Physics and Astronomy

Physics and Astronomy

From the ancient study of the motion of stars and planets, through the revolutions of Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Einstein and the founders of quantum mechanics, the fields of astronomy and physics continue to open the way for the quantitative study of the physical universe. These studies have shown the universe to be mathematically predictable and have resulted in opportunities for humanity to make effective use of our surroundings and resources. The accuracy of the best physical theories is unprecedented in the history of science, and a host of technological innovations have grown out of the testing of those theories and out of their application by applied scientists and engineers. 

At Alfred University, physics and astronomy go hand in hand, with a strong curriculum in the physical foundation of the universe and the remarkable facilities of the John L. Stull Observatory. We offer a full spectrum of courses, from introductory astronomy and physics, through intermediate courses in all of the main branches of physics and astronomy, up to advanced courses in cosmology and particle physics. Our division offers a variety of degree paths, including two bachelor of science programs in physics or astrophysics, a bachelor of arts in physics, and double majors in physics or astrophysics. 

Astrophysics 

Astronomy is the oldest of the natural sciences, and the first to have mathematics rigorously applied to it. Humans have always gazed at the night sky, identifying shapes and looking for patterns in the motion of those shapes. While the ancient civilizations developed mathematical models to predict the motion of celestial objects, it was the parallel development of physics and astronomy several centuries ago that allowed for mathematically accurate predictions of planetary motion and observational validation for the laws of physics. Developments over the last century in relativity and quantum mechanics and technological advancements in telescopes have solidified the field of astrophysics as a means of understanding the universe. We now know a great deal about how the physical universe works, from the subatomic scale to the largest astronomical and cosmological structures. Astrophysics allows us to test many aspects of those theories in ways that we could not possibly recreate in a laboratory.

The technologies required to build better telescopes, to put telescopes into orbit, and to detect gravitational waves have led to technological advances in many other fields as well, improving detection sensitivity and fabrication processes across a variety of engineering fields. And with the amount of data at unprecedented precision coming from the James Webb space Telescope and the GAIA Space Observatory, it is a very exciting time to be an astrophysicist.

To prepare them for the problems that they will encounter beyond Alfred University, the Division of Physics and Astronomy helps students to develop a strong theoretical foundation and also to engage in experimental and observational research opportunities. We work closely with our students and encourage them to come to us with questions about their classes, their future plans, and how those fit together. Our students collaborate with each other as they develop their problem solving skills, because the work of astrophysics is almost never done in isolation. Through sharing ideas and learning to explain things to each other, all of our students are better prepared for what their future holds.

The program offers a Bachelor of Science degree in astrophysics. This degree offers a deep focus in advanced and applied areas of physics and astronomy, including computation and independent research, making this degree excellent preparation for graduate study in astrophysics, astronomy, and physics or as a pathway toward scientific computing or research in industry. For students that have already chosen a primary major but are also interested in a complete education in astrophysics, the program offers a double major in astrophysics. 

For students excited about astrophysics but interested in a broader path and more flexibility for pairing other interests with the problem solving skills of a physics degree, the division also offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics with a Concentration in Astrophysics. This option is listed under the Physics Program.

Physics 

Physics is perhaps the most fundamental and most rigorously and quantitatively tested field of science. We know a great deal about how the physical universe works, from the subatomic scale to the largest astronomical and cosmological structures. Our current understanding has been shaped over the last four centuries and then revolutionized in the 20th century with the advent of relativity and quantum mechanics. 

Our understanding of physics and its mathematical structures give us incredible predictive power, which allows other fields, especially the fields of engineering, to apply the results in clever and revolutionary ways. The developments that shape our modern world could only have been envisioned in the context of a deep understanding of the underlying laws of nature. Physicists work on both sides of this interface, developing and refining the laws and applying them to solve problems and create new technologies. 

A degree in physics can prepare students to take up the enterprise of discovering new laws of physics and refining our understanding of existing laws. In learning the theories underlying physics, students also build strong skills in problem solving, mathematical analysis, and critical thinking. Complex problems can be daunting or even impossible to solve all at once, and one of the most important skills required in physics is the ability to prioritize the various aspects of the problem. This allows one to focus on understanding the most relevant aspect first and then refine and improve the theory by adding layers of complexity. This ability is extremely powerful in the solution of all kinds of complicated problems, not just in physics. 

To prepare them for the problems that they will encounter beyond Alfred University, the Division of Physics and Astronomy helps students to develop a strong theoretical foundation and also to engage in experimental and research opportunities. We work closely with our students and encourage them to come to us with questions about their classes, their future plans, and how those fit together. Our students collaborate with each other as they develop their problem solving skills, because the work of physics is almost never done in isolation. Through sharing ideas and learning to explain things to each other, all of our students are better prepared for what their future holds. 

The physics program offers two degree options: a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA). The BS offers a deeper focus with more coursework in advanced and applied areas of physics, including computation and independent research, making this degree excellent preparation for graduate study in physics or as a pathway toward scientific computing or research in industry. The BA allows for a broader path and more flexibility for pairing other interests with the problem solving skills of a physics degree, making this degree an excellent pathway to a variety of careers or to graduate study in other fields like engineering. For students that have already chosen a primary major but are also interested in a complete education in physics, the program offers a double major in physics.