On a more human scale, physicists explore the behavior of matter and energy including all the devices of modern electronics, complex biological molecules, the atmosphere, and all forms of energy and its uses. The principles of physics are the basis for engineering and technology. The department has research programs in high energy and nuclear physics, atomic and laser physics, condensed matter physics, biophysics, and gravitational physics. This accelerator was originally conceived and successfully proposed by physics department faculty members who are now affiliated with this institute. The faculty seeks to offer an outstanding undergraduate program, with opportunities for both majors and non-majors, in the context of a vigorous research department.
Students have the opportunity to take a wide variety of courses with many different professors.
The faculty has also been recognized for its teaching. One professor has received an award for innovations in continuing education, four are authors of major new textbooks in physics. Students Physics majors make up a small but outstanding, enthusiastic, and diverse group. Approximately thirty students graduate each year with bachelor s degrees in physics. Beginning in the first year, there are special courses for physics majors.