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Physics
Physics

Major & Minor

Bachelor of Science

You learn physics by DOING physics.  From the first-year Workshop Physics to the Advanced Research Experience, you will explore the exciting fields of physics, astronomy, and engineering with our fun, hands-on learning approaches. You will develop critical technical and leadership skills to become sought-after scientists and engineers for the 21st century. 

Physics Degree

Student Research & Internships

The Physics program offers a distinctive opportunity unlike most programs in the country: student research embedded within the curriculum.

The Adams Observatory offers special opportunities for physics students interested in the cosmos.

Students in the physics program will conduct real-world projects in their courses, qualify for competitive internships, and position themselves for full-time job placement in rewarding careers.

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TESS Exoplanet Follow-up Observations at the Adams Observatory

NASA Exoplanet Follow-up Observations at the Adams Observatory

Neil Cutting ’24, Lindy Luker ’22, Brett Skinner ’22

Building a Robot for the VEX Over Under Competition

Building a Robot for the VEX Over Under Competition

Michael Bose '23, Neil Cutting '24, Divya Prakash '25, Osvaldo Salas '25, Seth Kerstetter '24, Trey Adams '25, Iona Bates '25, Jed McPike '25, and Brant Stuber '25

Electrical and Magnetic Properties of High Temperature Superconductors

Electrical and Magnetic Properties of High Temperature Superconductors

Lindsay Bechtel ’15, Aryn Hays ’14, Anthony Johnsen ’15, Chris Tanner ’15, and Colton Turbeville ’14

Optical Analysis of Gold Thin Films

Optical Analysis of Gold Thin Films

Cailey Varnell ’25

Solar Radiation and Temperature Drop During the April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse

Solar Radiation and Temperature Drop During the April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse

Madison Manning ’26

Design and Fabrication of a New Spectrograph for the Adams Observatory

Design and Fabrication of a New Spectrograph for the Adams Observatory

Osvaldo Salas ’25

Finish in Four*

with the skills to launch your career 

Being a great scientist or engineer

isn’t only about skills in the lab! Your four-year academic experience will strengthen and refine your skills in communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. Upon graduation with a major in physics, you will be prepared to: 

  • clearly communicate in oral, written and electronic formats to scientists, engineers, and the public at large; 
  • demonstrate problem solving, critical thinking and analytical reasoning in your future career; and 
  • pursue independent research at a world-class level.  

Explore our Graduate Outcomes to learn more about what our graduates are doing today. 

Program Highlights

Adams Observatory

Astronomy in the 21st Century

At Austin College’s Adams Observatory, you will gain “out-of-this-world” research experience using cutting-edge astronomical equipment.  You will make new discoveries and learn techniques used at professional observatories around the globe.

Read More about Adams Observatory
IDEA Center

The IDEA Center, a cutting-edge facility designed with scientific inquiry in mind, is LEED Gold certified. The building features 32 laboratory classrooms, 16 lecture rooms, a 108-seat auditorium, the W. M. Keck High-Performance Numerics and Graphic Computing Facility, and the Adams Observatory, which houses a 24-inch telescope with an astronomical high-resolution image camera.

Read More about IDEA Center (opens in new window/tab)

Meet our Faculty & Staff

Dr. Andra Petrean

Dr. Andra Petrean

Professor of Physics, Physics Department Chair
Dr. Sharon Felix

Dr. Sharon Felix

Fellowship in Physics, Assistant Professor of Physics
Dr. Rahul Renu

Dr. Rahul Renu

Founding Director of Engineering Program, Associate Professor of Engineering
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Popular Courses

  • Workshop Physics: Physics for Scientists and Engineers
  • Modern Physics
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Observational Astronomy
  • Advanced Instrumentation and Robotics
  • Atmospheric Physics
  • Research Experiences in Physics