About the Physics and Astronomy Department
The Department of Physics and Astronomy explores matter, energy, and the universe from subatomic particles to distant galaxies through rigorous coursework, faculty-led research, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Using Trinity’s Makerspace, multidisciplinary faculty created Models in a Box, a 1.1 billion-to-1 scale solar system model. Undergraduate science and math majors pursuing STEM teaching use the kits to teach eclipse lessons to local middle and high school students, extending learning into the San Antonio community.
Area of Study
The department offers B.S. and B.A. degrees in physics and minors in physics and astronomy. Students study nanofabrication, molecular biophysics, computational physics, and phenomena like supernovas and solar physics with expert faculty.
Physics (B.S., B.A., Minor)
Pursue physics through a B.S. for graduate or technical careers, a flexible B.A. for cross-disciplinary study, or a minor to bolster any field with rigorous problem-solving and hands-on lab experience.
Applied Physics (B.S.)
Courses focus on the physics fundamentals, with additional elements of chemistry, computer science, engineering analysis, mathematics, and more.
Astronomy (Minor)
Astronomy study ranges from familiarization with the night sky to profound observational and theoretical understandings of the origin and development of our universe.
Honors In Physics
Complete the B.S. with honors by pursuing independent research with a faculty adviser, culminating in a written thesis and defense before the department.