Physics

Physics is a major with two different concentration tracks (Physics and Computational Physics) as well as a minor at F&M. In the Physics concentration track, you will study the natural world, exploring classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermal and statistical physics. The Computational Physics concentration track allows you to blend knowledge of physics, computer science, and applied mathematics.

By studying physics at F&M, you’ll engage in deep critical reasoning and collaborative work to answer complex scientific questions. Using your grounding in the scientific process, you will be challenged to use your unique perspective and analytical abilities to understand and influence the world around you. You will engage in hands-on experimentation in the laboratory, test the limits of our theoretical models, and use computational tools to pursue research with support from your professors and F&M’s cutting-edge laboratory and computing equipment.

By the time you graduate, you will: 

• Be able to find, interpret, and use already published knowledge in physics.
• Be able to communicate technical information effectively and clearly, using data analysis and critical argumentation.
• Be able to design and execute an experimental, theoretical, or computational approach to solving complex physical problems.
• Be able to design and effectively deliver presentations of your scientific work to multiple audiences.
• Be able to use advanced mathematical techniques to solve theoretical problems.
• Be able to create new or modify existing models to explain observations of physical behavior.
• Be able to take into account multiple perspectives and ethical considerations in doing physics.

Ready to see what physics classes at F&M are like? Explore our course catalog and get an idea of what to expect.

Research Opportunities

Are you interested in doing new physics, building on what others have done? You can at F&M. Every student at F&M has extraordinary opportunities to engage in independent or faculty-led research. Our students’ research has been published in leading scholarly journals, and your professors will be there every step of the way to mentor and advise you in your journey.

You’ll also find remarkable opportunities to join your professors’ research projects, allowing you to leave your footprint on what sometimes are years-long endeavors. Physics faculty are expert researchers working on a wide array of cutting-edge topics, including: 

• Ultrafast and nonlinear optics
• Quantum optics
• Quantum field theory of hydrogenic atoms
• Foundations of quantum mechanics
• Physics education research 
• The physics of knitted textiles
• The materials physics of insulators
• Remote sensing for landmine and unexploded ordnance detection

Off-Campus Study

You’re encouraged to take advantage of F&M’s rich international study program. Our students have studied abroad in Scotland, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and more. 

Explore off-campus study at F&M

The William M. Hackman Physical Sciences Laboratories

The hub of physics at F&M is the William M. Hackman Physical Sciences Laboratories building. Hackman houses six instructional laboratories; 11 student/faculty research laboratories; two ultrafast Ti:sapphire lasers; state-of-the-art spatial light modulators, optical spectrometers, and CCD cameras; single-photon detection capabilities for quantum optics experiments; a spectroscopic ellipsometer; a cold-cycle refrigerator capable of cooling to temperatures of 4 K; a monochromator, a spectrophotometer, and a wide range of spectroscopic equipment; and a lounge for physics majors to gather to study and share thoughts and ideas.

A degree in physics is great preparation for a wide range of career and personal interests. While some graduates with a background in physics go on to contribute to scientific knowledge, many contribute to their communities in other ways. Some become teachers and/or engage in outreach and science communication. Others bring their skills and knowledge to different areas of interest, becoming analysts, lawyers, doctors, and engineers or working to improve the world in their own ways.
Our faculty and staff take pride in helping students meet their personal goals. 

Graduate School

Many of our graduates go on to graduate school after F&M, pursuing advanced degrees in experimental or theoretical physics and related fields such as mechanical engineering. Their individualized learning and hands-on experience F&M provides gives them an advantage in getting admitted into some of the nation’s top graduate programs.

Career Paths

Physics graduates embark on a wide range of careers including in:

• Research
• Teaching
• Finance
• Medicine

They hold positions such as Computational Scientist, Data Scientist, Energy Industry Analyst, Materials Scientist, Medical Physicist, Physicist, Professor, Process Engineer, Research Engineer, Research Physicist, Quantitative Research Analyst, Seismologist, Teacher, and Technical Writer, among many others.