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 & 993, 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
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