Physics
Why Study Physics at Bryn Mawr College?
The Physics major incorporates a wide variety of subject areas, including atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics and nanomaterials, plasma physics, biophysics, and string theory. Broad physics concepts like these are the basis of our curriculum.
Our professors run a robust research program, which teaches you the skills for navigating future science careers in which women are heavily underrepresented. Bryn Mawr is among the top schools for producing physics graduates. We pride ourselves on both our academics and the sense of community in our program.
Courses of Study
You have the option to major or minor in physics, with various programs available depending on your interests and career goals.
Additional Information
Daniela Dosen '26Physics is typically a male-dominated field, and I thought it was really powerful to be in an upper-level physics class with a class size of 15 and one professor, and it's all women."
Course Highlights
PHYS B125 A Journey through Our Universe
What can we discover about the Universe, and our place in it, from observations of the night sky? What is the James Webb Space Telescope looking for? What is dark matter and dark energy? Are we alone in the Universe? This course is a survey of topics in astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. We embark on a cosmic journey through space and time, where we examine our solar system, our galaxy, the Universe, and the concepts in physics that allow us to describe the cosmos.
PHYS B201 Electromagnetism
This course covers electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic fields, induction, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic radiation, and the relationship between electromagnetism and special relativity. Scalar and vector fields and vector calculus are developed as needed. The laboratory involves passive and active circuits and projects in analog and digital electronics.
PHYS B302 Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Applications
This course presents nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, including Schrodinger's equation, the eigenvalue problem, the measurement process, the hydrogen atom, the harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, spin, the periodic table, perturbation theory, and the relationship between quantum and Newtonian mechanics.
Faculty Spotlight
Xuemei May Cheng
Professor of Physics and the Rachel C. Hale Professor in the Sciences and Mathematics
Xuemei May Cheng is the Director of the Quantum Materials, Sensing, and Education Center (QMSEC), and Fellow of the American Physical Society. She received her B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Microelectronics and Solid-State Electronics from Nanjing University. She continued her graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, where she earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics.
Professor Cheng has made significant contributions to nanomaterials and spintronics, spanning interface magnetism, topological spin textures, synchrotron x-ray applications in materials science, and advanced materials for biomedical and mechanical engineering. She has received over $6.5M from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund her research and has engaged about 50 undergraduate and 8 graduate students in her research.
A Stellar Future
How physics grads are lighting their paths
Tonima Tasnim Ananna '13The women at Bryn Mawr were fiercely feminist, articulate, opinionated and independent. It really helped me grow a lot."
Facilities
Opportunities for Physics Majors
Summer Research
Each summer 35 or more STEM students at Bryn Mawr College are awarded grants to pursue ten weeks of independent research under the guidance of a faculty member. Recent physics topic include plasma turbulence, black holes, Rydberg atoms, and coral morphology.
Faculty Research
Physics faculty are continually working on their own research projects and would be excited to have you partner with them during the semester and over the summer.
Conference Participation
You are encouraged to apply to present your research at relevant conferences. Funds are available to help with conference expenses if you need it.
Bryn Mawr College Center for Quantum Information Research
Thanks to a $5,000,000 grants from the National Science Foundation, Professor Xuemei May Cheng is now leading research in one of the world's most advanced quantum physics laboratories.
Thea Liao '25I think the best part of doing research at Bryn Mawr is all the professors and mentors are very accessible and they are patient to teach you all the things they know."
STEM News
The physics program is just one part of numerous science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs at Bryn Mawr. Here's what's happening in STEM throughout the college.
Contact Us
Physics Program
Park Science Building
Bryn Mawr College
101 N. Merion Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-2899
Phone: 610-526-5358