Physics is the discipline that studies the natural behavior of the physical universe. It considers phenomena as large as clusters of galaxies to smaller than a proton. Some examples of the branches of physics are astronomy, astrophysics, optics, solid state, nanotechnology, computational, nuclear, medical physics and biophysics. Graduates of this program can work in engineering, computer science, and other technical fields. Graduates also go onto graduate programs in any branch of physics, engineering, or computer science. Also, graduates enter professional fields such as medicine or law where problem-solving skills are essential.

At Buena Vista University there are three tracks you can take to a physics degree: physics, computational physics, and engineering physics. The engineering physics option is only available to students enrolled in the Dual Degree program with Washington University. Those who wish to enter the work force directly after the undergraduate degree may wish to choose the computational or engineering physics option.

Major in Physics (53 credit hours)

PHYS 211 General Physics I: Calculus Based
PHYS 212 General Physics II: Calculus Based
PHYS 310 Mechanics
PHYS 361 Modern Physics
PHYS 365 Modern Physics lab
PHYS 370 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 380 Theoretical Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 498 Physics Seminar (2 semesters)
Math 160 Calculus I: Differential Calculus
Math 161 Calculus II: Integral Calculus
Math 260 Calculus III: Intermediate Calculus
Math 261 Calculus IV: Multivariable Calculus
Math 361 Differential Equations
Electives from math or PHYS at the 300 level

Recommended Support Work:
CHEM 151 General and Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 152 Inorganic Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis
Phys 353 Thermodynamics

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Major in Computational Physics (54 credit hours)

PHYS 211 General Physics I: Calculus Based
PHYS 212 General Physics II: Calculus Based
PHYS 310 Mechanics
PHYS 370 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 380 Theoretical Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 390 Computational Physics
PHYS 498 Physics Seminar (2 semesters)
CMSC 200 Computer Science I
CMSC 201 Computer Science II
Math 160 Calculus I: Differential Calculus
Math 161 Calculus II: Integral Calculus
Math 260 Calculus III: Intermediate Calculus
Math 261 Calculus IV: Multivariable Calculus
Math 361 Differential Equations
Electives from CMSC or PHYS at the 300 level

Recommended Support Work:
Phys 353 Thermodynamics
Phys 361 Modern Physics
CMSC 320 Assembly Language and Machine Architecture

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Major in Engineering Physics (33 credit hours)

This option is available only to the students in the Dual Degree program.

PHYS 211 General Physics I: Calculus Based
PHYS 212 General Physics II: Calculus Based
Two courses in Physics at the 300 level
PHYS 498 Physics Seminar (2 semesters)
Math 160 Calculus I: Differential Calculus
Math 161 Calculus II: Integral Calculus
Math 260 Calculus III: Intermediate Calculus
Math 261 Calculus IV: Multivariable Calculus
Math 361 Differential Equations
Plus completion of engineering curriculum at Washington University

Minor in Physics (20 credit hours)

PHYS 211 General Physics I: Calculus Based
PHYS 212 General Physics II: Calculus Based
PHYS 310 Mechanics
PHYS 361 Modern Physics

Two courses from:
PHYS 353 Thermodynamics
PHYS 370 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 380 Theoretical Electricity and Magnetism

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Major in Physics with Teaching Licensure (7-12) (43 credit hours)

PHYS 211 General Physics I
PHYS 212 General Physics II
PHYS 310 Mechanics
PHYS 361 Modern Physics
PHYS 370 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 380 Theoretical Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 498 Physics Seminar (1 semester)
Math 160 Calculus I: Differential Calculus
Math 161 Calculus II: Integral Calculus
Math 260 Calculus III: Intermediate Calculus
Math 261 Calculus IV: Multivariable Calculus
MATH 361 Differential Equations
Physics electives at the 300 level
Plus requirements under secondary education and education core

Recommended Support Work:
Phys 353 Thermodynamics
Phys 365 Modern Physics Lab

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Minor in Physics with Teaching Licensure (7-12) (24 credit hours)

PHYS 211 General Physics I: Calculus Based
PHYS 212 General Physics II: Calculus Based
Physics electives at the 300 level
Plus requirements under secondary education and education core

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