Department of Physics

The Physics Department is housed in the Hugel Science Center, which is equipped with modern teaching and research facilities.

Physics Class of 2006 at the front entrance, and a lecture in HSC 100

The Physics Program at Lafayette College is an intimate setting, where one-on-one work between faculty and motivated students is the norm. Students gain a deep understanding of physics by collaborating with faculty on a variety of research projects in topics including astrophysics, atomic and molecular physics, biophysics, and solid-state physics. Many of these collaborations lead to student-faculty publications in leading journals and presentations at important national and international scientific meetings. Student participation in these collaborations is often encouraged through grants made available by the College and external funding agencies.

Research on X-ray timing of neutron stars (left) and in the Atomic and Molecular Physics Lab (right)

Physics majors also take advantage of the many opportunities for interdisciplinary research by working across Lafayette’s strong and tight-knit programs in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Students go on from Lafayette to top graduate programs in physics, astronomy, medicine, engineering, and related fields as well as directly into careers in the technical and financial sectors. Please read our answer to the question, “Why study physics?“

Research in the Crystal Growth Lab (left) and at Arecibo Observatory (right)