More on Undergraduate Physics

An undergraduate physics lab at work.

photo by Patrick O'leary

Learning to be a physicist entails more than just attending lectures and reading textbooks. A key part of the program is the Methods in Experimental Physics course that teaches students how to use experimental equipment and to design and construct their own experiments. Students present their results in the form of a talk and a poster as if they were attending a physics conference.

The school offers employment opportunities as another avenue for hands-on learning. Many physics majors perform physics research as a student job. It's a winning situation all the way around since students receive a paycheck and valuable experience, and physics professors get much needed help in the laboratories.

There are two programs to help undergraduates begin research: Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) gives students grants to do research during the school year, and the summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program can provide support during the summer.

If you want to learn more, browse the Courses website, check out the Handbook, and view Profiles of Physics Majors.

Interested in becoming a Physics Major?

Email to talk to an advisor.

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