Physics and Astronomy | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Credit/Provider:

Tim Schoon - Staff Photographer - The University of Iowa

Research at the cutting edge

From dark matter to space probes to qubits.

GE CLAS Core: Natural Sciences

Learn more about how our programs can satisfy the General Education CLAS Core requirement in Natural Sciences.

GE CLAS Core: Natural Sciences

Dr. James A. Van Allen in his office on the campus of the University of Iowa.

James Van Allen

Learn more about the "Father of Space Science".

James Van Allen

Graduate student Josh Larson with the plasma tube he built.

Research

Our department includes over 20 research faculty, as well as twenty research staff, working at the forefront of their respective subdisciplines.

Research

Outreach and Public Engagement

News and Announcements

Switching fiber optic cables from round to rectangular shown to enhance data speeds

Friday, February 28, 2025

In a recent study, Henry Hammer and Ravitej Uppu from the University of Iowa discovered that an alternative fiber geometry — rectangular rather than the conventional circular cross-section — can significantly enhance information transfer rates. Their findings could improve not only telecommunications but also the emerging field of photonic quantum computing.

Daily Iowan: New microscope crafted by UI Physics researchers aids understanding material behavior

Thursday, February 27, 2025

This Daily Iowan story tells how a team of researchers led by Thomas Folland, a professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Iowa created a new infrared cryo microscope. The homemade microscope was created to enable the recent study aimed at deepening the understanding of material behavior, particularly semiconductors at very low temperatures.

Jaynes Comments on Rare Planetary Alignment

Thursday, February 27, 2025

In this article from the Iowa City Press Citizen and Des Moines Register, Associate Professor Allison Jaynes comments on a rare planet parade in the night sky at the end of February.

Upcoming Events

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatories

Friday, March 7, 2025 8:00pm to 10:00pm

Van Allen Hall

Watch the skies! Join the University of Iowa Department of Physics & Astronomy as we use small telescopes on the southeast lawn of Van Allen Hall as well as the rooftop Van Allen Observatory to tour the spring sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, either join the event on the ground level outside of Van Allen Hall or follow the signs inside of Van Allen Hall to reach the rooftop observatory.

Demos Unleashed 2025! Physics & Astronomy Public Demo Show

Friday, March 14, 2025 7:00pm

Van Allen Hall

Witness real-life physics in action through engaging demonstrations! Our interactive show combines thrilling experiments with dazzling astronomical displays, making complex concepts fun and understandable! The event will be hosted by Prof. Vincent Rodgers, Mr. Dale Stille, and Andi Swirbul. After the show, it is normal to feel a strong desire to become a physics and astronomy major! This year's program will feature the science of the TRACERS spacecraft mission which includes making plasmas...

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, March 21, 2025 8:00pm to 10:00pm

Van Allen Hall

Please join the University of Iowa Physics & Astronomy Department as we use the Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes to tour the spring sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to reach the roof.

View more events

$ 26 m

In annual research expenditures (averaged over FY18-22)

Top Fifth

of Global Universities in Physics
(U.S. News and World Report 2022)

Very High

Research 1: Doctoral Universities
Research Activity
(Carnegie Classification)

24

Full-time Faculty

3100

Students taught in introductory courses per year (2017-2022)

124

Undergraduate Physics and Astronomy Majors
(2023-24)

72

Graduate Students
(2023-24)