2024-2025 Catalog

 

Physics Major - B.S.

The B.S. degree in Physics is intended for those entering graduate or professional schools in engineering and medicine. It is also excellent preparation for entry-level careers in physics, engineering and other allied fields. The Physics Major program will prepare students for employment in a wide variety of jobs in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The program gives students a broad and deep level of physical insight, critical and analytical thinking, mathematical and computational facility, and experimental ability. This major may be combined with other programs such as Pre-Med or education for those students intending on a career in the medical profession or teaching.

B.S. Degree Requirements: A total of 58 credit hours of physics, mathematics, and chemistry are required. A minimum of 38 credit hours must be in physics. In addition, 20 credit hours are required in selected mathematics and chemistry courses.

Plan of Study:

Physics Core Required Courses (38 credits)

PHY-221University Physics I

4

-
and

PHY-221LUniversity Physics I Lab

0

PHY-222University Physics II

5

-
and

PHY-222LUniversity Physics II Lab

0

PHY-230Electronics

4

PHY-270Modern Physics

3

PHY-311Analytical Mechanics

3

PHY-321Thermodynamics/Statistical Mechanics

3

PHY-325Mathematical Methods of Physics

3

PHY-331Electromagnetism I

3

PHY-351Quantum Mechanics I

3

PHY-385Advanced Physics Laboratory/Measurements

4

PHY-490Physics Senior Seminar

1

PHY-495Research in Physics

1 to 4

PHY 321 may be taught together with IWU CHE 440 Physical Chemistry I.

PHY 490 taken with CHE 490 Chemistry Senior Seminar.

Note: Only two credits of Research in Physics may count toward the B.S. degree.

Physics Electives (0-13 credits)

The courses below are not part of the 58 hours required in the major; however, they will be offered to allow students further specialization of their degree program.
PHY-361Introduction to Health and Medical Physics

3

PHY-341Waves and Optics

3

PHY-440Astrophysics

3

PHY-488Special Topics in Physics

1 to 4

PHY-475Independent Learning-Physics

0 to 1

Recommended Courses (0-5 credits)

CHE-126General Chemistry II

5

-
and

CHE-126LGeneral Chemistry II Lab

0

Required Courses in Chemistry and Mathematics (20 credits)

CHE-125General Chemistry I

5

-
and

CHE-125LGeneral Chemistry I Lab

0

MAT-253Calculus I

4

MAT-254Calculus II

4

MAT-255Calculus III

4

MAT-353Differential Equations

3

Indiana Weselayan