From the vastness of the cosmos to the tiniest subatomic particle and everything between, the study of physics provides a framework for all other sciences. Physics is a place to be fascinated by everyday phenomena, to wonder at the immensity of the universe, and always ask “how?” Apply the principles of physics to astronomy and begin to discover how the world—and beyond—is made.

WHY STUDY PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY AT SEWANEE?

Physics and astronomy courses at Sewanee will provide a variety of opportunities for you to learn about the universe—from everyday phenomena through the vastness of outer space and minuteness of the nano-realm to the nature of the fabric of physical reality.

At Sewanee, a focused physics education fits naturally within the liberal arts and sciences environment that forms the core of the Sewanee experience. Taking physics and astronomy courses will help you develop a robust understanding of fundamental physical principles—the essence of “how the world works”—as well as valuable reasoning, problem-solving, and experimentation skills. You’ll delve into advanced theoretical topics, utilize research-grade instrumentation, participate in faculty-led and independent research projects, both on campus and at other institutions. Maybe you'll even discover new asteroids or comet fragments.

As a student of physics at Sewanee, you'll have the chance to make new discoveries and have your findings published on Minor Planet Center database,  the single largest location for documenting minor planets and comets. Using Sewanee's Cordell-Lorenz Observatory, one of the top 50 observatories in the world for new discoveries, students will be able to implement state-of-the-art equipment and explore the universe.

Be enthralled by the world around you. From modern-day technologies to the minuteness of the nano-realm, the study of physics will fuel your curiosity. You’ll get to join professors in scholarly pursuits like hunting for asteroids and extrasolar planets, learning about nuclear physics, and the simulation, fabrication, and optical studies of functional nanomaterials.

FIRST DESTINATIONS: Physics MAJORS

Sewanee graduates secure positions is a variety of fields. Some you would expect, others, are a bit of a surprise. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first job.

  • Quality Technician, EC Manufacturing, Kansas City, KS.
  • Ecology Intern, U.S. Forest Service, Athens, GA.
  • Research Intern, Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL.
GRADUATE SCHOOL & PREPROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS: Physics MAJORS

Sewanee graduates enjoy extraordinary acceptance rates to top graduate and preprofessional programs–about 95 percent to law school and over 85 percent to medical school. Below is a sampling of where Sewanee grads continue their education.

  • Ph.D. in Astrophysics, Boston University.
  • Ph.D. in Physics, University of California, Davis.
  • Ph.D. in Physics, University of Michigan.

A Sampling of Courses

The Science of Music
Physics

An introductory course on musical acoustics which includes the principles of sound production, propagation, and perception through inquiry-based methods. The ways in which different sounds are produced are explored through experimentation with both existing and student-constructed instruments (e.g., string, woodwind, brass, percussion).

PHYS 120
Quantum Mechanics
Physics

The mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics is developed and applied to potential wells, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom. Dirac notation is introduced and used in the description of angular momentum and electron spin.

PHYS 401
Readings in Cosmology
Physics

A course for those with some background in physics or astronomy who are interested in the origin and structure of our universe. Readings include Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time and other modern texts, in addition to historical cosmology tests such as Aristotle's On the Heavens or Galileo's Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems.

PHYS 349

Physics & Astronomy

Programs of Study & Related Programs

Requirements for the Major in Physics

Requirements for the Minor in Physics & Astronomy

Meet some professors

Eugenii U. Donev
eudonev@sewanee.edu

Dr. Eugene Donev joined the Physics and Astronomy Department in the summer of 2013, ten years after graduating from Sewanee with majors in Physics and German. He enjoys involving students in his research on the optical properties of hybrid nanomaterials that combine plasmonic and phase-changing functionalities.

Assistant Professor of Physics
Douglas Durig
ddurig@sewanee.edu

Dr. Durig taught Environmental Chemistry in past years, but he is now teaching Astronomy, General Physics, and Advanced Physics here at Sewanee. Doug and his students have discovered asteroids, comets and other celestial phenomena during their ongoing research at the Cordell-Lorenz Observatory

Professor of Chemistry and Physics and Director of The Cordell-Lorenz Observatory
Randolph Peterson
rpeterso@sewanee.edu

Dr. Peterson earned his Ph.D. from University of Tennessee and specializes in Accelerator-based Atomic Physics. Professor at Sewanee since 1989, he has also worked with Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a visiting scientist working specifically with radiation laboratories for electronics and a quantum nanostructure group.

Professor of Physics
Benito T. Szapiro
bszapiro@sewanee.edu

Dr. Szapiro was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Working as a professor at Sewanee since 1994, Dr. Szapiro has published numerous scientific articles and received a variety of academic awards. His research background includes gas lasers, optics, plasma diagnostic techniques, controlled nuclear fusion, electron beam generation, and much more.

Professor of Physics and Physics Department Chair

Contact

Benito T. Szapiro
Professor of Physics and Physics Department Chair

bszapiro@sewanee.edu

Woods Lab 225, Ext. 1858

Cordell-Lorenz Observatory
A glimpse into the cosmos

If you’re a physics student, you’ll have access to Sewanee’s Cordell-Lorenz Observatory, a facility for research and academic enrichment activities. There are public observation times as well as cameras that capture comet and asteroid activity.

Star gaze!
3/2 Engineering Program
Blueprints for success

Sewanee collaborates with other schools to combine liberal arts and engineering curricula. In this 3/2 program track, you’ll end up receiving two baccalaureate degrees after three years at Sewanee plus two years at an engineering institution. Pre-engineering curriculum at Sewanee will prepare you with technical skills and social awareness.

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Career and Leadership Development
Unsure? You've come to the right place

No matter where you are in your career exploration process, Career and Leadership Development can help. You’ll get assistance with cover letters, resumes, networking, and preparing for an interview. Likewise, if you just feel overwhelmed by this new experience called adulting, swing by the office and get a pep talk from the CLD office.

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