Physics

Physics has allowed the understanding of the universe around us from cosmological scales down to the scale of atom and nucleus. It has initiated many fields of application like lasers, computers, telecommunication devices, energy systems, and space science.

The program is designed to graduate well rounded, freethinking individuals with inquisitive minds who are well prepared for further study in basic and applied research and are capable of pursuing professional careers in a variety of diverse fields.

Some of our graduates continue their education and pursue a masters or doctorate degree. Other students work in a variety of fields such as biophysics, medical physics, engineering, or even business related fields.

Physics is a science based on mathematics which, includes: mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism, acoustics, and heat. Modern physics is based on quantum theory, it studies the atomic and nuclear structure of matter.

The Physics program offers a broad spectrum of courses in physics, mathematics and computer science. Students during their three years of training take courses in all the major fields of physics, giving them a well rounded understanding of the science. The combinations of theoretical courses with computer modeling experience and a comprehensive set of laboratory experiments help students acquire various methods of inquiry and research in physics.

Their training in physics is complemented with courses in mathematics, computer science and electrical engineering. These courses help synthesize the student’s understanding of the discipline. Through the General Education requirements students are able to develop their communication and team-work skills, as well as critical and analytical thinking.

Through the faculty member’s research interests, students are exposed to different fields of research.

Fields of study and research in the Department include: • Theoretical Physics to apprehend our universe, the grand unification schemes and elementary particle physics, astronomy and astrophysics. • Understanding complex motion, from stars and galaxies to geophysical flows and soft matter. • Materials for optoelectronic and energy applications, magnetic materials. • Nanomaterials research for better performance of optical, electrical and thermal properties. • Renewable energy research for a cleaner and a more efficient energy source, thermonuclear fusion, solar energy.

Students completing 12 years of schooling and doing one of the following programs: High School Program, SAT program, AP program, IGCSE (O Levels), IB Certificate or any other school leaving certificate (other than Lebanese Baccalaureate) can apply to the freshman program at AUB.

The freshman program is a majorless year (2 regular semesters) whereby the student can take different courses and follow either a scientific track or a track in humanities. Once the student completes the freshman year, he/she gets to enroll in a specific major at the sophomore level based on his/her average or GPA.

To apply for regular admissions, the student needs to submit an undergraduate application along with the following documents:

a. SAT1 results
b. High school records during grades 10 and 11
c. Counselor/Teacher recommendation(s)/Extracurricular Activities/Other Achievements

Once the student is admitted, he/she will be required to present evidence of having successfully completed Grade 12 and show a level of proficiency in the English language by obtaining a minimum score of 573 on the paper based TOEFL OR 230 on the Computer Based TOEFL (OR 88 on Internet Based TOEFL), OR 500 on the University English Entrance Examination (EEE) OR 380 and above on the writing section of the OLD SATI (Jan 2016 or Earlier) OR 5.5 on IELTS (for IELTS we also requires an additional English Placement test to be done at AUB).   

AUB’s Office of Financial Aid has devised several types of need-based assistance programs. These include grants based on the financial status of the student’s family, student loans at low interest rates and favorable repayment options, academic merit scholarships, work study programs that allow students to finance their education while acquiring professional skills at various offices in the University, and assistantships for graduate students.

The AUB scholarship program ensures that students who meet the University's academic standards will have the opportunity to receive an AUB education.

AUB has always been committed to educating students from different nationalities, religions, races, and political persuasions. We are working hard to make sure that economic background is not a factor in the admission process. The University's liberal arts curricular and educational philosophy rests on the principles of intellectual freedom, scientific reasoning, and exposure to a wide range of ideas. AUB encourages concentration in a field of study and seeks to cultivate morally conscious citizens.