Department of Physics and Materials Science
Our Mission
Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge and innovation while educating the next generation of talented scientists. Our dedicated faculty supports this mission with cutting-edge research, unique programs, and a supportive learning environment.
News and Highlights
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See the Speed of Light robot (SOL) move like light from the model Sun to model Earth in the same time that real sunlight travels from the Sun to the real Earth!
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See how big our Sun would appear if seen from each planetLearn a bit about each planet on the tour.
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Tours meet at the Sun, just east of the UM Art Gallery
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The Sun is also on Google maps, listed as 糖心Vlog传媒 Voyage Solar System
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Can't make it? Take a self-guided tour using the QR codes at each stop.
2026 Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics
Dr. Marcel Demarteau, Director of the Physics Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will deliver the 2026 Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics. Visit the Lois McGlothlin Donaldson page for more information about this endowed lecture.
World Space Week
Join us on Friday, September 26, at the University Center for an early World Space
Week Event. Four Apollo flight controllers will share their Apollo memories with film
clips from the documentary "Mission Control: the Unsung Heroes of Apollo". Event Details: 5:00 PM reception, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM program, UC Atrium and Theater. . 
During World Space Week, from October 4 to October 10, we will host free in-person tours of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Voyage Solar System (MVSS). Please
register for one of the following dates and times on our MVSS webpage. Those who register for a specific tour will be contacted if the tour must be cancelled
due to rain or excessive heat. Saturday, October 4, at 10:00 AM Monday, October
6, at 9:30 AM Tuesday, October 7, at 1:00 PM Wednesday, October 8, at 9:30 AM Thursday,
October 9 at 1:00 PM Friday, October 10 at 9:30 AM Learn more at this link to our
MVSS website: /physics/memphis_voyage/index.php
2025 Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics
Dr. Francisco Muller Sanchez and Dr. Benjamin Keller will deliver the 2025 Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics. Visit the Lois McGlothlin Donaldson page for more information about this endowed lecture.
There will be tours of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Voyage Solar System at 4:00, 4:15, and 4:30 PM
on Friday, the 4th.
Upcoming! There will be a tour of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Voyage Solar System at 2:00 PM on Earth Day, April 22.
New Alumni Spotlight and Newsletter
Happy Holidays! We are pleased to present our latest Departmental Newsletter, covering the Holiday Season of 2023-2024. Please also peruse our past Alumni Spotlights and Newsletters.