Department News

Nobel Laureate Inspires BYU Students and Faculty
Nobel Laureate Kip Thorne Inspires BYU Students with the Future of Gravitational-Wave Science
Dr. Mike Joner Retires Alongside the West Mountain Observatory
Four Decades Under the Stars: Honoring Dr. Mike Joner and the Legacy of West Mountain Observatory.
External Advisory Council Visits Campus to Advance Student Success
Connecting Experience to Opportunity: External Advisory Council Supports Career Pathways and Job Success for BYU Physics and Astronomy Students.
Dr. AJ Rasmusson Brings Experimental Quantum Physics to BYU
From Trapped Ions to Quantum Frontiers: Dr. AJ Rasmusson Launches Experimental Quantum Physics at BYU.
Gus Hart Receives the Karl G. Maeser Research and Creative Arts Award
Dr. Gus Hart received the 2024 Karl G. Maeser Research and Creative Arts Award for his work in computational material science and his continued innovation in computational methods.
Astronomers Discover New Course
This winter, ten students in BYU’s new “Advanced Planetary Astrophysics” taught by Darin Ragozzine course gained hands-on experience in planetary science research, mastering interdisciplinary skills to prepare for future careers in astronomy.
New Applied Physics Major with an Emphasis in Data Science
Starting Fall 2025, BYU will offer a new Applied Physics: Data Science major that combines rigorous physics training with data science skills to prepare students for the growing demand in data-driven careers.
The Physics of Life
BYU's new Biological Physics course introduces students to the physics behind biological processes, fostering interdisciplinary skills to tackle complex biological questions.
New Electron Microscopy Facility Opens
The university's new electron microscopy facility opened in fall of 2025, offering atomic-level imaging and student-led research.
Time Reversal For BYU's 150th Birthday
Brian Anderson and his students celebrated BYU's 150th birthday by blowing out candles using high-intensity focused sound waves.
Kent Gee Forum: Lessons from Noise, Crackle to Calm
This year’s Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, Kent Gee, delivered his forum address on the science of sound and how he and BYU students have contributed to significant research in the acoustics industry.

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