THE CURRICULUM

It’s surprisingly flexible—students can take a range of electives and special courses— and intensely demanding. Our core courses provide an immersive experience in founda- tional theory and practice. Specialized sem- inars and advanced reading courses feature rigorous, high-level work typically offered only in graduate programs. All courses— including discussion sections and labs—are taught by our full-time faculty. And profes- sors expect students to join them on major research projects. Students become deeply knowledgeable and broadly experienced in classical and modern physics, in theory and experiment, in foundations and appli- cations. Take note: our astronomy program is a joint venture with Pomona College; it includes foundational courses, half-courses and research opportunities.

PHYSICS

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THE PROGRAM

From the most recent review of the HMC Depart- ment of Physics by physics faculty members at some very distinguished institutions:

“The physics program at Harvey Mudd College is truly excellent and among the very best at undergraduate institutions across the country. The curriculum has been carefully conceived and is effective in providing an outstanding education to students, the faculty are skilled teachers who are extremely accessible and wonderfully supportive to students, the research expe-

riences offered to students are top-notch, the department is an important contributor to the excellence of the institution, and the people in the department enjoy an esprit de corps that allows them to work together quite effectively.”

We couldn’t have said it any better.

Our students win an unusual amount of national awards including the National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship; the Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship; the Churchill Scholarship; and the American Physical Society’s Apker Award for the most outstanding student physics research in the country (three winners and three finalists in the past twelve years). Our graduates go on to excellent Ph.D. programs or take leadership positions in a range of fields.

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