Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has moved to a fully online mode of operation. All instruction is 100% online, including all lab courses. Faculty will hold office hours online and will be available for remote student advising. Richardson Hall and the Department office is closed to the pubic, but department staff are regularly checking email and voicemail. All department events (including seminars, telescope night, and physics club activities) are cancelled until further notice. Tutoring for physics courses will move online (details forthcoming on our tutoring page). See President Cole’s recent message to the University and the University’s coronavirus website for more information. 

We are fully committed to the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. We are also fully committed to continue delivering quality instruction to our students and bringing this semester’s courses to completion.

Students should not come to the department to meet with faculty or staff—the building is locked and all department business, advising, and instruction will be handled remotely via email, video conferencing, or phone.  Students have no need to access any of the department lab, classroom, or office spaces. No department course or activity requires your physical presence in Richardson Hall. We are committed to helping you address your problem via phone or online interactions.

Any students needing course permits for the summer or fall should email Ms. Kinga Picerno. (Summer instruction will be fully online.) All credit adjustment or other forms will be handled via email. Faculty are expected to hold online office hours and will continue advising their students via email/video conferencing. Physics majors needing help with fall registration should contact their assigned physics advisor.

Please contact me via email with any course or academic advising concerns that you are not able to resolve with your instructor or assigned advisor. Questions about signing up for introductory physics courses (in the summer or fall) should be directed to Ms. Kinga Picerno. We continue to welcome new physics students and transfer students—please contact me by email if you would like to discuss our department programs. 

The coronavirus pandemic is a national emergency, and your personal behavior can have very serious consequences for yourself and others. Follow CDC and Whitehouse directives, as well as executive orders from Governor Murphy (esp. order 107 directing NJ residents to remain at home). We strongly urge all students to practice social distancing, work and study from home if possible, wash hands frequently, cough into your elbow, avoid gatherings, suspend unnecessary travel/shopping/visits, and practice healthy living habits (proper nutrition, regular and sufficient sleep and exercise, stress reduction). Be mindful that even young people can suffer serious effects from COVID-19, and that you might spread the virus if you do not have symptoms.  

Good luck, stay safe, and act responsibly.

Prof. Marc Favata, Chairperson, Physics & Astronomy