Physics

Library of Congress Classification System

Books and journals are arranged on our shelves according to the Library of Congress (LC) classification system. Using this system, each book or journal is assigned an alphanumeric call number based on its subject focus. This call number uniquely identifies the item and places it on our shelves near other material on the same subject.

Use the major classification headings in the next section as a basic guide to browse shelves on the 3rd floor in the Thomas G. Carpenter Library.

To find specific subjects, search OneSearch using Keywords as your search type. Then, identify the call numbers for relevant books from your search and browse for other books near these call numbers.

If you have difficulty locating items on the shelves or have other questions, please ask at the Information Desk.

Each of the linked Library of Congress Subject Headings below will execute a subject heading search in the catalog.  After completing your initial catalog search, be sure to look on the left side of the screen for other subject heading ideas and limiters through which you may target your search.

Applied Physics

Applied Physics is the area of physics dealing with solids, mathematics, and quantum theory.  Look for applied physics items in the library under the following:

Astrophysics

Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy which treats of the physical or chemical properties of the celestial bodies.

Biophysics

Biophysics is the study of mechanical and electrical properties of the parts of living organisms and the application of physics to biological systems.  

Physics of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering

The physics side of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering are those that include the designs and materials that make up infrastructure components--also known as "materials science."  

Nuclear Physics

Nuclear Physics is the branch of physics concerned with atomic nuclei and their interactions, especially in the generation of nuclear energy.