Lafayette Physics

From Physiki

Faculty and students get together regularly for informal conversation, tasty treats and the occasional posed photograph.

The Physics Program at Lafayette College is an intimate setting, where one-on-one work between faculty and motivated students is the norm. Students gain a deep understanding of physics by collaborating with faculty on a variety of research projects in topics including astrophysics, atomic and molecular physics, biophysics, and solid-state physics. Many of these collaborations lead to student-faculty publications in leading journals and presentations at important national and international scientific meetings. Student participation in these collaborations is often encouraged through grants made available by the College and external funding agencies.

Physics Majors also take advantage of the many opportunities for interdisciplinary research by working across Lafayette's strong and tight-knit programs in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Students go on from Lafayette to top graduate programs in physics, astronomy, medicine, engineering, and related fields as well as directly into careers in the technical and financial sectors. Please read our answer to the question, "Why study physics?"

Physics Program

The Physics Department is housed in the Hugel Science Center, which is equipped with modern teaching and research facilities. A variety of courses are offered to physics majors, students of other sciences and engineering, and non-scientists. The classes for physics majors are small and feature individualized instruction. Introductory courses are designed for students with a variety of physics and mathematical backgrounds, ranging from those with excellent preparation to those with a minimum of mathematical training. You can read our guide to choosing the right physics course to help you decide which to take. You can also consult the list of courses currently being offered to find out what you can take this semester.

There are several physics major options to choose from as well as a physics minor. The study of physics can be combined with other intellectual pursuits and can be part of preparation for a variety of careers. Many of our students go on to graduate school in physics but many of them go on to other graduate and professional programs. Many of our students also graduate straight into careers in scientific, engineering, and other fields.

Astronomy

The physics major allows an astronomy concentration which is built around advanced courses we offer in astronomy methods and astrophysics. For research, students can work with our faculty who study planets, stars, and galaxies. Students can also use our facilities to make their own astronomy observations.

For any student interested in taking an astronomy course, we offer two introductory courses in astronomy: The Solar System and Stars, Galaxies, and the Big Bang.

Physics Community

• Physics Faculty.
• Tenure track assistant professor opening.
• Physics facilities.
• Join the Physics Club and meet your fellow physics students.
  • Club Activities. Check out upcoming events!
  • Mailing list: Subscribe to the Physics Club mailing list by sending an email to PhysicsClub-join@mailman.lafayette.edu.
• Lafayette Physics News.
• Learning Goals for the AB and BS Physics programs.
• Alumni Information.

Physics and Astronomy Resources

• Schedule of current courses.
• Files for current courses.
• Summer research opportunities.
• Physics and Astronomy news.
• The American Institute of Physics.
  • The Industrial Physicist.
  • Employment and Education Statistics.
  • Who's Hiring Physics Bachelors?.
• The American Physical Society.
  • - the American Physical Society web site for the general public.
• Physics World Physics news, jobs, and resources
• The Society of Physics Students - The National organization for physics students.
  • More on Careers Using Physics.
• The Jet Propulsion Laboratory - The latest on robotic exploration of the solar system and beyond.