Masters Hall
Room 209
300 North Washington St.
Gettysburg, PA 17325-1400
Education
BS University of Kansas
PhD University of Oklahoma
Academic Focus
Observational astronomy, photometry of spotted stars, magnetic activity cycles of cool dwarfs, and planetary nebulae abundances.
Dr. Milingo received B.S. degrees in physics and astronomy from the University of Kansas and her Ph.D. in astrophysics from the University of Oklahoma. Her current research interests include magnetic activity cycles in cool dwarfs and chemical abundance studies of Galactic planetary nebulae. In addition to teaching and research Dr. Milingo serves on the Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium Affiliate Management Advisory Board and as the chair of the National Undergraduate Research Observatory steering committee.
Courses Taught
Study of our solar system, its origin, structure, and uniqueness of its varied objects. The history and physical principles underlying astronomical observation will be covered. Students will develop analytical skills, apply physical principles to astronomical phenomena, and learn observational and laboratory technique. Does not count toward the physics major; appropriate course for non-science majors. Prerequisite: Facility with algebra and geometry. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
Study of stars and the universe as a whole, its origin, structure, and uniqueness of its varied objects. The history and physical principles underlying astronomical observation will be covered. Students will develop analytical skills, apply physical principles to astronomical phenomena, and learn observational and laboratory technique. Does not count toward the physics major; appropriate course for non-science majors. Three class hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisite: Facility with algebra and geometry.
Description – In this course we will learn how our chemical composition is connected to the stars, exploring our fundamental relationship to these very exotic yet very common objects. We will examine the origin and evolution of some of the more common (and uncommon) elements on the periodic table from an astronomer’s point of view. To do this we will learn some astronomy basics about stars and planets, how we learn about these objects via the light they emit and the telescopes that help us capture that light, and multiple aspects of our relationship with the elements on the periodic table. This focus on our physical relationship with the stars requires that we examine the evolution of astronomy as a discipline of scientific study. Throughout this course we will constantly ask ourselves how we know what we know and how our knowledge is informed by the scientific method, research, and technological development.
In this seminar STEM Scholars students will learn what distinguishes science from other modes of inquiry, and be introduced to skills used throughout the various STEM disciplines. Through readings, analyses, discussions and engaging group activities, the STEM Scholars will learn what scientists do and how they do it, with special emphases on the importance of problem solving, quantitative skills, and clear communication with fellow scientists and the general public. Students will learn about the history of science, proper experimental design, uncertainty, and methods for collecting, interpreting and analyzing data. We will discuss how basic scientific research informs technological applications used in our daily lives; learn about cutting-edge scientific discoveries as well as discuss the ethical issues involved in the pursuit and application of science. This seminar focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to learning, understanding, discussing and practicing the specific skills necessary for students participating in the STEM Scholar program in preparation to a successful career in the STEM fields at Gettysburg College and after graduation.
General algebra-based coverage of the fields of classical and modern physics. Topics include kinematics, mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics. Does not count toward the physics major; appropriate course for students in biology, environmental science, the health professions. Prerequisite: Sophomore status and facility with algebra and geometry. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
General algebra-based coverage of the fields of classical and modern physics. Topics include waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, and topics from modern physics. Does not count toward the physics major; appropriate course for students in biology, environmental science, the health professions. Prerequisite: Physics 103 and facility with algebra and geometry. Three class hours and three laboratory hours
Standard first semester calculus-based Physics course designed to support the curricula of Chemistry and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology majors. The course will explore a wide range of topics including Newtonian mechanics, work & energy, circular motion, rotational kinematics/dynamics, fluids, concepts of heat & temperature, kinetic theory, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: Calculus 111 (can be taken concurrently), sophomore or higher status, and CHEM or BMB Major. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
Standard second semester calculus-based Physics course designed to satisfy the major requirements for Chemistry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors but can be taken by other students that meet the requirements. The course will explore a wide range of topics including vibrations and sound, light, optics, electricity and magnetism, and electric circuits. Prerequisite: Physics 109. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
An introduction to mechanics and modern physics: the conservation of momentum, energy, and angular momentum as fundamental laws, Newton’s dynamical laws of motion, and the special theory of relativity. Four class hours and three laboratory hours. Prospective physics majors or students interested in dual-degree engineering. Open to first-year students; sophomore students interested in the physics major may enroll with permission of instructor.
An introduction to modern physics and thermodynamics: Continuation of the special theory of relativity; introductory principles of quantum physics; applications in atomic, nuclear, and particle physics; and an introduction to thermodynamics. Differential and integral calculus is introduced and used. Prerequisites: Physics 111 and Math 111, which may be taken concurrently, or permission of instructor. Four class hours and three laboratory hours. Prospective physics majors or students interested in dual-degree engineering. Open to first-year students; sophomore students interested in the physics major may enroll with permission of instructor.
Topics in physics not covered in the usual curriculum. Topics vary from year to year and may include relativity; astrophysics; advanced topics in modern optics, solid state physics and electromagnetism; fundamental particles and nuclear structure; the physics of plasmas and various mathematical topics in physics (topology, special functions, fractals). Prerequisites: Upper division standing and approval by instructor. Three class hours
Capstone course in physics that teaches advanced research skills. Students either perform in-class intensive research in instructor’s research area or integrate research experience from the previous summer. Prerequisite: Advanced laboratory course or permission of instructor.
Individualized research counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F. Experimental or theoretical investigation of a research-level problem selected by a student in consultation with a faculty member. Students should arrange for supervision by the end of the junior year. Open only to senior physics majors. Results of the investigation are reported in a departmental colloquium and senior thesis. Prerequisite: Approval by department by the end of junior year.