Undergraduate
The Department of Physics offers an undergraduate program that provides students with an excellent foundation in physics, which will develop your critical thinking abilities, and lead to diverse and rewarding career opportunities. Former students have acquired positions in industry or government immediately upon graduation with the bachelor's degree. Others have entered graduate programs either her at UL Lafayette or other universities throughout the nation.
Undergraduate Physics Majors get to explore an exciting array of topics and ideas in physics including:
- Classical Mechanics
- Electricity & Magnetism
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Materials Science
- Numerical Methods
- Acoustics
- Space Physics
- Geophysics
- Accelerator Physics
- Particle Physics
- Cosmology
As a student you will have lecture and laboratory courses where you will learn experimental, theoretical, and computational techniques. You also have a chance to tailor your education with advanced topics courses which cover specific areas of physics such as acoustics, geophysics, nuclear and particle physics, and cosmology.
Physics majors have two semesters of Senior Research where you will get to join one of the department's research groups. This will allow you to experience the research environment, and you will get to contribute to exciting new work. The Department is committed to facilitating top quality research experiences for undergraduate students. Undergraduate research assistantships are often available in the department and at the Louisiana Accelerator Center. These positions allow students to work up to 20-30 hours per week in an actual research environment.
A weekly departmental seminar provides students and faculty with the opportunity to learn and discuss the latest advances and developments in physics. Several UL Lafayette interdisciplinary laboratories, such as the Microscopy Center, Corrosion Research Center, and the Louisiana Accelerator Center (LAC) support instructional and research projects.
For further information, please contact Dr. Andi Petculescu, our Undergraduate Coordinator. For general application information, contact the UL Lafayette Office of Admissions.