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B.A. in Physics

Mission

The mission of the UH Hilo physics program is to provide students with a rigorous, high-quality foundation in physics. The primary goal is to prepare students for graduate studies, for work as professional physicists, or for careers in secondary education, engineering and just about any technical or scientific fields. Our program supports the liberal arts mission of the University by providing general education courses for all students and service courses for the natural sciences and pre-health fields. The physics program has, and actively seeks, partnerships with other UH Hilo STEM programs. Although a quality undergraduate education is the focus of our degree, our faculty, together with our students, conduct original research and make substantial contributions to community education and service on the Big Island.

Program Learning Outcomes

The B.A. program in physics is designed to develop student mastery of concepts and problem-solving skills in:

• Classical mechanics
• Thermal and statistical physics
• Electricity, magnetism, and optics
• Modern physics, relativity, and quantum mechanics
• Electives such as electronics and astrophysics

Further Goals for Student Learning

Graduates are also expected to:

• Effectively express scientific ideas in writing
• Use standard mathematical and computational tools to solve problems in physics and astrophysics

We will strive to provide every opportunity for our students to:

Physics Degree Program

The initial two years of the program consist largely of general education courses that are part of a traditional liberal arts education, as well as basic physics and mathematics. The junior and senior years are largely devoted to advanced physics and math coursework. Most students become also involved with research projects during their academic path.

Learn more about Physics at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

• Bachelor of Arts in Physics
• Physics courses from the campus catalog
• Minor in Physics

Interested in a Career in Physics?

• The American Physical Society (APS) offers student guidance and internships at the APS Career Center.

B.S. in Astronomy

Mission

The UH Hilo astronomy program aims to (a) develop the science knowledge and analytic skills of students, whether they be majors or not, through a focus on the field of astronomy; and (b) instill an appreciation of science, particularly astronomy, in students. The primary goal is to prepare students for graduate studies, for work as professional physicists, or for careers in secondary education, engineering and just about any technical or scientific fields. The program provides the students with transferable skills so they can excel in a wide range of STEM-related fields. Through the study of astronomy, graduates will also learn to appreciate and understand science more broadly, enabling them to be more informed citizens. The B.S. degree program, taking advantage of our access to Maunakea Observatories, provides the training needed for students seeking careers in astronomy— as professional astronomers, observatory technical staff, and educators. Our program supports the liberal arts mission of the University by providing general education courses in a field of major importance to the State of Hawaiʻi. Our Astronomy program started in 1994.

Program Learning Outcomes

The B.S. program in astronomy is designed to develop student mastery of

• Major fields of modern astronomy: stars, planets, interstellar/intergalactic gas, galaxies, and cosmology;
• Basics of mechanics, optics, electromagnetism, atomic structure, and modern physics; and
• Practical applications such as instrumentation, computation, modern observational techniques, and data analysis.

Goals for Student Learning

Astronomy Degree Program

The initial two years of the program consist mainly of general education courses that are part of traditional liberal arts education, as well as basic physics, mathematics and introductory astronomy. The junior and senior years are largely devoted to advanced physics and astronomy coursework, observational experience, and senior thesis projects. Students who intend to graduate in four years should be prepared to enroll in elementary calculus and physics courses at the start of their freshman year.

Learn more about the Astronomy Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

• Bachelor of Science in Astronomy
• Astronomy courses from the campus catalog
• Minor in Astronomy
• Minor in Earth & Space Studies
• Data Science Certificate

Maunakea Astronomical Observatories and UH Hilo

The University is located 45 miles from the 14,000 foot summit of Maunakea, a dormant volcano, that is home to many of the biggest and best telescopes in the world. Many of the observatories have their headquarters right on the UH Hilo campus. Every year, the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UH Hilo has guaranteed access to a few nights of observing with these facilities. Research programs conducted during these nights involve undergraduate students in the astronomy program, a tremendous and unique opportunity.

Interested in a Career in Astronomy?

• American Astronomical Society (AAS)
• 61 FAQ's about a career in Astronomy (from the Astronomy Cafe)

Starting in 2024, the Department of Physics and Astronomy has been offering a pre-engineering program. Students, enrolled within the BA in Physics, complete 3 or 4 semesters of courses at UH Hilo, including courses in mechanical, electrical and civil engineering, depending on the concentration selected. Students then transfer to the College of Engineering at UH Manoa to complete their engineering degree.

Details on the pre-engineering program can be found at its own website.

Questions on programs offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy?

Prospective students can get more information about the Physics and Astronomy programs at UH Hilo by contacting the UH Hilo Department Chair, Dr. R. Pierre Martin.