Welcome toPhysics

Physics is the study of the natural world, focusing on the fundamental nature of matter and energy, and interactions between the two.  Training in physics greatly increases students' learning ability and adaptive power, and provides them with an edge in facing the challenges of such fast evolving disciplines as physics, astronomy, engineering, business and finance, economics and medicine.
The Physics Department offers a unique program that a student can realistically complete within three years.  Students fulfill the major requirements by taking courses in advanced physics topics combined with summer research internships at nearby research institutions.  The program provides students with rigorous training for careers in academic or industrial research, or in any quantitative and/or analytical field, while allowing them to acquire the full benefits of a liberal arts education.  The summer research internships offered by the program provide opportunities for actual research at neighboring research facilities (e.g., the Nevis Physics Laboratory affiliated with Columbia University, located in Irvington, NY) to supplement the academic-year theoretical courses. 

The Department encourages students to take College Physics I & II or University Physics I & II.  College Physics is the non-calculus course designed to satisfy the requirements of pre-professional programs in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine.  University Physics, for which calculus is either a pre- or co-requisite, covers similar material at a more advanced level and prepares the student for more advanced courses in physics and other natural sciences.   For students in natural sciences, University Physics I & II are the recommended (although not always required) introductory physics courses.

No course with a grade lower than C- will be accepted toward a major or minor in physics.  In addition, students must maintain a C average in all courses required for a major or minor.