“Bang! Let the good times roll.”
— Prof. David Goss in a discussion of thermodynamics

Students curious about what makes things go bang, or how exactly good times are able to roll are encouraged to study physics.

Our introductory workshop physics format breaks beginning physics students into small lab groups to work on “hands-on” projects. Rather than lecture, the professor coaches, encourages, asks and explains.

Second-year physics majors normally enroll in “Electronic Measurements,” a course that includes both analog and digital electronics, and “Introduction to Modern Physics,” which introduces theoretical topics like relativity and quantum mechanics as well as laboratory work in atomic and nuclear physics.

At the junior/senior level, the department offers classical mechanics, quantum physics, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and mathematical methods in physics and engineering. Students may also study health physics and computer architecture and interfacing.

Like Dr. Goss said, “Let the good times roll.”

The Physics Department is located on the first floor of Olin Hall.