MINOR IN PHYSICS

It is part of our human nature to wonder about the universe around us. It starts with questions like: What is stuff made of? How does lightning make thunder? Why is the sky blue? Physics is where we go to find the answers. The explanations we seek come from the evidence and arguments that are the discipline of physics.

students in classroom

Understand why physics is the foundation of all sciences and engineering

You’ll learn how physics forms the foundation of almost all branches of science and technology — how it has provided the microscopic basis for chemistry and stimulated important development in mathematics, for example. It underpins all of engineering and forms the basis for the pure and applied sciences, including the life sciences.

With a background in physics, you can pursue a number of scientific careers — university and government laboratory research, industrial research and development, applied science and engineering, biological and medical sciences, environmental research, and teaching at all levels.

Develop evidence-based and analytical skills

The discipline of physics is rigorously analytical, and that’s an especially useful learning experience today. Producing evidence and then arguing from that evidence is one of the most important life skills of the 21st century. It’s a skill that can lead to many careers in science, and even more so, to some outstanding careers outside of the field of science.

The study of physics sharpens your ability to develop ideas, to think critically, and most important, to become more aware of the details. This is as essential in the practice of law, in the launching of a start-up company, or in the development of quantum computers as it is in the study of cosmology.

Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.

Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.

Meet Our Faculty

Selected Courses and Programs

Introductory course for physical science and engineering majors. Kinematics, Newton’s laws, conservation principles for momentum, energy and angular momentum. Thermal physics. Basic properties of waves, simple harmonic motion, superposition principle, interference phenomena, and sound.
Basic concepts of electricity and magnetism; Coulomb’s law, electric field and potential, Gauss’s law, Ohm’s law, Kirchoff’s rules, capacitance, magnetic field, Ampere’s law, Faraday’s law of induction, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves. Fundamentals of optics; light, laws of reflection and refraction, interference and diffraction phenomena, polarization, gratings, lenses and optical instruments.
Twentieth century developments in the theory of relativity and the quantum theory. Atomic, nuclear, solid-state, and elementary particle physics.

The University of New Haven offers a wide variety of in-depth courses that create a transformational educational experience for our students. To view the complete list of courses you'll take while pursuing a minor in Physics check out the Academic Catalog:

Physics Minor

 

 

Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development

All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.

From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.

Learn More

 

Upcoming Events

See All Visit Opportunities

News

Students in the University of New Haven's PSYC 3330 Community Psychology class

Psychology Students Use Photovoice Research to Advocate for Positive Change

Students in a Community Psychology course transformed research into action through Participatory Action Research (PAR) Photovoice projects, identifying issues related to well-being and sharing evidence-based recommendations to help enrich the student experience.

University of New Haven Undergraduate Advances Biomedical Research and Prepares for Graduate Studies

Pearl Patel ’27 is pursuing advanced biomedical research after studying viral genomes and heart disease, presenting her work at national conferences, and earning a place in Yale’s exclusive PATHS program. Her research and faculty mentorship are helping prepare her for the next step toward pursuing a Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences.

Pearl Patel '27
Read More News

 

Next Steps

Whether you're still in high school or are transferring from another college, we offer full- and part-time opportunities for undergraduates from inside the U.S. and abroad. The admission process can begin as early as the end of your high school junior year.

The Application Process Website

We offer a comprehensive financial aid program, with students receiving assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, student loans, and part-time employment. Funds are available from federal and state governments, private sponsors, and from university resources. More than 95 percent of the University's full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.

Financial Aid Website

WANT MORE INFO?

Find out more about why the University of New Haven is a great fit for you. Our admissions team will contact you with information personalized to your interests.

REQUEST INFORMATION

VISIT

A campus visit is one of the most important parts of the college selection process. Come feel what it's like to Be a Charger!

Experience Campus

APPLY

With more than 74,000 alumni and more than 100 years of history, #ChargerNation is the place to be. Begin Your Journey today.

Start Your Application