Bachelor of Science in Physics
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Category
Introductory Physics Courses
Learning Outcome
Our graduates are introduced to the foundations of classical physics as first-year physics students in College Physics I & II, which introduce Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, basic electromagnetic theory and electrical circuits, and wave & ray optics. These two courses, which extensively make use of differential and integral calculus, are each accompanied by three-hour experimental laboratory exercises, during which students learn techniques of data analysis.
Category
Introductory Physics Courses
Learning Outcome
Our graduates take an introductory course in Modern Physics during the fall of their second year covering relativistic and quantum physics, focusing on the developments of modern physics during the first half of the 20th century.
Category
Introductory Physics Courses
Learning Outcome
Our graduates complete a course on mathematical physics during the spring semester of their second year, for the purpose of (1) solidifying their foundations in vector calculus; (2) presenting the foundations of linear algebra and its applications in finite and infinite dimensional spaces; and (3) introducing the methods of complex analysis. This course prepares them for the upper-division physics courses.
Category
Advanced Physics Courses
Learning Outcome
Our graduates revisit the classical topics presented in the introductory physics courses in three separate courses in classical mechanics, advanced electromagnetic theory, classical statistical mechanics and thermal physics. These advanced courses require solid foundations in applied mathematics and allow students to deepen and broaden their physics understanding.
Category
Advanced Physics Courses
Learning Outcome
Our graduates are presented with a sophisticated treatment of the foundations of quantum mechanics and its applications in quantum statistical mechanics in Quantum Physics.
Category
Elective and Independent Research
Learning Outcome
Our graduates learn to perform sophisticated laboratory experiments in Experimental Physics (either in classical or quantum physics) under teacher supervision and carry out the required data analysis, generalizing the analytical skills they have acquired during their introductory physics courses.
Category
Elective and Independent Research
Learning Outcome
Our graduates complete at least one elective course (chosen from topics such as computational physics, astrophysics, or biophysics), which extends their physics knowledge in directions that satisfy their individual curiosity.
Category
Elective and Independent Research
Learning Outcome
Our graduates participate in seminars each semester during their junior and senior years, where they select a research topic that aligns with their individual interests in physics. Under the supervision of their physics advisor, the students are expected to demonstrate intellectual independence in investigating a specific research problem, which may involve theoretical, computational, and/or experimental analysis. At the end of each seminar, students are expected to present the results of their independent research at the Academic Symposium, which is held on campus at the end of the spring semester. The Junior Physics seminar can sometimes allow a student to be successful in obtaining a paid summer research internship at a research university or a national laboratory, funded either by the National Science Foundation or the US Department of Energy.