Physics (Major, Minor)
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
Minor
Campuses
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
PHY-114 Environmental Science for Educators
PHY-132 Environmental Science
PHY-151 Physical Science
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
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
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 ]