For Spring 2020, a P in any course required for the physics or astronomy major would count towards the major. But we caution the students that we do not know how a P as opposed to the usual letter grades would be interpreted by graduate schools, professional schools and employers. Please check back for additional information
Students take advanced courses in areas such as electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and classical dynamics.
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The joint Five College Astronomy Department offers the benefits of a liberal-arts education while maintaining association with researchers of international stature.
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With laboratories, observatories, computer labs, a machine shop and an electronics shop, students have many opportunities to get hands-on experience in physics and astronomy.
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Many of our majors go on to some of the best graduate programs in physics, astronomy and related areas. Others enter careers ranging from medicine to science writing to secondary-school teaching.
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The department holds weekly seminars and colloquia on current research topics. The talks are accessible to students.
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Physics instruction at Amherst began in 1821. Experimental physics took off in 1952 and has included many notable faculty and students.
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Study the formation and evolution of solar systems and discuss the origins, successes and limitations of techniques being used to discover planets around other stars.
Examine the theories of relativity, the quantum theory, and properties of nuclei and elementary particles, as well as recent experiments of interest in contemporary physics.
Examine the foundation of classical mechanics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics, and various avenues for the transition from the classical to the quantum theory.
A team of six students from across several fields of study spent part of the summer assembling Eugene, a soccer-playing robot for the 2018 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Student Design Competition.