Observatory
Our robotic observatory is equipped with a 17-inch telescope on a German Equatorial mount. It is used for classroom and research projects, as well as community events.
Department of Physics
Welcome to the Physics Department
The Physics Department at the University of St. Thomas emphasizes a broad understanding and appreciation of physics while cultivating the problem-solving skills essential for a successful career grounded in science.
We provide a high degree of personal attention to foster a familial, yet rigorous, educational atmosphere conducive to enjoyable and meaningful learning. Your analytical, experimental, computational and communication skills will flourish as you work your way through the curriculum. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research projects during the school year and over the summer.
Whether you are preparing for graduate school, an industrial or professional position, or simply taking physics to enhance your general education, we have a path for you.
Contact
Marie Lopez Del Puerto
Professor and Chair
Email
mlpuerto@stthomas.edu
Phone Number
651-962-5213
Your options
There are three options to choose from: Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Minor in physics.
Four-Year Plans
The BA and the BS degrees build on a common core of physics courses, but there are significant differences between them.
Hands-on and Student-Focused
Research
Our goal is to produce students who are ready to take on complex and exciting problems after graduation.
Our laboratories are well equipped with research-grade instrumentation, electronics equipment and computer hardware. Students run our observatory, design and build apparatus, conduct experiments, create computer simulations, develop analytical theories and analyze data. They also present their results at conferences and co-author journal articles with faculty. Support comes from a variety of sources, including the National Science Foundation, NASA, local industry and the University of St. Thomas.
Areas of faculty and student research include:
- Astrophysics
- Optics
- Computation
- Complexity and Emergence
- Musical Acoustics
- Non-linear Dynamics and Chaos
- Curriculum Development
Facilities
Our facilities include our offices in Owens Science Hall, three classrooms, seven laboratories, a student machine shop, computer room, a commons study area and the observatory on top of the Anderson Parking Facility.
Observatory Events
Laboratories and Machine Shop
Our research laboratories and machine shop are equipped with a range of instrumentation, electronics equipment, CNC machinery and computer hardware.
Classroom and Study Spaces
Our space includes three classrooms, a computer room, teaching laboratories, the observatory and a commons study area. Beakers Coffee Shop is nearby, on the second floor.
Careers in Physics
Our graduates are successful. Many have earned PhDs at prominent institutions and have won prestigious Goldwater Scholarships and national fellowships. Others are working in engineering firms and high-tech companies such as 3M, Medtronic, Honeywell and Google; and in government agencies and national laboratories. Additionally, former students are teachers, doctors, medical physicists and attorneys.
Physics Faculty and Staff
Contact Information
Questions? Please feel free to reach out to learn more about our department.
Tel: (651) 962-5216
Email: fasc4595@stthomas.edu
Mailing Address
2115 Summit Ave.
OWS 153
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Campus Location
We are located on the first floor of Owens Science Hall