Department of Physics

We offer different types of introductory physics courses:

Physics 1200/1201  algebra-based introductory physics sequence, mainly taken by life sciences majors, pre-med and pre-professional majors

Physics 1250/1251 calculus-based introductory physics sequence, for engineering and physical sciences majors

 Physics 1250/1231 calculus-based introductory physics sequence, for engineering technology (BSET) majors

Physics 2193 is an individual studies class for students who are interested in an introduction to computational physics research and research methods projects 

Physics 1106 is a physics by inquiry course for education majors and non-science majors. It is offered every three years in spring.

How to prepare for a physics class?

Physics is a set of learned skills. Everyone can learn to do physics, they simply need to practice.

Our physics classes do not assume any prior knowledge of physics, so don’t worry if you never took a physics class before.

Our courses do have math pre-requisites, and it is very important that you are fluent in algebra right from the beginning. If your math skills are a bit rusty, reviewing and practicing them before you start your physics class is a good idea.

Also, everybody runs into questions when learning physics. It is important that you ask your instructor for help right away if you have questions!

Dr. Sabine Jeschonnek

Dr. Jeschonnek, aka Dr. J, currently teaches Physics 1250, 1231 and 1251, lecture and recitation. She does research in nuclear physics and networks and complexity. After obtaining her Ph.D. in theoretical nuclear physics in Germany, she spent two years as Visiting Scientist at MIT, and three years as Postdoctoral Research Associate at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, VA. She joined Ohio State Lima in 2001 and has become a tenured full professor in 2011. Besides her regular teaching, research, and service activities, she also offers small research projects and an introduction to physics research to interested students. This can be taken formally as Physics 2193, or informally without credit attached.

Contact information: Jeschonnek.1@osu.edu

Dr. Todd McAlpine

Dr. McAlpine teaches Physics 1200, 1201, and 1106 as well as labs for Physics 1250, 1231, and 1251. He also serves as lab coordinator and maintains the physics teaching lab on the Lima campus.  After obtaining his Ph.D. in semiconductor laser physics at the University of Kansas in 2006, he held several visiting assistant professorships.  In these positions, he did computational physics research by simulating chaotic dynamic systems.  He then took about a decade to raise his kids and work part time as an adjunct professor in physics and mathematics at Ohio Northern University. He joined Ohio State Lima in 2024. Besides enjoying his regular teaching and service activities, he also does occasional outreach events.  Outside of work, he likes to spend time with family, play the bagpipes, knit, and camp.

Contact information: mcalpine.34@osu.edu