Head: Guntars Kitenbergs
Email: guntars.kitenbergs@lu.lv

Address: UL Academic Centre, House of Science, Jelgavas iela 3, Rīga, LV-1004

The Department of Physics is comprised by a major part of Latvia’s strongest and most dynamic scientists in the field of physics and astronomy, who are dedicated to educating students and advancement of the young generation. The main task of the department is to provide physics and astronomy education at all three levels, implementing bachelor's, master's and doctoral study programmes. The topicality and relevance of the programmes is ensured by the dynamic research work of the lecturers, implemented in groups, departments, laboratories, centres and institutes in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Optometry, University of Latvia and externally. The quality of studies is promoted by the use of active teaching methods and student-centred education, acquiring the best practices and experience of the world. The staff of the department also teaches the physics-related courses in other study programmes.

The department is formed by five chairs, thereby grouping its academic staff according to specific physics and astronomy subjects, the corresponding courses, staff development, research, including cooperation with scientific institutions and companies operating in the respective fields. The Department of Physics also includes a physics practicum with knowledgeable general staff and a modern, amply equipped training laboratory and demonstration room. In addition to studies and research, lecturers participate in various activities involving secondary school students, such as the organization of Physics Olympiads, the School of Young Physicists, as well as other popular science events.

Head: prof. Mārcis Auziņš

Email: marcis.auzins@lu.lv

The department promotes research and science-based education in atomic, molecular and optical physics, medical physics, as well as astronomy and astrophysics. Within the study process and research, the chair coordinates its activities with the UL Laser Centre and the UL Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, where many of the chair’s staff members carry out their research, as well as the UL Institute of Astronomy and the UL Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformatics.

Head: Prof. Andrejs Cēbers

Email: andrejs.cebers@lu.lv

The chair advances physics education and research based on a deep fundamental understanding of physics. Within the study process and research, the chair coordinates its activities with the structural units of the University of Latvia, which conduct research in the fields of theoretical physics, soft matter physics, chemical physics and nanotechnology. There are several groups within the chair (Laboratory of Magnetic Soft Materials, Nanoelectronics Theory Group, etc.).

Head: Tija Sīle

Email: tija.sile@lu.lv

The aim of the chair is to provide research-based education in fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, electrodynamics, numerical methods, mathematical modelling and engineering physics. To achieve this aim, the chair cooperates with the UL Institute of Numerical Modelling, the UL Institute of Physics and the UL Institute for Mechanics of Materials. 

Head: Anatolijs Šarakovskis

Email: anatolijs.sarakovskis@lu.lv

The aim of the chair is to develop and provide research-based physics education in the fields of solid state and materials physics. To achieve this aim, the chair closely cooperates with the UL Institute of Solid State Physics, where the staff members of the chair implement their scientific activities.

Head: Inese Dudareva

Email: inese.dudareva@lu.lv

The aim of the chair is to provide, develop and disseminate an efficient and research-based process of acquiring physics education. The chair vigorously cooperates with physics teachers in schools, amongst other initiatives organising physics Olympiads and the School of Young Physicists, as well as promotes interaction and exchange of experience in teaching physics among physics lecturers in other chairs in the Department of Physics, as well as higher education institutions in Latvia, Baltics and worldwide. The scientific activity of the staff is dedicated to the research of these and similar issues.