The deadline to apply for R&I Departmental Programs for the Class of 2026 was September 2024
Applications for the Class of 2027 open September 2025!
About Research in Physics
Research in Physics is a yearlong sequence of courses in which NCSSM students develop and carry out independent projects in many different areas of physics, astronomy, and computational science. This is an advanced course for students with the maturity, independence, and motivation necessary to conduct their own research project.
What would I do in the program?
During JanTerm, you will practice the use and development of scientific instruments with attention to precision and accuracy. You will also search online for scientific literature in physics and engineering-related areas, write a couple of article summaries on a topic of interest to you, read from the primary scientific literature and participate in discussions on current issues in research.
During spring semester of your junior year, with the instructor's help you will select an area of physics in which you are interested in developing an independent project. You will find and read references related to that topic, and write a literature review paper on your topic. You will then develop a specific research question and write a research proposal for how you plan to answer your question. See below for examples of the topics being investigated by the current RPhys seniors. You might also carry out a short mini-project on some topic in physics (not necessarily related to the topic of your literature review and proposal).
You will be expected to participate in the summer research program at NCSSM (SRIP). For most students, the summer program is when much of the important experimentation and troubleshooting of projects occurs.
During fall semester of your senior year, you will continue collecting data for your project, analyze your data, draw conclusions from your data and write a research paper that summarizes your entire project. You will also create oral and poster presentations of your project. You will have the opportunity to present your completed work in science competitions and at a professional conference.
How do I know this program is a good fit for me?
Students in this program have a very strong interest in physics, engineering, and/or computational science. Students are selected based on commitment, work ethic, dependability, skill, experience and ability to work independently. Some prior knowledge of physics is a desirable quality.
What projects have past / current students worked on?
A Novel Study Optimizing Efficiency of a Cost-effective Magnesium Iodide Solid Electrolyte Battery with FTIR applications
Solar Powered Electric Vehicles: Enhancing Performance using Dye Sensitized Solar panels and Comparative Analysis with Silicon Solar Panels
Analyzing Proton NMR Spectra to Predict Molecular Structures of Hydrogen Compounds using Machine Learning Algorithms
Exploring Electrical Potential in Plants
Optimizing Fusion Reactions within Fusor with Reinforcement Learning Algorithms
Cytotoxic Properties of Graphene Oxide in S. cerevisiae
Quantifying the aerodynamic effect of metamorphic plane wings on commercial air travel
Application Deadline
September 26,
12:00 PM (Noon)
12:00 PM (Noon)
Scheduling
Junior J-Term,
Junior Spring,
Summer
& Senior Fall
Junior Spring,
Summer
& Senior Fall
Commitment
J-Term,
3-Week Summer Session &
Two Semesters
3-Week Summer Session &
Two Semesters
Course Information
PH4920, J-Term
PH4921 & PH4922, Academic Year
PH4921 & PH4922, Academic Year
James Happer, NCSSM Morganton Instructor of Physics
Jim Happer joined the NCSSM-Morganton team in July 2022 as an Instructor of Physics. Jim has taught high school physics, mathematics, and more in the US, India, Mexico, China, and Indonesia. He coached the robotics team that hosted the first FTC tournament in China in 2010, and later mentored FTC teams in Yancey and Mitchell counties in North Carolina. Since his first year teaching at Pasadena High School in 1994, Jim has incorporated engineering, tinkering, project-based, and design skills into science and math classrooms. In recent years, Jim has developed JavaScript-based tools to support “badges” as an alternative to grades, as well as to accredit student achievement in STEM-based skills. He is enormously excited to work with colleagues and students at NCSSM.
Course Descriptions
PH4920 Research in Physics I (*R*)
Prerequisite(s): By application in the Fall of the Junior year.
Corequisite(s): None
Graduation Requirements Met: January Term
Schedule Requirements Met: January Term
Meeting Times: Two week intensive January Term
This is an advanced course for January Term junior students with the maturity, independence, and motivation necessary to conduct their own research project. Students learn the scientific method and experimental design before conducting a trial experiment on a small scale. Students then write a mini- literature review on the topic of interest to them. Throughout the term students read from the primary scientific literature and participate in discussion groups on current issues in biological research. Students with a final grade of P or higher are expected to continue in Research in Physics II. This course includes a significant research component.
PH4921 Research in Physics II (*R*)
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of the immersive two week JanTerm course PH4920 Research in Physics I. Students with Junior standing apply in the Fall for entry to the Research in Physics sequence.
Corequisite(s): None
Graduation Requirements Met: One STEM credit OR One Physics credit
Schedule Requirements Met: One of five courses required each semester
Meeting Times: Seven periods per week and three labs
This is an advanced course for second semester junior students with the maturity, independence, and motivation necessary to conduct their own research project. Students learn the scientific method and experimental design before conducting a trial experiment on a small scale. Students write a literature review on a topic of interest to them. Students then write a detailed research proposal and defend it to a panel of their peers. If time permits, students begin to learn techniques and to gather data for their experiments. Throughout the term, students read from the primary scientific literature and participate in discussion groups on current issues in physics research. Based on the outcomes of the term's work, students may be given an opportunity to participate in summer research programs on campus. Students with a final grade of B or higher are expected to continue in PH446 Research in Physics III during fall semester of their senior year.
PH4922 Research in Physics III (*R*)
Prerequisite(s): PH4921 Research in Physics II, or permission of Chair of Physics.
Corequisite(s): None
Graduation Requirements Met: One STEM credit
Schedule Requirements Met: One of five courses required each semester
Meeting Times: Seven periods per week and three labs
Students continue work on their previous research to produce additional data and conduct statistical analysis, as needed. They may research extension questions based on their original work. Students write a formal research paper and prepare a formal presentation. Students are required to present their results at the NCSSM Research Symposium in the spring and are encouraged to present their research at the North Carolina Student Academy of Science competition and other competitions.