doing ground breaking research, it just speaks wonders about how dedicated the faculty is to the you, the student. Oh yeah, if you really want to go by rankings, I am sure there is a set somewhere online. Good luck everybody!</p>