2025-2026 Catalog

 

Physics Major - B.S.

The B.S. degree in Physics prepares students for careers in physics, engineering, education, business, medicine, and other professional fields in industry or academia. Physics is driven by the desire to explain the nature and origins of the visible world in terms of invisible realities, and to harness those realities for human flourishing. Students will develop a broad and deep level of physical insight and gain critical thinking skills while mastering experimental, theoretical, computational skills in classical and modern physics. The Physics program emphasizes mentor research participation and the integration of faith and learning.

Requirements (60 credits)

Physics Core Required Courses (38-40 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 CHE-440
  • PHY-490 may be taught together with CHE-490
  • Note: Only two credits of Research in Physics may count toward the B.S. degree

Physics Electives (1-14 credits)

The courses below are not part of the 60 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 (4 credits)

CHE-126General Chemistry II

4

-
and

CHE-126LGeneral Chemistry II Lab

0

Required Courses in Chemistry and Mathematics (20 credits)

CHE-125General Chemistry I

4

-
and

CHE-125LGeneral Chemistry I Lab

0

MAT-253Calculus I

4

MAT-254Calculus II

4

MAT-255Calculus III

4

MAT-265Differential Equations with Linear Algebra

4

Indiana Weselayan