Physics, BS

Introduction

The program in physics is designed to prepare students for a variety of career paths including (but not limited to) physics and engineering graduate study, teaching, and direct entry into industry. Physics students gain practical experience through hands-on projects in classes, as well as a senior capstone research project or professional internship. Facilities are available for student research in nonlinear optics, condensed-matter physics, and nuclear physics. The majority of our graduates goes to graduate school in physics and related fields or take engineering-related positions in technical industries.

Admissions

Program Length

Four years for a complete BS degree. Two years for students transferring in with an AAOT degree. Program length may vary depending upon the student’s course load and academic progress.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of a major in physics, students will be able to:

Demonstrate conceptual understanding of fundamental physics principles
Communicate physics reasoning in oral and in written form
Solve physics problems using qualitative and quantitative reasoning including sophisticated mathematical techniques
Conduct independent research or work successfully in a technical position.

Baccalaureate Degree Core

Baccalaureate Degree Core Requirements

Major Requirements

Physics Core

(required for all majors)

PHY 232W - Gen Physics I-Workshop Phys I 4 credit(s)
AND
PHY 242 - General Physics II-Workshop Physics II 4 credit(s)
OR
PHY 202 - Introductory Physics I 4 credit(s)
AND
PHY 204 - Introductory Physics II 4 credit(s)
PHY 322 - Modern Physics With Health Applications 4 credit(s)
PHY 332 - Waves and Optics 4 credit(s)
PHY 470 - Advanced Analysis in Physics 2 credit(s)
PHY 491 - Physics Capstone I 2 credit(s)
PHY 493 - Senior Capstone II 2 credit(s)
MATH 226 - Calculus I 4 credit(s)
MATH 227 - Calculus II 4 credit(s)
MATH 228 - Calculus III 4 credit(s)
CHEM 220 - General Chemistry I 4 credit(s)
AND
CHEM 230 - General Chemistry II 4 credit(s)
OR
CS 150 - Introduction to Computer Science I 4 credit(s)
AND
CS 250 - Introduction to Computer Science II 4 credit(s)
OR
CHEM 220 - General Chemistry I 4 credits
AND
CS 150 - Introduction to Computer Science I 4 credits

Total: 42 Credits

Traditional Physics Emphasis

PHY 410 - Classical Mechanics: Dynamics 4 credit(s)
PHY 420 - Quantum Mechanics 4 credit(s)
PHY 460 - Electric & Magnetic Fields 4 credit(s)
PHY 300-400-level electives 8 credits

Total: 20 Credits

Total Including Physics Core: 62 Credits

Environmental Science Emphasis

PHY 410 - Classical Mechanics: Dynamics 4 credit(s)
OR
PHY 420 - Quantum Mechanics 4 credit(s)
OR
PHY 460 - Electric & Magnetic Fields 4 credit(s)
PHY 384 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics 4 credit(s)
PHY 300-400-level electives 4 credits
ENV 200 - Sustainability Science 4 credit(s)
ENV 330 - Ecosystems & Ecological Design 4 credit(s)
ENV 300-400-level elective 4 credits
OR
PHY 325 - Selected Topics in Physics 2-4 credit(s)
(4 credits are required)

Total: 24 Credits

Total Including Physics Core: 66 Credits

Health Professions Emphasis

PHY 410 - Classical Mechanics: Dynamics 4 credit(s)
OR
PHY 420 - Quantum Mechanics 4 credit(s)
OR
PHY 460 - Electric & Magnetic Fields 4 credit(s)
PHY 300-400-level electives 8 credits
Approved 300-400 electives from BIOL, CHEM, or KINES 8 credits

Total: 20 Credits

Total Including Physics Core: 62 Credits

Engineering Physics Emphasis

PHY 410 - Classical Mechanics: Dynamics 4 credit(s)
OR
PHY 420 - Quantum Mechanics 4 credit(s)
OR
PHY 460 - Electric & Magnetic Fields 4 credit(s)
Engineering credits transferred from an approved program 24 credits *

Total: 28 Credits

Required from Physics Core: 36**

Total: 64 Credits

* A minimum of 24 semester credits in engineering courses in an approved engineering program at another institution will be transferred back to Pacific University and counted towards the completion of the physics degree. Approved coursework taken at the engineering institution along with an approved public presentation will satisfy the requirements for the Senior Capstone. Of the courses used to satisfy the major, at least 28 CR must be at the 300 or 400 level, or equivalent, with at least 4 of these credits at the 400-level, or equivalent.

** PHY 470 , Advanced Analysis in Physics; and PHY 491 & PHY 493 , Capstone are omitted.

All physics majors are strongly encouraged to take MATH 311 (Differential Equations) and CS 150 (Introduction to Computer Science). Students also are encouraged to take other courses in Math and CS depending on their interests.

Students who are planning a career teaching physical science at the high school level may, with prior department approval, substitute either HUM 339 - History of Science or PHIL 310 - Philosophy of Science for four of the required upper-division elective credits. Students planning a teaching career also have the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience by serving as teaching assistants for lower division courses.

Because there are so many possible career paths for physics majors, we would like to offer some recommendations for upper -division electives (of which 8 credits are required for the major). Below are suggestions for electives that provide pathways for students to follow toward some common career goals. However, each student has unique interests; please discuss yours with a member of the department to develop a personalized selection of courses

Graduate School in Physical Science:

Relativity I & II
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Modern Topics in Physics
Electronics

Optics/Optometry:

Modern Topics in Physics
Electronics

Engineering/Applied Science/Health Science Careers:

Electronics
Engineering Mechanics: Statics I & II
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Teaching Physical Science in High School:

Relativity I & II
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
History of Science
Philosophy of Science