Physics & Astronomy

Physics is fundamental to understanding our universe

Our subject matter underpins every other natural science, so physicists get to study everything from quarks to the cosmos. As exceptional problem-solvers, physicists use the most basic laws of the universe to attack its toughest questions. Whether you’re curious about how solar panels convert photons to electricity, or you wonder why black holes send ripples through space-time, the answers lie in physics.

Our professors will guide you through the pillars of the discipline—electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, statistical mechanics, and computational physics—while preparing you to explore the forefronts of knowledge. (And we’ll do it in style, through a little something called Hawaiian Shirt Fridays.)

Why Macalester? Research

At Macalester, we think the real work of physics isn’t doing problem sets. It’s shooting laser beams at atom-thick sheets of carbon, or using telescopes to probe the nature of galaxies that are millions of light years away.

We live in such an exciting time for physics and astronomy. Improved technology is rapidly increasing the rate of research and discovery, both around the world and here at Macalester. And we guarantee our majors get to take part. Every single Macalester physics major completes an original research project of publishable scope before they graduate—whether they’re working at a professional observatory or side-by-side with their professors in a lab on campus. For previous projects, see our in-house journal of physics and astronomy.

Life after Macalester

Physics & Astronomy in the cities

Join the community

• High-Power Rocketry Club – Build a rocket and show it off at competitions around the region
• Physics and Astronomy Club – Host public observing nights with Macalester’s research-grade telescope (or take in a sci-fi movie with the group)
• Weekly Seminars – learn something new from professionals in the “star” business
• Physics Wing – Study or hang out in our slice of Olin-Rice