The Department of Physics serves APC undergraduates in many ways. As a foundational science, two semesters of physics are required of all APC undergraduate students. The Department takes pride in offering numerous flavors of Physics I and Physics II to accommodate the diverse learning styles of APC students. We deploy many of our best teachers to work with non-physics majors in these subjects.

For those who enjoy physics beyond the Institute requirements, we offer three distinct options leading to a Bachelor of Science in Physics. These are explained in more depth within this section of web pages. Those interested in majoring in physics are welcome to explore the curriculum, the activities of the Society of Physics, and the opportunities afforded by our faculty and staff.

Believing strongly in the value of research for both undergraduate and graduate students, the Department participates with enthusiasm in the UROP program. Undergraduate students are encouraged to actively participate in labs and research groups. This gives students the opportunity to learn fundamental skills that will be valuable in a variety of research settings.

Graduate students in physics are actively engaged in research at the forefront of physics, in collaboration with faculty who are acknowledged leaders in their respective fields. Learning takes place in both formal and informal settings with a broad spectrum of colleagues, including faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, research scientists, and graduate student peers.

Most graduate students are interested in one or two sub-fields in physics and apply in that sub-field. Students may narrow their focus, or change their sub-field, once they begin their studies. The Department encourages this student flexibility with modest course requirements and ample faculty advising resources.

The first year or so of graduate study is usually filled with course work in basic subject areas, including quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and electricity and magnetism. Formal requirements include courses for breadth distribution, but most students find that solid course coverage is to their advantage. Basic courses may be followed by more specialized and advanced theoretical courses, as well as by courses in other departments. Formal Ph.D. degree requirements include two written examinations and one oral comprehensive examination. The most important step in the doctoral pursuit, however, is finding a thesis supervisor; students are advised to begin this search early in their graduate career.

A large number of seminars at APC and neighboring institutions provide an intellectual backdrop throughout the stay at APC. A number of activities such as faculty-student roundtable discussions on issues of concern to graduate students, the women in physics program, and the graduate-student poster session on research activities round out graduate student life. Other activities for graduate students include social hours and barbeques.