Student wearing glasses and protective gloves carefully adjusts laboratory equipment while working on a physics experiment.

What We Do 

The Department of Physics and Astronomy equips students from all backgrounds with foundational physics and astronomy knowledge and hands-on training in experimental, observational, theoretical, computational and data analysis techniques for fundamental research and industrial and real-world applications. We mentor students to embrace an empirical scientific framework to expand the boundaries of knowledge through novel research and ultimately create diverse STEM leaders, teachers and policy-makers ready to tackle the most challenging problems facing society locally and globally.

The pursuit of science is a human endeavor, and our department welcomes the full spectrum of humanity to contribute their perspectives, passions and skills to scientific exploration.

Our Programs

Blue laser beams travel across an optical table through lenses and mirrors in a dark laboratory setup.

Science is a verb – do it!

Undergraduate and graduate students work with faculty to lead research in astronomy and astrophysics, experimental optics and nanophysics, theoretical high-energy physics and physics and astronomy education.

Student seated in a campus lounge, smiling while reviewing notes and writing in a binder, with study seating and other students in the background.

Prepare for Introductory Physics

PHYS 111 and 220 are entry courses for our introductory physics sequences. Set yourself up for success by completing the prerequisites.

Long exposure image of planetarium equipment

Planetarium and Observatory

View the stars and planets during our open public events at our Charles F. Hagar Planetarium and Thornton Rooftop Observatory.

See the stars