Physics
Women's College
Overview
Major
Minor
Four-Year Plan
Course Descriptions
Joseph Di Rienzi, Ph.D., Coordinator
The mathematics/physics/computer science department of the School of Arts and Sciences offers a major and minor in physics to students in the Women's College. 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, and the Peace Corps. Among the institutions where graduates have pursued advanced studies are Rochester University, Princeton University, Drexel University, George Washington University, University of Delaware, and Boston College.
Physics majors may add an additional major in a discipline such as mathematics, computer studies or chemistry, or minor in one of several different fields.
A student may fulfill the general education requirement in natural science by taking PHY-101, 102, 111 (College of Adult Undergraduate Studies), 132 (CAUS), 151 or 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 102 General Physics I, II (8)
PHY-201 Modern Physics (3)
PHY-316L Classical Mechanics (3)
PHY-415L Quantum Mechanics (3)
PHY-417L Electricity and Magnetism (3)
Two other physics courses (at 300 level or higher) (6)
CHM-110 and 111 General Chemistry I and II (8)
CST-171 Programming Concepts or CST-295 C++ Programming (3)
MAT-211, 212, 213 Calculus I, II, III (11)
MAT-214 Calculus of Vector Fields (1)
MAT-243 Linear Algebra (3)
MAT-315 Differential Equations (3)
Physics majors are expected to complete at least one of the following:
- Internship
- Teaching Apprenticeship
- Research Experience
Required Courses for a Minor in Physics
MAT-211 and 212 Calculus I, II (8)
PHY-101 and 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
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 |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | MAT-243 Linear Algebra or CST-171 Program Concepts |
3 |
| ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | Foreign Language | 3 |
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | General Education | 3 |
| [17 credits] | [17 credits] | ||
| Second year | |||
| PHY-201 Modern Physics | 3 | PHY-316L Classical Mechanics* | 3 |
| MAT-213 Calculus III | 3 | MAT-315 Differential Equations or Elective | 3 |
| CHM-110 General Chem I | 4 | CHM-111 General Chemistry II | 4 |
| General Education/Electives | 6 | CST-171 Program Concepts or MAT-243 Linear Algebra |
3 |
| [16 credits] | General Education | 3 | |
| MAT-214 Calculus of Vector Fields | 1 | ||
| [17 credits] | |||
| Third year | |||
| PH 415L Quantum Mechanics* or PH 417L Electricity & Magnetism I* |
3 | #PH 450L Quantum Mech II* or +PH 474L Electricity & Magnetism II* |
3 |
| +PH 307L Math. Meth. Phys.* | 3 | Elective or #MAT-315 | 3 |
| Gen Education/Electives | 9 | Gen Education/Electives | 9 |
| [15 credits] | Physical Education | 1 | |
| [16 credits] | |||
| Fourth year | |||
| PH 417L or PH 415L | 3 | #+PH 474L or +PH 450L | 3 |
| +PH 317L Thermal Physics* | 3 | Physics elective | 3 |
| Gen Education/Electives | 9 | Gen Education/Electives | 9 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] |
Notes:
# offered alternative years
+ need to take at least two physics courses at level 300 or higher
*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.
Course Descriptions
PHY-101 GENERAL PHYSICS
Studies 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, dynamics of motion, Newton's laws, rotational mechanics
and conservation of energy and momentum. Development of the concepts
of vector algebra and calculus are provided as needed. Three
lectures, one three-hour laboratory weekly. [4 credits]
PHY-102 GENERAL PHYSICS II
Continues studies of the fundamental physical laws of nature and
their use in understanding natural phenomena. Topics include
classical wave motion, acoustics, optics, electricity and magnetism.
Development of the concepts of vector algebra and calculus are
provided as needed. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory
weekly. [4 credits]
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-155 INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY
Presents topics in astronomy designed for the non-science student.
Describes and traces the historical development of astronomy from
ancient myths to modern cosmology. Course concentrates on trying to
understand the properties and motion of planets, stars, galaxies and
the universe itself. Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory weekly.
Extensive use of the telescope. Fulfills general education
requirement in natural science. [4 credits Women's College; 3
credits College of Adult Undergraduate Studies]
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-463 INVESTIGATION IN PHYSICS
Provides guided study of special topics of interest to the student
under the direction of the instructor. [1-4 credits]