Physics Major

Physics seeks to discover the laws that govern the behavior of material objects and the interactions between particles. Application of these universal laws to systems ranging from atoms and molecules to clusters of galaxies gives rise to challenging problems whose solutions require creative insight alongside logical rigor and mathematical reasoning. As such, there are three pillars of the practice of physics—experiment, theory, and computation—that must all work together to advance science. While some undergraduate programs neglect that computational component, it is embedded into our curriculum, and we teach computational programming—with a focus on using computers to address scientific problems—within the department. Computational tools include learning to collect, analyze, and visualize data while simulating physical systems. Our students learn the basics of and tools for science in Python, solving problems that can’t be done on paper. 
 
Physics is all about concepts, but to do anything we need to understand the math to talk about and manipulate these concepts. Courses include frequent thought experiments, with an emphasis on critical thinking, model building, and computational and logic skills. The major emphasizes hands-on opportunities, writing academic papers, a small classroom experience, individualized attention, and a supportive environment.  
 
Our students receive rigorous training in theoretical physics, laboratory physics, computational physics, and mathematics, while developing broad skills of analytic thought, communication, aesthetic insight, ethical sensitivity, and civic responsibility. You can get into the lab as soon as your first year and will develop lab skills each year through coursework. Ultimately, you will complete a Senior Capstone Experience (SCE), pursuing a project from beginning to end. Your SCE can be a traditional research paper using literature reviews to explore a subject, an academic research project conducted in the lab or through simulation, or the development of a lab or computational project the department might integrate into the curriculum.  
 
Browse our course catalog to get a sense of our course offerings. Whether you want to pursue physics with us four years, double major in another area that interests you, or participate in one of our engineering dual degree programs with Columbia University or Washington University, the small class sizes and personal attention from faculty inside and outside of the classroom will help start you on your way to your career goals.