2024-2025

Physics (Major, Minor)

Math, Computer Studies, and Physics Department

Pamela O'Brien, Dean, School of Arts, Sciences and Business
Charles Buehrle, Ph.D., Chair
Brian Christy, Ph.D.
Kristyanna Erickson,  Ph.D.

Degrees offered

Major
Minor

Campuses

Main Campus

The Mathematics/Physics/Computer Information Systems Department of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Business offers a Major and Minor in Physics to students in the traditional undergraduate program. Recognizing the role our field plays in other disciplines, we offer courses for department majors and non-majors that serve the students of NDMU in the Catholic Liberal Arts tradition. As an integral part of the liberal arts, we provide the students at NDMU with an understanding of the physical world, quantitative and technologically based knowledge, and enable our students to become leaders in their future professions.

Summary

Traditional Undergraduate

Physics represents humanity's most profound attempt to understand the universe in which we live by studying the events and interactions that occur in nature and by trying to comprehend the truths or laws that govern these physical processes. As the most fundamental and all-inclusive of the sciences, physics naturally forms an educational base from which students may enter many diverse occupations and careers. Graduates are employed at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center the U.S. Department of Energy, Lockheed Martin, U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center, Thornton Tomasetti, and the Peace Corps. Among the institutions where graduates have pursued advanced studies are Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, Howard University, Rochester University, Princeton University, Drexel University, George Washington University, University of Delaware, Delaware State, and Boston College.

Students majoring in physics must earn a 2.0 GPA in all courses required for the major.

Physics Majors may add an additional Major in a discipline such as Mathematics, Computer Studies or Chemistry, or Minor in one of several fields.

A student may fulfill the General Education Requirement in natural science by taking PHY-155. The cooperative program with neighboring colleges provides concentrators with a wide choice of upper-level courses and a variety of faculty viewpoints.

Programs of Study

Required Courses for a Major in Physics

       PHY-101 and PHY-102 General Physics I, II (8)
       PHY-201 Modern Physics (3)
       PHY-316L Classical Mechanics (3)
       PHY-314 Quantum Mechanics (3)
       PHY-315 Electricity and Magnetism (3)
       PHY-463 Investigations in Physics (1-4)
       2 or 3 upper electives (7+credits) chosen in consultation with your advisor
             CST 200, 300 or 400 level
             EDU/SPE 300 or 400 level
             EGR 200, 300 or 400 level (Loyola or other BSEP school)
             MAT 300 or 400 level
             PHY 300 or 400 level

Credit is earned for PHY 463 by completing one of the following:

      • Internship
      • Teaching Apprenticeship
      • Research Experience

       CHM-111 General Chemistry II (4)
       CST-171 Programming Concepts or CST-295 C++ Programming (3)

       MAT-212, MAT-213 Calculus II, III (7)
       MAT-214 Calculus of Vector Fields (1)
       MAT-243 Linear Algebra (3)
       MAT-315 Differential Equations (3)

Required Courses for a Minor in Physics 

       MAT-212 Calculus II (4)
       PHY-101 and PHY-102 General Physics I, II (8)
       PHY-201 Modern Physics (3)
       Plus one other course in mathematics, physics or computer science at the 200-level or higher (3)

Four-Year Plan

Below is a sample Program of Study for the Physics Major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

Fall
Spring
First year


PHY-101 General Physics I 4 PHY-102 General Physics II 4
MAT-211 Calculus I 4 MAT-212 Calculus II 4
ENG-101 College Writing 3 MAT-243 Linear Algebra or
CST-171 Program Concepts
3
NDMU-100 First Year Seminar 4 Foreign Language 3
[15 credits]
[14 credits]




Second year


PHY-201 Modern Physics 3 PHY-316L Classical Mechanics* 3
MAT-213 Calculus III 3 CHM-111 General Chemistry II 4
CHM-110 General Chem I 4 CST-171 Program Concepts or
MAT-243 Linear Algebra
3
General Education/Electives 6 General Education 3
[16 credits]
MAT-214 Calculus of Vector Fields 1


[14 credits]




Third year


PH 314 Quantum Mechanics* or 3 Program Electives 6
PH 315 Electricity & Magnetism I* 3 MAT 315 Differential Equations 3
Gen Education/Electives 9 Physical Education 1
[15 credits]
PHYS 330+ 3


[16 credits]
Fourth year


PH 315 or PH 314 3 Program Electives 3
Gen Education/Electives 12 Gen Education/Electives 9


PHYS 463 1-4
[15 credits]
[13-17 credits]




Notes:
+ Program electives should be chosen in consultation with the advisor.

Depending on transfer credit and courses chosen, students must complete between 35-40 credit hours of General Education coursework. Please consult with the faculty advisor for your particular situation and which courses to take that best align with your interests and career path’

‘Students are required to take 120 credit hours total in order to earn the degree. Consult the faculty advisor for which courses are most appropriate to select based on interests and career goals.’

*Courses with a designation of "L" are taught at Loyola. Notre Dame students take the courses through the cooperative program. For more information, contact the Program Chair.


Courses

PHY-101 General Physics I

Examines the fundamental physical laws of nature and their use in understanding natural phenomena. Course provides a knowledge base for study in all areas of science and mathematics. Topics include kinematics, conservation of energy and momentum, dynamics of motion, Newton's laws, rotational mechanics, and waves. Special topics such as the universal law of gravity and fluids will be covered depending on time and student interest. Development of the concepts of vector algebra and calculus are provided as needed. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory weekly. Course must be taken with PHY-101L. Pre-requisites: MAT-107 or MAT-110 or MAT-211. Students intending to continue with PHY-102 should take MAT-211[4 credits]

PHY-101L Lab: General Physics I

This lab is a co-requisite for PHY 101.  

PHY-102 General Physics II

Examines the fundamental physical laws of nature and their use in understanding natural phenomena. Continues the development from PHY-101 to topics
including: Thermodynaics, electricity and magnetism, circuits, optics, and the wave nature of light. Special topics such as the universal law of gravitation and A/C circuits will be overed depending on time and student interest. Development of the concepts of vector algebra and calculus are provided as needed. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory weekly. Course must be taken with PHY-102L. Prerequisite: MAT-211 or permission of instructor. [4 credits]

PHY-102L Lab: General Physics II

This lab is a co-requisite for PHY 102. 

PHY-111 College Physics

Provides a survey of the field for students with interests in the health sciences. Topics include mechanics of motion, energy, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear structure, and radioactivity. Fulfills general education requirement in natural science. CAUS only. [3 credits]

PHY-114 Environmental Science for Educators

Interdisciplinary study of the interactions among the physical, chemical, biological, political and social forces which impact the environment. Provides students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies necessary to comprehend the relationships abundant within the natural world in order to identify problems, evaluate risks and examine solutions for resolving issues facing the global environment. Topics include the major biomes in the world, populations, biodiversity, water, air and land uses, energy resources, and waste management. [3 credits]

PHY-132 Environmental Science

Explores the global environment, focusing on current threats to the planet's well-being and presenting options for the future. Introduces the basic principles of ecology. Designed for non-science students. Laboratory and lecture integrated. Fulfills general education requirement in natural science. CAUS only. [3 credits]

PHY-151 Physical Science

Surveys the natural processes that occur in the physical world. Topics include astronomy, mechanics, energy, thermodynamics, ecology, atomic structure and chemical behavior. Designed for non-science majors. Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory weekly. Fulfills general education requirement in natural science. [4 credits]

PHY-151L Lab: Physical Science

This is a co-requisite for PHY 151.

PHY-155 Introduction to Astronomy

Examines the history and current understanding of the universe beyond the Earth. Surveys the night sky, the history of astronomical models, and current models for the lifecycle of stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. Physical laws that describe motion, gravity, and light will be explained. Special attention will be paid to the methods that scientists use to develop their models and evidence discovered to support them. The course will utilize the planetarium when
possible. Fulfills the general education requirement in natural science and the general education requirement in Scientific reasoning. Three one hour lectures and one three hour laboratory weekly. [4 credits].

PHY-155L Lab: Introduction to Astronomy

This lab is a co-requisite for PSY-155.
[ 0 credits ]

PHY-201 Modern Physics

Traces the development of ideas and theories that have shaped physics in the last 100 years. Topics include relativity, quantum theory, atomic and nuclear structure, particle physics and cosmology. Course can be used to fulfill minor in physics. Prerequisites: PHY-102 and MAT-212. [3 credits]

PHY-314 Quantum Mechanics

Develops the ideas of Quantum Mechanics using Schrodinger's Equation as applied to several interesting situatins, both 1D and 3D, as well as the mathematical formalisms utilized to derive the results. Applications involve atomic physics and other topics contingent upon time and interest. Prerequisites: PHY-201 and MAT-212. [ 3 credits ]

PHY-315 Electricity and Magnetism

Develops the ideas of Electricity and Magnetism utilizing vector calculus formalism. Solves Maxwell's equations for a variety of different charge and current sources. Prerequisites: PHY-201 and MAT-212. [ 3 credits ]

PHY-316 Classical Mechanics

Offered through BSEP at Loyola University Maryland: Foundations and applications of Newtonian dynamics are applied to single particle systems, many particle systems, and rigid bodies in two and three dimensions.

PHY-317 Thermal Physics

Offered through BSEP at Loyola University Maryland: An examination of classical thermodynamic concepts including temperature, heat, entropy, free energy, and thermodynamic cycles. Also introduces the concepts of probability and statistical physics with an emphasis on the kinetic theory of gases.

PHY-330 Introduction to Modern Astrophysics

Studies the discipline of astrophysics through a survey of topics including an introduction to general relativity, an introduction to modern telescopes, and applications such as stellar astrophysics, black holes, galaxies, and/or cosmology. Prerequisites: MAT-212, PHY-201 and traditional undergraduate students only and Loyola University students through the Baltimore Student Exchange Program. [ 3 credits ]

PHY-410 Quantum Physics I

PHY-411 Topics in Physics

Examines a special topic in physics at a level appropriate for an upper-level physics elective. Examples may include particle physics, experimental methods in astrophysics, or relativity.  Some topics may include a lab section. Credit hours will be based on the level of engagement planned for the topic. Prerequisite: PHY-102. Corequisite: PHY-201. [ 1-4 credits ]

PHY-413 Physical Science for Teachers K-8

This course presents an introduction to fundamental concepts and principles of Physical  Science as aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Physical Science as aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Physical Science content includes: 1. Matter and its interactions, such as atomic  structure, elemental properties, chemical bonding, and reactions. 2. Motion, Stability and Forces through an introduction to Newtonian Physics, 3. Properties of Energy, including basic thermodynamics and kinetics. 4. Waves and Technological Applications, through an exploration of the properties of waves,  telecommunication, and electronics. Learners will also be expected to develop proficiency and with applying scientific concepts to create models, conduct experiments and incorporate mathematical content in STEM cenetered investigations, lessons, and application. During the course you will learn, apply and integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics content (STEM). [ 3 credits ]

PHY-415 Wave Mechanics

We need a course description.

PHY-417 Electricity & Magnetism

We need a course description.

PHY-437 Field Theory

We need a course description.

PHY-461 Earth and Space Science

We need a course description.

PHY-462L Lab: Physical Science for Teachers PreK-8

This course presents an introducation to fundamental concepts and principles of Physical Science as aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Physical Science content includes: 1) Matter and its Interactions, such as atomic structure, elemental properties, chemical bonding, and reactions. 2) Motion, Stability and Forces, through an introduction to Newtonian Physics. 3) Properties of Energy, including basic thermodynamics and kinetics. 4) Waves and Technological Applications, through an exploration of the properties of waves, telecommunication, and electronics. This course is designed to introduce learners to the content necessary to teach science in grades PreK-8. Learners will also be expected to develop proficiency with applying scientific concepts to create models, conduct experiments, and incorporate mathematical content in STEM centered investigations, lessons, and application. During the course you will learn, apply and integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics content (STEM). [ 1 credit ]

PHY-463 Investigation in Physics

Provides guided study of special topics of interest to the student under the direction of he instructor or supervised experiences in teaching physics topics. Students cannot tae both PHY-463 and IDS-496 for supervised experiences i teaching physics. Credit based on activity time. [ 1-4 credits ]

PHY-550 Cosmos and Quanta

Examines the most recent ideas on the birth and ultimate fate of the Universe from ancient myths to modern scientific theories. Students will be able to appreciate how knowledge of the very small dimensions can inform and illuminate knowledge of the very large. Topics to be investigated include the Big Bang Theory, the accelerating Universe, black holes, relativity, quantum, and superstring theory. Students will be able to ascertain whether science can answer fundamental questions such as whether there is a purpose to the Universe and what is humanity's role in it. No prior scientific experience necessary. [ 3 credits ]

PHY-560 Physics for Teachers Grades K-8

This course is an introduction to the fundamental laws of nature and their application to physical phenomena through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Physics content includes mechanics, acoustics, optics, electricity, and magnetism appropriate for educators in grades K-8. It will also include an integration of the study of number relationships and computation in problem solving. [ 3 credits ]

PHY-560L Lab: Physics Methods for the Middle School Educator

Models of teaching and appropriate techniques for instruction of middle school students in physics with emphasis on scientific inquiry. Application of teaching-learning theory to physics in planning, motivation, instruction, questioning, discussion and assessment. Co-requisite PHY-560

PHY-561 Earth and Space Science for Teachers K-8

This course presents an introduction to fundamental concepts of space and earth sciences. The Space and Earth science content includes topics in Geology, Astronomy, Meteorology, energy in the Earth and Space System, and Hydrology. STEM strategies as well as statistics and probability skills and technology applications are integrated to quantify, strengthen and deepen conceptual understanding. [ 3 credits ]

PHY-561L Lab: Space and Earth Science Methods for the Middle School Educator

Models of teaching and appropriate techniques for instruction of middle school students in space and Earth science with emphasis on scientific inquiry. Application of teaching-learning theory to space and Earth science in planning, motivation, instruction, questioning, discussion and assessment. Co-requisite: PHY-561