Physics

Physics is the quest to discover the basic principles or laws which govern the natural world. Physics students are curious about nature and usually enthusiastic about mathematics as a tool to describe it. As a physics major you might

•seek to understand the origin of the universe and the ultimate structure of matter, both theoretically and experimentally;

•study the principles underlying the structure of matter in order to utilize novel materials such as nanotubes or liquid crystals for applications as devices;

•work in hands-on lab courses studying laser-based optics, learn electronic instrumentation for the physical sciences, including the computer acquisition and analysis of data, and use modern lab equipment such as the scanning tunneling microscope which can see individual atoms;

•acquire the theoretical and experimental background for work in areas such as acoustics, astrophysics, biophysics, chemical physics, computer science, materials science, mathematical physics, and engineering.

At Penn State, physics majors may choose from five options: Acoustics, Electronics, General Physics, Medical Physics, and Teaching. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in research in many areas, including condensed matter and low-temperature physics, surface science, elementary particle and cosmic ray physics, gravity, and atomic and molecular physics. An undergraduate degree in physics provides students with a broad, deep, and rigorous program of technical and general education appropriate for research and development positions in industry and government. It is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in physics, astronomy, and other fields, including engineering. The Teaching Option trains students to become high school physics teachers.

Please see the Department of Physics Undergraduate Web Page for additional information.