{"id":8800,"date":"2026-02-09T15:57:32","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T20:57:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/academics\/?page_id=8800"},"modified":"2026-04-23T15:27:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T19:27:52","slug":"physics-and-astronomy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/academics\/majors-and-minors\/physics-and-astronomy\/","title":{"rendered":"Physics and Astronomy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Visit the full Physics and Astronomy site<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Physics and Astronomy department focuses on the study of space, time, matter, and energy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Introductory courses provide students with the fundamentals of the subject, an introduction to the logic and philosophy of science, and insight into the understanding and applications of contemporary physics and astrophysics. Advanced courses allow students to delve deeper into each topic, from quantum theory to thermal physics. Majors will conduct and complete an independent project through participation in the senior thesis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Contact Us<\/h5>\n\t

Sylvia Deschaine
\nAcademic Administrative Assistant and Carnegie Science Hall Coordinator
\n Phone: 207-786-6490\n<\/span>sdescha2@bates.edu<\/a><\/span><\/p>

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What You Will Learn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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To appreciate the workings of the natural world through qualitative and quantitative description, analysis, and understanding<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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To build problem-solving skills and the capability for analytical thinking<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How to appreciate the intuitive and creative elements of physics<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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To foster constructive skepticism in order to ask substantive questions about the natural world<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The real-world role of physics as a foundational part of our technology-driven society<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How to demonstrate knowledge through both oral and written communications to a diverse audience<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Life After Bates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Physics and Astronomy majors at Bates go on to successful careers across a wide range of fields, including science and technology, information technology, and financial services. In addition, graduates often pursue post-graduate studies at prestigious universities such as Princeton, Harvard, and Virginia Tech, exploring subjects as diverse as electrical engineering, geophysics, medical physics, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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94%<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

of 2020-2024 Bates graduates are employed and\/or attending graduate school \u2014 settled into their next opportunity within 6 months of graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Selected Places of Employment\/Service<\/h6>\n\n\n\n