The Department of Physics and Astronomy (est. 1972) provides curriculum in physics and astronomy to prepare students for careers in those fields.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy, previously called the Department of Physics, was created in 1972 and placed in the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences. In 1973 the department was moved to the newly formed College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. The curriculum of the Department of Physics and Astronomy is designed to provide 1) training for students who intend to pursue graduate work in physics or astronomy; 2) preparation for students who intend to enter industrial or governmental service as physicists or astronomers; 3) a fundamental background for other physical sciences and engineering; 4) the broadening program required by the biological science, premedical, predental, and nursing programs; 5) training in the subject matter of physics for prospective teachers of the physical sciences; and 6) a perspective of science and an introduction to the role of physics in the human quest for understanding.

The Department Chairmen have included John H. Gardner (1972-1973), B. Kent Harrison (1973-1980), Howard B. Vanfleet (1980-1989), Daniel L. Decker (1989-1995), Dorian M. Hatch (1995-2001), R. Steven Turley (2001-2004), Scott D. Sommerfeldt (2004-2008), and Ross Spencer (2008- ).

The Department of Physics (1921-1972) was responsible for various courses in physics at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

The Department of Physics was established and placed in the College of Arts and Sciences in 1921 when the School of Arts and Sciences was abolished. In 1954 it was transferred to the newly formed College of Physical and Engineering Sciences. In 1972 the department was renamed the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

The Department of Physics was administered by a department chair, under the direction of the college dean. Department chairs of the Department of Physics included Carl F. Eyring (1921-1928, 1930-1937, 1939-1951), Milton Marshall (1929, 1938, 1951-1954), Wayne W. Hales (1955-1958), John H. Gardner (1961-1963, 1966-1972), Dwight R. Dixon (1964-1965).

The Department of Physics was responsible for teaching courses in: Elementary Physics, Household Physics, Mechanics and Sound, Electricity, Heat and Light, Molecular Physics and Heat, Electricity and Magnetism, Radio Instruments and Measurements, Optics and Astrophysics, Wave Motion, and History of Physics. By 1954 the department also taught courses in: Astronomy, Weather and Climate, Photography, Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Mechanics, Physics of Air, Meteorology, Acoustics, and Nuclear Physics.