Does the physics department require a particular type of calculator or computer?
The short answer is no, we do not require a particular type of either one, but students will need a scientifc calculator of some kind, and if they intend to buy a computer, we suggest a Mac. Concerning calculators, the math department has required a TI 59 graphing calculator or equivalent in the past, but their program is presently “under new management” and this requirement no longer stands. Most students do come in with a graphing calculator of some sort though, which can be useful but is not absolutely required for our program. As to computers, most students will have their own computer, often a laptop which can be useful for taking lab data on the spot, but it is not entirely necessary to have your own. The college maintains some general computer labs with some standard software, and the physics department has several computers that have a few more specific programs. As to a recommendation for your own personal computer, the world of physics, as with some other sciences, has genera
The short answer is no, we do not require a particular type of either one, but students will need a scientifc calculator of some kind, and if they intend to buy a computer, we suggest a Mac. Concerning calculators, the math department has required a TI 59 graphing calculator or equivalent in the past, but their program is presently “under new management” and this requirement no longer stands. Most students do come in with a graphing calculator of some sort though, which can be useful but is not absolutely required for our program. As to computers, most students will have their own computer, often a laptop which can be useful for taking lab data on the spot, but it is not entirely necessary to have your own. The college maintains some general computer labs with some standard software, and the physics department has several computers that have a few more specific programs. As to a recommendation for your own personal computer, the world of physics, as with some other sciences, has genera
