Physics is nothing less than the empirical, mathematical, and philosophical basis for all natural science and engineering.
It’s about solving real-world problems and explaining how everything in the universe works. The physicist’s technique of translating a concrete situation into abstract terms that can be solved using mathematical tools is a skill of much value in all fields of scientific research and engineering – and in management, business, industry, and more.
Physics majors have many opportunities to conduct research alongside faculty mentors. Many students have been included as co-authors on publications in the major physics and astronomy professional journals.
See a recap of our solar-eclipse viewing event on the quad on April 8.
Solar eclipse viewing
Lafayette maintains outstanding facilities for instructional laboratories and research in physics. Students get hands-on experience with experiments in all the major areas of physics, both at the introductory and advanced undergraduate levels.
Learn more about our facilities
The physics curriculum includes several physics major options to choose from, as well as a minor. The study of physics can be combined with other intellectual pursuits and can be part of the preparation for a variety of careers.
Learn more about the physics program
All students with an interest in physics are invited to join the Physics Club. You don’t have to be a physics major to join. The Physics Club is a chapter of the national Society of Physics Students (SPS).
Learn more about the Physics Club
Learn more about Prof. Nice, Charles A. Dana Professor of Physics.
“I wanted to be at a teaching-focused institution like Lafayette in part because teaching physics is a way in which I can have a tangible impact on people’s…
Prof. Brooks Thomas has received a $150,000 National Science Foundation grant to support his theoretical particle physics and cosmology research.
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