Classes more like seminars than lectures.

You don't have to be a scientist to propose a scientific theory. But verifying your theory is another story. That's where scientific thinking comes in -- the ability to define a problem, investigate it, test it, and draw conclusions based upon the evidence.

In physics courses at Hollins, you'll look beyond the what to the why, developing both a conceptual and quantitative appreciation of the laws of physics. You'll discover that beads of water dancing in a skillet can be as intriguing as quasars and tachyons and magnetic flux.

Classes are taught more as seminars than lectures. Upper-level classes typically have three or four students, while introductory courses may have 20.

Students get in on research, too. For her senior thesis, Jessica Hernandez-Guzman, a physics major, investigated using ultraviolet (UV) light sources in killing viruses and bacteria. She also did an internship at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Hernandez-Guzman is currently in graduate school (biophysics) at Emory University.

Facilities that foster community

The sciences are housed in Dana Science Building, notable for its bright spaces, the result of large windows and skylights. It has the equipment required for serious study in the sciences, but it is also comfortable and inviting. The proximity of faculty offices, research labs, study rooms, and teaching labs helps foster the strong sense of community experienced by Hollins students and faculty.

Get the chance to do hands-on research

"We believe research is one of the best ways to learn science," says Sandy Boatman, professor of chemistry. "Hollins graduates who have gone on to graduate and professional schools tell us that their undergraduate research experience has given them an advantage over their peers because it prepared them to work independently." Current research projects include:

• Developing high-powered UV light sources for materials processing
• Using microwave-driven UV light source for killing bacteria and viruses
• Treating drinking water using inexpensive UV light sources
• Using cellular automata and similar systems for solving inverse problems
• Developing data sets and modelling of the exchange of energy at the air-ground interface across multiple climatic regimes