UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
School of Physics
and Astronomy
KEY POINTS
TeamPhysics
The “TeamPhysics” active learning
format replaces traditional lectures
in introductory courses. Students
work in small groups, learn from
peers, solve problems in teams,
and do hands-on activities and lab
experiences.
Learning Assistants
Upper-level students in this program
are matched with professor-mentors
to participate in teaching and
curriculum development.
Capstone Experience
SCIENCE ON ITS
GRANDEST SCALE
FROM QUANTUM PARTICLES TO THE
EXPANSE OF THE UNIVERSE, NOTHING
REACHES FURTHER THAN PHYSICS
There has never been a more exciting time to study physics and astronomy.
Quantum physicists are unlocking the secrets of subatomic particles
and learning more about the mysterious properties of matter and energy.
Meanwhile, astrophysicists push the frontier of human knowledge, cataloging
new planets and observing objects that have, until now, only been theoretical.
Physics informs almost every facet of 21st century society—including health
care, technology, material design, engineering, optics, and communication.
There is almost no end to the practical applications of physical theory.
All physics majors conduct a
year-long independent research
project with a faculty mentor.
Students present their findings in
a formal, academic setting.
Flexible Options
The physics curriculum allows
students room to plan a minor or
course sequence in astronomy,
optics, materials science, mathematics, biological or chemical
sciences, engineering, computer
science, and other fields. Students
also may prepare for entry into
medical, law, or business school.
Career Opportunities
RIT physics graduates find success
in private industry as well as in
government labs and education.
Many students continue on to
graduate studies at prestigious
universities in astrophysics, optics,
materials science, and biophysics.
At RIT, you will practice physics as the professionals do—in teams working
with mentors solving original problems and often publishing your results.
CONTACT
Michael Kotlarchyk, Ph.D.
School Head
COLLEGE of SCIENCE
84 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623
Dean’s Office: (585) 475-5221
rit.edu/science • science@rit.edu
RIT School of Physics and Astronomy
(585) 475-6115
mnksps@rit.edu
SCHOOL OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
RIT
Physics
Student
Placements
Software
Development
PROGRAMS
RESEARCH AREAS
DEGREES AND OTHER OPTIONS
RIT physics students have the
opportunity to work directly with
faculty in the following areas:
Bachelor of Science
Astrophysics and Astronomy
PHYSICS
Includes the basic principles governing the structure and behavior of
matter, the generation and transfer of energy, and the interaction of
matter and energy.
Astronomical
Instrumentation
Condensed Matter Physics
Bachelor of Science + Master of Science
PHYSICS + ASTROPHYSICAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
PHYSICS + MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
PHYSICS + SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY/PUBLIC POLICY
Associate
Detector Engineer
Accelerated dual degree options in which students can earn a BS
degree in physics and an MS degree in another discipline with the
addition of a fifth year of graduate study.
Minors
ASTRONOMY
Ph.D. in
Biophysics
An interdisciplinary minor offered jointly by the School of Physics and
Astronomy and the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science.
Includes courses in physics, calculus, astrophysics, and imaging.
OPTICAL SCIENCE
Ph.D. in
Astrophysics
A complement to studies in electrical and microelectronic engineering,
the biological sciences, physics, chemistry, mathematics, technical
photography, and various majors in the field of applied science and
technology.
PHYSICS
Ph.D. in
Medical
Physics
Additional study in physics to supplement a related degree or area
of interest. Includes electives in a wide range of subdisciplines.
A combination of quantum mechanics,
electrodynamics, and statistical physics.
Systems range from basic solids and
liquids to superconductors, atomic
spin-spin magnetic interactions, spontaneous ordering, and low dimensional
systems.
Education Research
Explores how, what, and why students
learn in physics courses and develops
more effective teaching tools and
approaches for students of various
backgrounds.
Granular Materials
The behavior of particles such as sand
or seed grains to learn how they can
at times behave like a solid or a liquid.
This has important consequences for
the storage, packaging, and delivery of
commercial products.
Nanoscale Materials
and Device Physics
The development of new nanoscale
materials and devices for energy
generation and storage.
Optical Physics
Immersions
ASTRONOMY
Ph.D. in
Physics
Focuses on galaxy formation and
evolution, supermassive black holes, and
gravitational interactions between stars
and black holes in the center of galaxies.
A three-course exploration of physics, astronomy, and specialized
topics. The prerequisite is the two-course university physics sequence.
PHYSICS
A three-course exploration of modern and classical physics.
The prerequisite is two-course university physics sequence.
Co-op in Solar
Cell Research
Includes lasers, holography, telescopes,
imaging and detection methods,
micro-fabrication techniques, solar
energy, numerical computation, “optical
tweezers,” quantum optics, and nonlinear
optics.
Soft Condensed Matter
and Biological Physics
Encompasses a broad range of biological
and other soft “squishy” systems.
Problems span a combination of physics,
chemistry, and biology.
Co-ops in
Multiple Positions
CONTACT
Michael Kotlarchyk, Ph.D.
School Head
COLLEGE of SCIENCE
84 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623
Dean’s Office: (585) 475-5221
rit.edu/science • science@rit.edu
RIT School of Physics and Astronomy
(585) 475-6115
mnksps@rit.edu