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Chairperson: Benjamin L. Brown, Ph.D.
Department of Physics website
The Physics Department at Marquette offers courses that prepare students for graduate study in physics as well as employment and further study in a variety of fields. Students achieve a general understanding of leading edge computational, theoretical and experimental approaches to explaining diverse natural phenomena from sub atomic particles to exotic stars and galaxies. The methods of physics develop powerful problem solving skills that find application in many disciplines. Physics graduates can go on to graduate study in areas as diverse as medicine, law, engineering and finance, as well as mainstream areas of physics such as particle physics, astrophysics, solid state, atomic and molecular physics. Minors are offered in Astrophysics and Biophysics.
Edit "Major: Physics"
Major in Physics
The major in physics consists of a common physics core: one physics sequence of two courses (8credit hours), five required physics courses (14 credit hours) for a total of 22 credit hours. In addition, 8 credit hours of upper division physics electives complete the major, for a total of 30 credit hours. Physics majors must also complete four required mathematics courses (16 credit hours) and two chemistry courses (8 credit hours) for a total of 24 credit hours of background course work.
Note:
- Students may develop areas of concentration that prepare them for specific careers. These concentrations build on the foundation of the common physics core. Students should refer to the section, Areas of Concentration in Physics.
| Common Physics Core: 22 credit hours | ||
| Required Physics Sequence: Choose one of the following: | 8 | |
| General Physics 1 and General Physics 2 | ||
| General Physics with Introductory Calculus 1 and General Physics with Introductory Calculus 2 | ||
| Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 1 and Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 2 | ||
| Required Physics Courses: | ||
| PHYS 2004 | Modern Physics: Atoms, Particles, and Quanta | 3 |
| PHYS 2005 | Modern Physics: The States of Matter | 3 |
| PHYS 2055 | Electronics Lab | 2 |
| PHYS 3011 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4031 | Electricity and Magnetism 1 | 3 |
| Electives: Upper-division Physics courses: | 8 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Note:
- PHYS 1013 Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 1 and PHYS 1014 Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 2 are studio style courses recommended for students considering a physics major.
| Additional Mathematics and Chemistry Course Requirements: | ||
| Mathematics Courses: | ||
| MATH 1450 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MATH 1451 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MATH 2450 | Calculus 3 | 4 |
| MATH 2451 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| Chemistry Courses: | ||
| CHEM 1001 | General Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 1002 | General Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 24 | |
Typical Program for Physics Majors
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| ENGL 1001 | 3 | ENGL 1002 | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3-4 | Foreign Language | 3-4 |
| MATH 1450 | 4 | MATH 1451 | 4 |
| PHYS 1013 | 4 | PHYS 1014 | 4 |
| PHYS 1018 | 0 | ||
| 14-15 | 14-15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CHEM 1001 | 4 | CHEM 1002 | 4 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| HIST 1001 or 1002 | 3 | MATH 2451 | 4 |
| MATH 2450 | 4 | PHYS 2005 | 3 |
| PHYS 2004 | 3 | PHYS 2055 | 2 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Elective | 3 | Diverse Cultures elective | 3 |
| PHIL 1001 | 3 | PHIL 2310 | 3 |
| PHYS 3011 | 3 | Social-Behavioral Science | 3 |
| PHYS 4031 | 3 | Physics electives | 8 |
| THEO 1001 | 3 | ||
| Literature | 3 | ||
| 18 | 17 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Philosophy (upper division) | 3 | Literature | 3 |
| History/Social Science | 3 | Electives | 11 |
| Theology | 3 | Theology (third level) | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | ||
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Total credit hours: 128-130 | |||
For Students Considering Graduate Study in Physics:
To meet admission expectations for graduate study in physics, students should complete the common physics core for the major in physics listed above, in addition to the following recommended curriculum.
| Physics Courses: | ||
| PHYS 3056 | Contemporary Physics Lab 1 | 2 |
| PHYS 4012 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4024 | Modern Optics | 3 |
| PHYS 4032 | Electricity and Magnetism 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 4057 | Contemporary Physics Lab 2 | 2 |
| PHYS 4062 | Introduction to Thermodynamics | 3 |
| Mathematics Course: | ||
| MATH 4210 | Complex Variables | 3 |
| Additional Course: 3 credit hours in upper-division MATH or | 3 | |
| Mathematical Methods for Physicists | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 22 | |
Areas of Concentration
Students may use their electives to develop concentrations that prepare them for specific careers. These concentrations build on the foundation of the common physics core as well as the background course work in mathematics and chemistry. Students should refer to the requirements listed under Major in Physics. Students should also consult with their pre-professional adviser for specifics regarding the various medical and dental school admission requirements. Several possible concentrations are outlined below.
Pre-medical/Pre-dental Concentration for Physics Majors
To pursue medical or dental professional studies, students should follow the pre-medical/pre-dental concentration or the physics in medicine concentration. The pre-medical/pre-dental concentration consists of the common physics core (22 credit hours in physics), background course work in mathematics (16 credit hours) and chemistry (8 credit hours), in addition to the courses listed below:
| Biology Courses: | ||
| BIOL 1001 | General Biology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 1002 | General Biology 2 | 3 |
| BIOL 2001 | Principles of Biological Investigation | 3 |
| Chemistry Courses: | ||
| CHEM 2113 | Organic Chemistry for Majors 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 2114 | Organic Chemistry for Majors 2 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 17 | |
Typical Program for Physics Majors - Pre-medical/Pre-dental Concentration
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| BIOL 1001 | 3 | BIOL 2001 | 3 |
| ENGL 1001 | 3 | ENGL 1002 | 3 |
| MATH 1450 | 4 | MATH 1451 | 4 |
| PHYS 1013 | 4 | PHYS 1014 | 4 |
| PHYS 1018 | 0 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CHEM 1001 | 4 | BIOL 1002 | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3-4 | CHEM 1002 | 4 |
| MATH 2450 | 4 | Foreign Language | 3-4 |
| PHYS 2004 | 3 | MATH 2451 | 4 |
| Social-Behavioral Science | 3 | PHYS 2005 | 3 |
| 17-18 | 17-18 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CHEM 2113 | 4 | BIOL 4101* | 3 |
| HIST 1001 or 1002 | 3 | CHEM 2114 | 4 |
| Literature | 3 | Physics elective | 3 |
| PHIL 1001 | 3 | PHIL 2310 | 3 |
| PHYS 3011 | 3 | THEO 1001 | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Elective | 3 | Literature | 3 |
| Philosophy (upper division) | 3 | History/Social-Behavioral Science | 3 |
| PHYS 4031 | 3 | Physics elective | 3 |
| PHYS 2055 | 2 | Theology (third level) | 3 |
| Physics elective | 3 | Electives | 3 |
| Theology (second level) | 3 | Diverse Cultures elective | 3 |
| 17 | 18 | ||
| Total credit hours: 129-131 | |||
Physics in Medicine Concentration (Research)
The physics in medicine concentration, which is recommended for students interested in biomedical research, consists of the common physics core (22 credit hours in physics), background course work in mathematics (16 credit hours) and chemistry (8 credit hours), in addition to the courses listed below:
| Biology Courses: | ||
| BIOL 1001 | General Biology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 1002 | General Biology 2 | 3 |
| BIOL 2001 | Principles of Biological Investigation | 3 |
| Chemistry Courses: | ||
| CHEM 2113 | Organic Chemistry for Majors 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 2114 | Organic Chemistry for Majors 2 | 4 |
| Mathematics Course: | ||
| MATH 4720 | Statistical Methods | 3 |
| Physics Course: | ||
| PHYS 3953 | Biophysics Seminar | 1 |
| Physics electives should include: | ||
| PHYS 4012 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4032 | Electricity and Magnetism 2 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 27 | |
Typical Program for Physics Majors - Medicine Concentration
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| BIOL 1001 | 3 | BIOL 2001 | 3 |
| ENGL 1001 | 3 | ENGL 1002 | 3 |
| MATH 1450 | 4 | MATH 1451 | 4 |
| PHYS 1013 | 4 | PHYS 1014 | 4 |
| PHYS 1018 | 0 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CHEM 1001 | 4 | BIOL 1002 | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3-4 | CHEM 1002 | 4 |
| MATH 2450 | 4 | Foreign Language | 3-4 |
| PHYS 2004 | 3 | MATH 2451 | 4 |
| Social-Behavioral Science | 3 | PHYS 2005 | 3 |
| 17-18 | 17-18 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CHEM 2113 | 4 | BIOL 4101* | 3 |
| HIST 1001 or 1002 | 3 | CHEM 2114 | 4 |
| Literature | 3 | History/Social Science | 3 |
| PHIL 1001 | 3 | PHIL 2310 | 3 |
| PHYS 3011 | 3 | THEO 1001 | 3 |
| Biophysics Seminar* | 1 | Biophysics Seminar* | |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Literature | 3 | Philosophy elective | 3 |
| MATH 4720 | 3 | PHYS 4012 | 3 |
| PHYS 4031 | 3 | PHYS 4032* | 3 |
| PHYS 2055 | 2 | Theology (third level) | 3 |
| Theology (second level) | 3 | Biophysics Seminar* | 1 |
| Biophysics Seminar* | 1 | Physics elective | 2-3 |
| COSC-database* | 3 | Diverse Cultures elective | 3 |
| 18 | 18-19 | ||
| Total credit hours: 131-134 | |||
Computational Physics Concentration
The computational physics concentration serves to develop competence in using the computer as a scientific tool. It consists of the common physics core (22 credit hours in physics), background course work in mathematics (16 credit hours) and chemistry (8 credit hours), in addition to the courses listed below:
| Mathematics Course: | ||
| MATH 3100 | Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory | 3 |
| Computer Science Courses: | ||
| COSC 1010 | Introduction to Computer Programming | 4 |
| COSC 1020 | Object-Oriented Software Design | 4 |
| COSC 2100 | Data Structures and Algorithms 1 | 3 |
| COSC 2200 | Hardware Systems | 3 |
| And two additional upper-level COSC courses. | 6 | |
| One physics elective course: | ||
| PHYS 2049 | Computational Physics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 26 | |
Typical Program for Physics Majors - Computational Physics Concentration
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| ENGL 1001 | 3 | ENGL 1002 | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3-4 | Foreign Language | 3-4 |
| MATH 1450 | 4 | MATH 1451 | 4 |
| PHYS 1013 | 4 | PHYS 1014 | 4 |
| PHYS 1018 | 0 | ||
| 14-15 | 14-15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| COSC 1010 | 4 | COSC 1020 | 4 |
| HIST 1001 or 1002 | 3 | History/Social Science | 3 |
| MATH 2450 | 4 | MATH 2451 | 4 |
| PHYS 2004 | 3 | PHYS 2005 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| COSC 2200 | 3 | COSC 2100 | 3 |
| PHIL 1001 | 3 | PHIL 2310 | 3 |
| MATH 3100 | 3 | PHYS 3056 | 2 |
| PHYS 3011 | 3 | Literature | 3 |
| PHYS 2055 | 2 | Physics elective | 3 |
| THEO 1001 | 3 | Social-Behavioral Science | 3 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| MATH 4540 | 3 | Computer Science elective | 3 |
| PHYS 4031 | 3 | Literature | 3 |
| Philosophy (upper division) | 3 | PHYS 2049 | 3 |
| Theology (second level) | 3 | Physics elective | 2 |
| Computer Science electives | 6 | Theology (third level) | 3 |
| Diverse Cultures elective | 3 | ||
| 18 | 17 | ||
| Total credit hours: 131-133 | |||
Mathematical Physics Concentration
The mathematical physics concentration develops the mathematical aspects of physics. It consists of the common physics core (22 credit hours in physics), background course work in mathematics (16 credit hours) and chemistry (8 credit hours), in addition to the courses listed below:
| Mathematics Courses: | ||
| MATH 3100 | Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory | 3 |
| MATH 4120 | Abstract Algebra 1 | 3 |
| MATH 4210 | Complex Variables | 3 |
| Two physics elective courses: | ||
| PHYS 4012 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4062 | Introduction to Thermodynamics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Note:
- Students pursuing the computational physics or mathematical physics concentrations may request from the physics department a waiver of the CHEM 1001, 1002 requirements, to substitute additional COSC or MATH courses.
Minor in Physics
The minor in physics consists of a total of 20 credit hours: one required physics sequence (8 credit hours) and 12 credit hours in physics elective courses as listed below:
| Required Physics Sequence: Choose one of the following: | 8 | |
| General Physics 1 and General Physics 2 | ||
| General Physics with Introductory Calculus 1 and General Physics with Introductory Calculus 2 | ||
| Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 1 and Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 2 | ||
| Electives: Choose 12 credit hours of Physics courses | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 20 | |
Department of Public Instruction Certification
To pursue Department of Public Instruction certification, College of Education students should complete the following requirements which consist of a total of 22 credit hours: one required physics sequence (8 credit hours), three required physics courses (9 credit hours) and 5 credit hours in physics elective courses as listed below:
| Required Physics Sequence: Choose one of the following: | 8 | |
| General Physics 1 and General Physics 2 | ||
| General Physics with Introductory Calculus 1 and General Physics with Introductory Calculus 2 | ||
| Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 1 and Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 2 | ||
| Required Physics Courses: | ||
| PHYS 1009 | Earth and Environmental Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 2004 | Modern Physics: Atoms, Particles, and Quanta | 3 |
| PHYS 2005 | Modern Physics: The States of Matter | 3 |
| Electives: Choose 5 credit hours of Physics courses | 5 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 22 | |
Minor in Astronomy
The Astronomy Minor is intended for students who are interested in learning about modern astronomy and astrophysics.
NON-PHYSICS MAJORS: the minor in astronomy requires one introductory physics sequences (8 credit hours) and four required physics courses (12 credit hours) for a total of 20 credit hours as listed below:
| Required Physics Sequence: Choose one of the following: | 8 | |
| General Physics 1 and General Physics 2 | ||
| General Physics with Introductory Calculus 1 and General Physics with Introductory Calculus 2 | ||
| Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 1 and Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 2 | ||
| Required Physics Courses: | ||
| PHYS 1008 | Astronomy and Space Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 2004 | Modern Physics: Atoms, Particles, and Quanta | 3 |
| PHYS 3021 | Introduction to Theoretical Astrophysics | 3 |
| PHYS 3022 | Introduction to Observational Astronomy | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 20 | |
Note:
- Students who complete PHYS 1001 and PHYS 1002 must also take the math requisites for PHYS 1003 and PHYS 1004 (MATH 1450 and 1451) in order to meet the mathematics level of PHYS 3021 and PHYS 3022.
PHYSICS MAJORS: the minor in astronomy requires the following, taken under the guidance of one of our astronomy/astrophysics faculty with a topic being in the realm of astronomy or astrophysics. Note that the PHYS 4931 Topics in Contemporary Physics course is then used for the astronomy minor requirement and may not then be used for a physics major elective course requirement. The astronomy minor for a physics major requires a total of 12 credit hours beyond the physics major requirements.
| Required Courses: | ||
| PHYS 1008 | Astronomy and Space Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 3021 | Introduction to Theoretical Astrophysics | 3 |
| PHYS 3022 | Introduction to Observational Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYS 4931 | Topics in Contemporary Physics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Minor in Biophysics
Biophysics is concerned with the application of the concepts and methods of physics to the solution of biological problems and to the understanding of biological processes. Students who complete the biophysics minor achieve a grasp of physics as it relates to solving biological problems, a general understanding of the nature of biological problems and of proteins and cell membranes in particular and of several techniques based on physics principles that are used in biological investigations.
Cognate requirements for the minor are one year each of introductory biology and introductory chemistry as follows:
| Cognate Course Requirements: | ||
| Required Biology Sequence: | ||
| BIOL 1001 & BIOL 1002 | General Biology 1 and General Biology 2 | 3 |
| Required Chemistry Sequence: | ||
| CHEM 1001 & CHEM 1002 | General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 7 | |
Biophysics Minor Course Requirements:
| Introduction to Organic Chemistry - One of the following: | 2-8 | |
| Organic Chemistry 1 and Organic Chemistry 2 | ||
| or | ||
| Organic Chemistry for Majors 1 and Organic Chemistry for Majors 2 | ||
| or | ||
| Organic Chemistry for the Health Sciences | ||
| Differential and Integral Calculus Requirements: | 3-4 | |
| Calculus for the Biological Sciences | ||
or MATH 1450 | Calculus 1 | |
| Physics Course Requirements: | ||
| Introductory Physics Sequence: | 8 | |
| General Physics 1 and General Physics 2 | ||
| or | ||
| General Physics with Introductory Calculus 1 and General Physics with Introductory Calculus 2 | ||
| or | ||
| Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 1 and Classical and Modern Physics with Calculus 2 | ||
| PHYS 3953 | Biophysics Seminar | 1 |
| PHYS 3995 | Undergraduate Research | 3 |
| PHYS 4046 | The Physical Basis of Biological Structure and Function (or equivalent by consent of Physics Dept) | 3 |
| PHYS 4065 | Experimental Methods in Molecular Biophysics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 23-30 | |
Areas of Concentration
Students may use their electives to develop concentrations that prepare them for specific careers. These concentrations build on the foundation of the common physics core as well as the background course work in mathematics and chemistry. Students should refer to the requirements listed under Major in Physics. Students should also consult with their pre-professional adviser for specifics regarding the various medical and dental school admission requirements. Several possible concentrations are outlined below.
Pre-medical/Pre-dental Concentration for Physics Majors
To pursue medical or dental professional studies, students should follow the pre-medical/pre-dental concentration or the physics in medicine concentration. The pre-medical/pre-dental concentration consists of the common physics core (22 credit hours in physics), background course work in mathematics (16 credit hours) and chemistry (8 credit hours), in addition to the courses listed below:
| Biology Courses: | ||
| BIOL 1001 | General Biology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 1002 | General Biology 2 | 3 |
| BIOL 2001 | Principles of Biological Investigation | 3 |
| Chemistry Courses: | ||
| CHEM 2113 | Organic Chemistry for Majors 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 2114 | Organic Chemistry for Majors 2 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 17 | |
Typical Program for Physics Majors - Pre-medical/Pre-dental Concentration
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| BIOL 1001 | 3 | BIOL 2001 | 3 |
| ENGL 1001 | 3 | ENGL 1002 | 3 |
| MATH 1450 | 4 | MATH 1451 | 4 |
| PHYS 1013 | 4 | PHYS 1014 | 4 |
| PHYS 1018 | 0 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CHEM 1001 | 4 | BIOL 1002 | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3-4 | CHEM 1002 | 4 |
| MATH 2450 | 4 | Foreign Language | 3-4 |
| PHYS 2004 | 3 | MATH 2451 | 4 |
| Social-Behavioral Science | 3 | PHYS 2005 | 3 |
| 17-18 | 17-18 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CHEM 2113 | 4 | BIOL 4101* | 3 |
| HIST 1001 or 1002 | 3 | CHEM 2114 | 4 |
| Literature | 3 | Physics elective | 3 |
| PHIL 1001 | 3 | PHIL 2310 | 3 |
| PHYS 3011 | 3 | THEO 1001 | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Elective | 3 | Literature | 3 |
| Philosophy (upper division) | 3 | History/Social-Behavioral Science | 3 |
| PHYS 4031 | 3 | Physics elective | 3 |
| PHYS 2055 | 2 | Theology (third level) | 3 |
| Physics elective | 3 | Electives | 3 |
| Theology (second level) | 3 | Diverse Cultures elective | 3 |
| 17 | 18 | ||
| Total credit hours: 129-131 | |||
Physics in Medicine Concentration (Research)
The physics in medicine concentration, which is recommended for students interested in biomedical research, consists of the common physics core (22 credit hours in physics), background course work in mathematics (16 credit hours) and chemistry (8 credit hours), in addition to the courses listed below:
| Biology Courses: | ||
| BIOL 1001 | General Biology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 1002 | General Biology 2 | 3 |
| BIOL 2001 | Principles of Biological Investigation | 3 |
| Chemistry Courses: | ||
| CHEM 2113 | Organic Chemistry for Majors 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 2114 | Organic Chemistry for Majors 2 | 4 |
| Mathematics Course: | ||
| MATH 4720 | Statistical Methods | 3 |
| Physics Course: | ||
| PHYS 3953 | Biophysics Seminar | 1 |
| Physics electives should include: | ||
| PHYS 4012 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4032 | Electricity and Magnetism 2 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 27 | |
Typical Program for Physics Majors - Medicine Concentration
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| BIOL 1001 | 3 | BIOL 2001 | 3 |
| ENGL 1001 | 3 | ENGL 1002 | 3 |
| MATH 1450 | 4 | MATH 1451 | 4 |
| PHYS 1013 | 4 | PHYS 1014 | 4 |
| PHYS 1018 | 0 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CHEM 1001 | 4 | BIOL 1002 | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3-4 | CHEM 1002 | 4 |
| MATH 2450 | 4 | Foreign Language | 3-4 |
| PHYS 2004 | 3 | MATH 2451 | 4 |
| Social-Behavioral Science | 3 | PHYS 2005 | 3 |
| 17-18 | 17-18 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CHEM 2113 | 4 | BIOL 4101* | 3 |
| HIST 1001 or 1002 | 3 | CHEM 2114 | 4 |
| Literature | 3 | History/Social Science | 3 |
| PHIL 1001 | 3 | PHIL 2310 | 3 |
| PHYS 3011 | 3 | THEO 1001 | 3 |
| Biophysics Seminar* | 1 | Biophysics Seminar* | |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Literature | 3 | Philosophy elective | 3 |
| MATH 4720 | 3 | PHYS 4012 | 3 |
| PHYS 4031 | 3 | PHYS 4032* | 3 |
| PHYS 2055 | 2 | Theology (third level) | 3 |
| Theology (second level) | 3 | Biophysics Seminar* | 1 |
| Biophysics Seminar* | 1 | Physics elective | 2-3 |
| COSC-database* | 3 | Diverse Cultures elective | 3 |
| 18 | 18-19 | ||
| Total credit hours: 131-134 | |||
Computational Physics Concentration
The computational physics concentration serves to develop competence in using the computer as a scientific tool. It consists of the common physics core (22 credit hours in physics), background course work in mathematics (16 credit hours) and chemistry (8 credit hours), in addition to the courses listed below:
| Mathematics Course: | ||
| MATH 3100 | Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory | 3 |
| Computer Science Courses: | ||
| COSC 1010 | Introduction to Computer Programming | 4 |
| COSC 1020 | Object-Oriented Software Design | 4 |
| COSC 2100 | Data Structures and Algorithms 1 | 3 |
| COSC 2200 | Hardware Systems | 3 |
| And two additional upper-level COSC courses. | 6 | |
| One physics elective course: | ||
| PHYS 2049 | Computational Physics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 26 | |
Typical Program for Physics Majors - Computational Physics Concentration
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| ENGL 1001 | 3 | ENGL 1002 | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3-4 | Foreign Language | 3-4 |
| MATH 1450 | 4 | MATH 1451 | 4 |
| PHYS 1013 | 4 | PHYS 1014 | 4 |
| PHYS 1018 | 0 | ||
| 14-15 | 14-15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| COSC 1010 | 4 | COSC 1020 | 4 |
| HIST 1001 or 1002 | 3 | History/Social Science | 3 |
| MATH 2450 | 4 | MATH 2451 | 4 |
| PHYS 2004 | 3 | PHYS 2005 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| COSC 2200 | 3 | COSC 2100 | 3 |
| PHIL 1001 | 3 | PHIL 2310 | 3 |
| MATH 3100 | 3 | PHYS 3056 | 2 |
| PHYS 3011 | 3 | Literature | 3 |
| PHYS 2055 | 2 | Physics elective | 3 |
| THEO 1001 | 3 | Social-Behavioral Science | 3 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| MATH 4540 | 3 | Computer Science elective | 3 |
| PHYS 4031 | 3 | Literature | 3 |
| Philosophy (upper division) | 3 | PHYS 2049 | 3 |
| Theology (second level) | 3 | Physics elective | 2 |
| Computer Science electives | 6 | Theology (third level) | 3 |
| Diverse Cultures elective | 3 | ||
| 18 | 17 | ||
| Total credit hours: 131-133 | |||
Mathematical Physics Concentration
The mathematical physics concentration develops the mathematical aspects of physics. It consists of the common physics core (22 credit hours in physics), background course work in mathematics (16 credit hours) and chemistry (8 credit hours), in addition to the courses listed below:
| Mathematics Courses: | ||
| MATH 3100 | Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory | 3 |
| MATH 4120 | Abstract Algebra 1 | 3 |
| MATH 4210 | Complex Variables | 3 |
| Two physics elective courses: | ||
| PHYS 4012 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4062 | Introduction to Thermodynamics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Note:
- Students pursuing the computational physics or mathematical physics concentrations may request from the physics department a waiver of the CHEM 1001, 1002 requirements, to substitute additional COSC or MATH courses.
On this page
- Major in Physics
- Areas of Concentration
- Pre-medical/Pre-dental Concentration for Physics Majors
- Typical Program for Physics Majors - Pre-medical/Pre-dental Concentration
- Physics in Medicine Concentration (Research)
- Typical Program for Physics Majors - Medicine Concentration
- Computational Physics Concentration
- Typical Program for Physics Majors - Computational Physics Concentration
- Mathematical Physics Concentration
- Minor in Physics
- Minor in Astronomy
- Minor in Biophysics
- Areas of Concentration
- Pre-medical/Pre-dental Concentration for Physics Majors
- Typical Program for Physics Majors - Pre-medical/Pre-dental Concentration
- Physics in Medicine Concentration (Research)
- Typical Program for Physics Majors - Medicine Concentration
- Computational Physics Concentration
- Typical Program for Physics Majors - Computational Physics Concentration
- Mathematical Physics Concentration
- Courses
College of Arts and Sciences
- Degrees Offered
- Majors and Minors Offered
- Academic Regulations
- Graduation Requirements
- College Curriculum Requirements
- BA Degree Requirements
- BS Degree Requirements
- Pre-Professional Studies
- Curricula Information
- Arts and Science Special Courses
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Economics
- English
- Foreign Languages and Literatures
- History
- Interdisciplinary
- Africana Studies
- Applied Mathematical Economics
- Asian Studies Minor
- Broad Field Science
- Broad Field Social Science Minor
- Catholic Studies Minor
- Environmental Ethics Minor
- Ethics Minor
- Family Studies Minor
- International Affairs
- Justice and Peace Minor
- Medieval Studies Minor
- Public History Minor
- Urban Affairs Minor
- Women's and Gender Studies
- Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Reserve Officers' Training Corps
- Social and Cultural Sciences
- Theology
- Special Programs
