From the smallest sub-atomic particles to the vastness of cosmic expansion, and at the intermediate scales of our lives, in such areas as solid-state electronics, superconductivity, biological function, and geologic events — physics profoundly impacts our understanding of nature and our ability to harness its secrets for the progress of humankind.

The BA in Physics is designed for students who are interested in physics but wish to have a broader education in their undergraduate years. Students who complete this program will have enough background to go on to graduate school in physics, but the program is more appropriate for students who desire a working knowledge of basic physics in order to pursue allied careers in such areas as geophysics, biophysics, science and public policy, to name a few possibilities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:

• The basic laws of physics, their corollaries, and comprehension of how they can be applied to explain specific natural phenomena.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills in physics, related to hypothesis building, application of the scientific method, and mathematical methods to analyze physics theories and experiments, and devise solution strategies.
• Laboratory skills and exposure to a variety of experiments illustrating important phenomena, measuring techniques, and qualitative analysis of data and uncertainty at appropriate levels.
• Contemporary areas of physics inquiry.
• Written and oral communication skills for presentation of scientific results.