What will be the ultimate fate of the universe? What happens if two atomic nuclei collide at nearly the speed of light? Why can't I unmix the cream from my coffee? What is time? Are there more than three spatial dimensions to the universe? Physicists explore questions such as these, studying the behavior of nature from the largest to the smallest scales, and from the fundamental to the immediately practical. Albert Einstein once wrote that "the most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it is comprehensible." Physics is concerned with discovering patterns and regularities in nature and finding ways to describe and explain these patterns in order to help us better understand the world around us.

Mission statement:

The Physics Department's goals are to

• provide a rigorous, flexible, and effective curriculum for physics majors and minors, with sufficient depth of study for those students who expect to pursue physics, astronomy, or engineering at the graduate level, or embark on technical careers
• provide effective and relevant service courses for the many students whose majors or career goals require physics or astronomy courses
• provide effective and engaging courses for the many students who choose to take physics or astronomy courses as part of the breadth of a liberal arts education.

Department in the News:

Memorial: Professor Emeritus, Art Lutz