Physics & Astronomy
Explore the Wonders of the Universe
Welcome to the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware, where the pursuit of scientific discovery and innovation meets cutting-edge research and academic excellence. Our department is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of scholars, educators, and students who are passionate about unraveling the mysteries of the universe and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. From the intricacies of subatomic particles to the vast expanse of the cosmos, our faculty and students are engaged in groundbreaking research that addresses some of the most pressing questions in modern physics and astronomy.
Why Physics and Astronomy at UD?
- Research Opportunities: The department is renowned for its research in experimental condensed matter physics and atomic, molecular, and optical physics.
- Faculty Composition: The Department of Physics and Astronomy has over 30 full-time faculty members with diverse research interests, contributing to a robust academic environment.
- Community Impact: The department's research activities include high-altitude balloon flights, cosmic ray observatories, and gamma-ray telescopes, contributing to global scientific knowledge and community engagement.
100%
of physics and astronomy graduates are employed or pursuing further education.
Top 3%
UD is a Tier-1 research university and is ranked in the top 3% of US universities for research activity.
Top 85
UD has 80 research centers and has consistently been in the top 85 (out of 633) institutions for R&D expenditures from the DOD, DOE, NASA, NSF, and USDA.
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Uncovering Black histories at UD
February 03, 2025 | Written by Amy WolfA virtual tour ties previously overlooked histories to sites on campus. The Black Histories at UD StoryMap traces stories of Black community members, students, faculty members and racial justice activists to specific sites on the UD campus and the greater Newark area. -
Francis Alison Lecture set for Feb. 18
January 28, 2025 | Written by Mike ChalmersMatthaeus to discuss research on space physics -
Building X’s economic impact
January 22, 2025 | Written by Jamie WashingtonPresident Assanis and others share Building X’s economic impact and dynamic design at building’s tour
Upcoming Events
Research Feature
Data From the Cosmos
In the summer of 2021, data gathered by the world’s largest observatory, IceCube, provided a group of 16 undergraduate and graduate students from UD and five other institutions with the opportunity to contribute to research on neutrinos, high-energy subatomic particles that speed through space.