Why Choose Physics?

The physics major is grounded in the basic sciences, like biology and chemistry, to applied sciences, like engineering. Majoring in physics allows you to develop strong technical and analytical skills, which are applicable to nearly any profession.
The Curriculum
Physics at Manhattan College is a challenging program that combines theoretical and experimental components. It is designed to lead you to master:
- mechanics
- electromagnetism
- optics
- thermal physics
- relativity
- quantum theory
Classes examine topics including:
- Properties of radioactivity
- Elements of thermodynamics
- Computer programming in the Python language
- Wave theory of light and matter
Research Experience
As a physics major at Manhattan College, you will have many experiential opportunities to choose from. Research is both required and supported, whether you choose to work in collaboration with a faculty member on campus or pursue an opportunity to take part in research internationally. Faculty-student collaborations often lead to projects that are funded by government agencies like the National Science Foundation. Past students have participated with the ATLAS Experiment and worked alongside Manhattan College physics professor Rostislav Konoplich, Ph.D., at The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Typically students conduct research projects with faculty instead of internships. Past research topics include:
- Doped semiconductor materials
- Early universe cosmology
- Fractal analysis
- Interferometry
- Neutron star astrophysics
- Structural characterization of nanomaterials
- Theoretical high energy physics