BA in Physics in Hanover United States | Dartmouth College

Physics is described as the exploration of natural phenomena that can be mathematically interpreted. Scientists employ mathematical tools to unravel the intricate complexities of our universe - following Galileo's perspective, they view mathematics as nature's fundamental language. As our understanding of the physical realm expands, increasingly more aspects become expressible through mathematical frameworks, thereby falling under physics' domain. For instance, atoms were once considered solely within chemistry's purview, yet atomic physics now forms a cornerstone of modern physics education. Simultaneously, mathematical techniques evolve to address challenges once deemed insurmountable. Renowned physicist Richard Feynman remarked in 1963 that he couldn't imagine mathematically describing a cloud, yet during that same period, Benoit Mandelbrot was pioneering fractal mathematics that would eventually provide precisely such descriptions. Consequently, novel physics disciplines like condensed matter physics and nonlinear dynamics continually emerge, alongside interdisciplinary fields such as chemical physics, geophysics, biophysics, and psychophysics. Dartmouth physics graduates pursue diverse careers spanning business, industry, law, education, and healthcare, in addition to advanced studies in physics, astronomy, science history, and earth sciences. The Dartmouth physics curriculum emphasizes developing strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and core physics principles. The program accommodates various starting points, offering introductory courses for complete beginners as well as accelerated sequences for students with advanced mathematics or physics backgrounds. Upper-level electives enable students to customize their physics and astronomy studies according to individual interests.