Physics

Students and faculty members engage in collaborative research projects both during the academic year and over the summer. Examples of faculty research topics with students include the areas of: astrophysics, atomic, molecular, and optical physics, condensed matter physics, energy technology, high-energy and nuclear physics, quantum physics and 3D X-radiography.

Our laboratory spaces are equipped for hands-on learning and cutting-edge research in computational, experimental, observational and theoretical physics. We offer students opportunities to work with state-of-the-art computation and lab instrumentation throughout the curriculum, and especially when doing research.

Our 3/2 dual-degree and pre-engineering programs offer students the opportunity to pursue engineering after Davidson. The program also provides opportunities for application-based independent studies and research in such fields as automotive, structural and aeronautical engineering, nuclear and renewable energy technology, non-destructive imaging of art and artifacts, and the physics of archery.

Davidson's Society of Physics Students (SPS) is very active and engaged, planning outreach and other events both on and off campus. The group has won numerous Outstanding Chapter Awards and multiple Davidson students have served on the SPS National Council.

Since the founding of the college, the study of science has been a part of the Davidson College curriculum. Prof. Henry Louis Smith, a native of Greensboro, N.C., accepted a position as professor of physics in 1887 and subsequently performed one of the first X-Ray experiments in the United States here on campus.

Davidson physics majors have pursued graduate study in fields such as physics, engineering, medical physics, medicine, business, statistics, law, economics, philosophy, among others. Students have been employed in a wide variety of positions including teachers, engineers, radiologists, computer programmers, technical salespeople, patent lawyers, and even an astronaut.