physics

Physics

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LEARN THE FOUNDATIONS. TAKE ON THE CHALLENGES.

Whether you’re planning for a career in in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, geophysics, oceanography, meteorology, engineering, operations research, teaching, medicine or law, you’ll learn the core concepts and laws of nature by studying physics. In learning the foundation from which all other sciences are built, you’ll be introduced to the principal subfields of electromagnetism, mechanics, thermal physics, optics and quantum mechanics by world-class professors. Expand your classroom knowledge with extracurricular research under the guidance of Physics Department faculty and fully embrace a liberal arts inquiry experience.

Physics News

Student SpotlightExploration to Excel

Hobart and William Smith students were able to explore principles and applications of physics through research projects and excelled at the Albert Holland Physics Lecture Competition.  

 

 

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Joint Engineering Degree ProgramAdvanced Opportunities

If you’re interested in pursuing engineering, HWS offers a joint degree option with both Columbia University and Dartmouth College. You’ll build a well-rounded foundation in the liberal arts at Hobart and William Smith and combine that knowledge with a technical engineering program. After five years, you’ll receive a degree from both HWS and either Columbia or Dartmouth.

Learn More About the Joint Engineering ProgramJoint Engineering Requirements

 

Student Research
honors

And Experiential Learning

 

Physics students looking to engage more in their work can study and complete Honors and research projects in their chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Past examples of research projects include:

  • Misty Tze Yun Chien '23: Identifying Kepler/K2 objects with Starspot Crossing Characteristics
    Leslie Hebb, Adviser 
  • Julia Roxanne Bellamy '22: Image Analysis for Detecting Harmful Algae Blooms in the Finger Lakes
    Ileana Dumitriu, Adviser
  • Katelin Sierra Crabtree '22: Magnetic Starspots on the Red Giant Star, KOI-1786
    Leslie Hebb, Adviser 
  • Joshua N. Andrews ’20: Remote Sensing through the Use of Consumer Drones: Harmful Algae Blooms in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State
    Ileana Dumitriu, Adviser
  • Max Brodheim ’20: Masses and Radii of MML 48: A New Pre-Main Sequence Eclipsing Binary
    Leslie Hebb, Adviser
More Physics Research Projects Explore and Experience at the HWS Centers

 

Experiential EducationLearning Beyond

Participate in research leading to a NASA rocket launch or attend lectures on gravitational waves hosted by HWS faculty.

At HWS, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact, practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.

ROCK-SAT-C ProgramLIGO-VIRGO-KAGRA-Collaboration

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No Borders:Global Education

Study wavelengths in Germany or astronomy’s link to climate change in South Africa. Learn the origins and early innovations of mathematics and science by spending a summer studying in Greece.

Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.

Short Term Study Abroad OptionsSemester Long Study Abroad Options

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Learn the foundations and applications of physics and how it impacts our world.

PHYS 110 STAR TREK PHYSICS

From warp drive to cloaking devices and holodecks, learn about the possibilities of concepts from the TV shows and movies, what the principles of physics tell us about these possibilities and what these possibilities would mean for the principles of physics.

PHYS 340 INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS

Build on your physics foundations to understand the universe.

PHYS 470 RELATIVITY, SPACETIME AND GRAVITY

Explore the ideas and consequences of Einstein’s special and general theories of relativity.

PHYS 465 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM INFORMATION AND COMPUTING

Study the intersection of physics and the study of information.

individual major with physics

At Hobart and William Smith, you have the freedom to create your own individual major involving physics. Past majors include Biophysics and Planetary Science.

Learn More About Individual Majors
Physics Course CataloguePhysics Faculty Directory

 

FacilitiesOut of This World

Further your study of astronomy at the Colleges’ Richard S. Perkin Observatory, a teaching and outreach facility that provides students with opportunities to observe and photograph objects trillions of miles from Earth. The 17-inch diameter telescope is specifically used by students in PHYS 210 – Observational Astronomy. The Observatory is also open to the HWS Community for stargazing on certain nights throughout the year.

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Alum ImpactOpportunities for a Lifetime

FRANK OPLINGER ’18
SOFTWARE ENGINEER, TECH LEAD AT RAPTOR MAPS

Frank’s interest in engineering led him to the Physics Department. With the help of physics and computer science faculty, he was introduced to incredible opportunities that set him on a path toward software engineering.

Read Frank's Story

BUSINESSES THAT EMPLOY OUR GRADUATES

  • American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • Blackstone
  • Clark Construction Group
  • Credit Suisse
  • DJ&A
  • H3X Technologies
  • Raptor Maps, Inc.
  • The Hackett Group

UNIVERSITIES WHERE OUR GRADUATES ARE STUDYING

  • Cornell University
  • Dartmouth College
  • Fisk University
  • University of Colorado at Boulder
  • University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
  • University of Wisconsin at Madison
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Warren Alpert Medical School