Assumption student raising her hand in class
Undergraduate

Physics

Develop an understanding of the fundamental laws that govern matter, energy, and motion and use them to build a better world.

Why Study Physics at Assumption?

Physics governs how our universe works, from the paths of the tiniest drops of water to the movements of planets and stars. At Assumption, the Physics program cultivates curiosity, guiding you through classic principles and groundbreaking discoveries in this ever-evolving field. You’ll design and conduct your own experiments, testing theories and refining your analytical skills along the way.

Studying Physics at Assumption allows the development of critical and scientific thinking, through the prism of liberal arts education and enriched with interdisciplinary connections. The broader foundation offered by Assumption allows students to apply what they learn in physics in other fields.

If you have a passion for science, our campus provides state-of-the-art labs, exciting undergraduate research opportunities, and dedicated faculty committed to your success. Minoring in physics deepens your understanding of both theory and application, making it a valuable complement to your academic journey and opening doors to diverse career paths. For those students who are interested, the 3:2 Engineering Program enables students to earn a B.A. or B.S. at Assumption and pursue graduate studies at top institutions like the University of Notre Dame and Washington University in St. Louis.

Additionally, Assumption offers paid summer research programs where you can collaborate directly with faculty on campus. Many driven undergraduates also secure internships at leading research institutions nationwide, often funded by the National Science Foundation or innovative scientific organizations in Worcester.

Program Contact

Brian K. Niece, Ph.D

Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences, Professor of Chemistry
508-767-7209 Testa Science Center - Room 209

Program Curriculum

  • Physics students take 6 courses (18 credits) in math and science to complete the requirements of the minor. Three of those six courses can double-count towards both a Physics minor and another major or minor.

    Required Courses for Minor

    PHY 201 General Physics I
    PHY 202 General Physics II
    PHY 480 Modern Physics

    Students must also complete three of the following eight courses (no more than two of the three can be from the mathematics offerings)

    CHE 311 Physical Chemistry I
    CHE 312 Physical Chemistry II
    PHY 213 Introduction to Engineering Problem Solving
    PHY 275 Applied Optics
    PHY 301 Mechanics I: Statics
    PHY 302 Mechanics II: Dynamics
    PHY 491-492 Independent Study in Physics
    MAT 331 Calculus of Vector Functions
    MAT 351 Modern Algebra I
    MAT 355 Differential Equations

    Course Descriptions

Faculty

Brian K. Niece, Ph.D
Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences Professor of Chemistry
Georgi Y. Georgiev, Ph.D
Professor of Physics
Maria Teresa Herd
Assistant Professor of Physics Associate Professor of Physics 3-2 engineering program director

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Faculty Feature: Professor Herd

Professor Maria-Teresa Herd has been awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to lead research measuring the ionization energy of Lithium, an alkali metal. Through this grant, six Assumption students will also receive funding for summer research relating to this work. The research will be done at Assumption and at Smith College, in their atomic physics lab, which has specialized equipment needed to conduct the research.

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