Faculty conduct nationally-recognized research in a variety of exciting areas including astrophysics, atomic physics, soft matter, plasma physics, molecular and cellular biophysics, fluid mechanics, biomaterials, optics and thermodynamics. Undergraduates have the unique opportunity to contribute to these research endeavors through faculty-mentored research projects. Due to its high impact, research is a requirement for all Physics and Biophysics majors.
Cutting-edge faculty and student research
Students gain invaluable experience working with cutting-edge technologies and equipment in faculty research labs and advanced laboratory courses. These hands-on research experiences and robust skills training are rare at the undergraduate level, and have proven invaluable in preparing our students for a wide range of career paths and graduate school opportunities.
Student research in Physics and Biophysics has been supported by over $6.6 million in external faculty research grants since 2010 from the following agencies:
Courses
To conduct research for PHYS 496 credit, students can also conduct research during the semester or summer for upper division credit (PHYS 496) or pay. While only two semester of research is required, many of our majors complete several semesters and summers of research.
Read and review the Procedures and Requirements with your faculty mentor and submit the PHYS 496 Enrollment Application.
PHYS 496
Research
PHYS 487
Techniques in Physics
PHYS 400
Research Forum
Paid research opportunities
To conduct research for pay, review the options below and choose an appropriate paid opportunity in consultation with your faculty mentor.
Showcases
Creative Collaborations Undergraduate Research Conference
Creative Collaborations Undergraduate Research Conference (CC URC) showcases undergraduate research, scholarly activities and creative works from all disciplines conducted in partnership with faculty mentors. The high-quality work of our students reflects the intellectual curiosity of our undergraduate students, the outstanding abilities of the research mentors, as well as USD's commitment to academic excellence and experiential learning opportunities.
Many of the students who participate in Creative Collaborations also publish their work in academic journals and present their projects at regional, national and international conferences. Participating in research activities fosters critical thinking skills, prepares students for the 21st century workforce and helps them decide whether or not to include research in their academic and professional careers.
For details on research registration, students should go to the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Recent Student Publications
How to obtain a research position
Are you interested in Biophysics? Thermodynamics? Astrophysics? Materials Science? Optics? Plasma Physics? Laser spectroscopy? Nanotechnology? Atomic Physics?
- Browse the department's directory to explore faculty bios.
- Think about your personal scientific interests and try to mesh your interests with that of a particular faculty member.
- Make an appointment with a faculty member to discuss research opportunities.