Students learn the disciplines’ technical, conceptual, historical and philosophical contexts. In addition, majors develop strong technical and mathematical skills.
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Olaf Ellers, Bowdoin College: "Biomechanics of Underwater Walking: Sea Stars, Crabs, Octopi"
We gather before the talks for tea, coffee, and cookies at 4:00, Ground Lobby of Science Center followed by the talk at 4:15 pm in A011
Tina Shih, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
We gather before the talks for tea, coffee, and cookies at 4:00, Ground Lobby of Science Center followed by the talk at 4:15 pm in A011
Department Highlights
Physics Major
Students take advanced courses in areas such as electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and classical dynamics.
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Astronomy Major
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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Facilities
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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After Amherst
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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Seminars & Colloquia
The department holds weekly seminars and colloquia on current research topics. The talks are accessible to students.
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Our History
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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Prizes & Awards
Physics & Astronomy Courses
Current Courses
ASTR 112
Alien Worlds
Description
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.
PHYS 225
Modern Physics
Description
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.
PHYS 343
Dynamics
Description
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.
Summer Robotics with Professor Ashley Carter
August 8, 2018
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.