Commencement 2021 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 30. Because of the pandemic, there are many safety guidelines and practices necessary for a successful in-person event. See important information in the FAQ and in the Letters from President Martin.
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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Explore the implications of the idea that the same simple physical laws apply equally well in the terrestrial and celestial realms.
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.
Engage with astronomical software, coordinate and time systems, telescope design and optics, statistical techniques for making astronomical measurements and more.
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.