Physics is the inquiry into the structure and organization of the universe—the study of forces and matter, of motion, of cause and effect, and of the intrinsic properties of space and time. From the structure of the atomic nucleus, to the fundamental processes taking place in living cells, to the large-scale structure and evolution of the whole universe, the realm of physics is well-traveled, yet every path leads to uncharted territory.

A major in Physics at Lewis & Clark is a challenging and fascinating undertaking, as this ‘uncharted territory’ is where our students spend most of their time. Coursework includes a two-year introductory sequence, followed by advanced courses in classical dynamics, quantum mechanics, and electricity and magnetism. Small classes are taught by active research faculty, and our students are nationally recognized: since 1993, five Lewis & Clark students have secured prestigious Goldwater science scholarships.

Our facilities include well-equipped laboratories; a machine shop; a research astronomical observatory; remote observing laboratory for studying the galactic interstellar medium; a stellar photometry research facility; a solar telescope and spectrograph; an electrical instrumentation lab; and research labs for astrophysics, spectroscopy, biophysics, computational physics, and holography.

Einstein’s theory of relativity, quantum theory, and the cosmology of Stephen Hawking are only some of the famous outposts of human imagination that Physics students can explore as they study a realm of boundless mystery that provides the foundations for all of the natural sciences.