Those engaged in the discipline of physics have as their goal the discovery, elucidation, and application of the laws that govern the interactions of matter throughout the physical universe. In its most abstract form, physics is a search for the forces of nature and the source of the presently known fundamental forces of gravitation, electricity, and magnetism, and the weak and strong nuclear interactions, and for the elementary particles from which all matter is formed. Physics provides a description of complicated phenomena in terms of a few simple principles and laws.
Physicists also use their knowledge of fundamental principles to solve more concrete problems.
Indeed, many of the Department's graduates are currently employed in engineering positions. All programs stress fundamental concepts and techniques, and offer an unusually rich laboratory experience and intensive use of computers. A substantial program in undergraduate astronomy includes many courses, listed in the catalog under Astronomy , which may be included in the two degree programs.