Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University and the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences was created in 1972 out of a reorganization of the College of Industrial and Technical Education and the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences. As of 2011, it consists of the departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematics Education, Physics and Astronomy, and Statistics. The College is housed in the Carl F. Eyring Science Center. Brigham Young University’s remarkable history can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives. The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Brigham Young University’s College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976.
  • Butterworth, Edwin Jr. Brigham Young University: 1,000 Views of 100 Years. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
• Secondary Sources related to the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences:
  • LD 571 .B672 H36x Centennial history of the college of Physical and Engineering Sciences, Brigham Young University Describes the history and growth of the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences at Brigham Young University starting with the administration of Karl G. Maeser and ending with that of Dallin H. Oaks. Focuses on each of the different departments that make up the college.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU’s College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 659 Printed matter files, 1953-1980 Files of the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Contains College and Departmental minutes.
  • UA 1292 Photographs of the rededication of the Carl F. Eyring Science Center, 1998 Thirty-six photographs of the rededication of the Carl F. Eyring Science Center in 1998. Includes shots of the audience, the performers, and the speakers at the rededication. Speakers included President Merrill J. Bateman, Elder Henry B. Eyring and President Thomas S. Monson. Also includes shots of the exterior of the building.
• The following items are restricted.  Please contact the University Archivist for more information regarding access to these collections.
  • UA 574 Records, 1954-1974 Records of the College of Industrial and Technical Education. Includes department minutes, reports, correspondence, a historical report of the College, and other information originating from the office of the dean. Restricted access; permission required from the University Archivist.
  • UA 1303 Records, 1956-1992 Records of the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. This collection contains information from the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Materials include college administration and departmental correspondence, annual budgets, college history, student information, etc. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist and in accordance with the General Restriction Statement of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
• Materials related to the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences:
  • UA OH 77 Armin Hill oral history interview, may 25, 1982 Interview by Mardin Clark with Armin Hill, a BYU professor and Dean of the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences, discussing his responsibilities and administrative activities relating to BYU.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the history of the Brigham Young University College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other materials.