| 253.535.7536 | www.plu.edu/physics/ | physics@plu.edu |
| Bret Underwood, Ph.D., Chair |
Physics is the scientific study of the material universe at its most fundamental level: the mathematical description of space and time and the behavior of matter from the elementary particles to the universe as a whole. A physicist might study the inner workings of atoms and nuclei, the size and age of the universe, the behavior of high-temperature superconductors or the life cycles of stars.
Physicists use high-energy accelerators to search for quarks; they design new laser systems for applications in medicine and communications; they heat hydrogen gases to temperatures higher than the sun’s core in the attempt to develop nuclear fusion as an energy resource. From astrophysics to nuclear physics to optics and crystal structure, physics encompasses some of the most fundamental and exciting ideas ever considered.
Physics Major
The physics major offers a challenging program emphasizing a low student-faculty ratio and the opportunity to engage in independent research projects. There are two introductory course sequences, college physics and general physics; the general physics sequence incorporates calculus and is required for all majors and the minor.
Restrictions in Major and Minor
Restrictions for major in physics (B.A. degree), major in physics (B.S. degree), major in applied physics (B.S. degree), and the minor in physics: an average grade of C (2.00) is required for the three-course introductory sequence (Physics 153, 154, and 223) for them to be counted for a major or minor.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Major in Physics
44 semester hours
- PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164, 223, 499A, 499B
- Plus: 12 additional, upper-division semester hours in physics
- CHEM 341 or CHEM 342 may be counted as a substitution for 4 upper-division physics hours
- Required supporting courses: MATH 151, 152, 253; CSCI 144
Bachelor of Science Degree
Major in Physics
64 semester hours
- PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164, 223, 310, 331, 332, 336, 354, 401, 499A, 499B
- ENGR 333
- Strongly Recommended: ENGR 355
- CHEM 341 or PHYS 221 may be substituted for ENGR 333
- CHEM 342 may be substituted for PHYS 401
- MATH 351 may be substituted for PHYS 354
- Required supporting courses:
- CHEM 115; MATH 151, 152, 253; DATA 133 or CSCI 144
Typical B.S. Physics Major Program Schedule
- First Year: PHYS 153, 163; MATH 151, 152
- Sophomore Year: PHYS 154, 164, 223, 354; MATH 253
- Junior Year: PHYS 310, 331, 336; CHEM 115; DATA 133 or CSCI 144
- Senior Year: ENGR 333, PHYS 332, 401, 499A, 499B
Bachelor of Science Degree - Applied Physics Major
70 semester hours
Also available is a major in applied physics, which includes a substantial selection of courses from engineering to provide a challenging and highly versatile degree. Applied physics can lead to research or advanced study in such areas as robotics—with application in space exploration or joint and limb prosthetics; growth of single-crystal metals, which would be thousands of times stronger than the best steels now available; mechanics of material failure, such as metal fatigue and fracture; turbulence in fluid flow; photovoltaic cell research for solar energy development; or applications of fluid flow and thermodynamics to the study of planetary atmospheres and ocean currents. While many applied physics graduates pursue professional careers in industry immediately after graduation from PLU, the program also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in nearly all fields of engineering.
- PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164, 223, 310, 331, 354, 499A, 499B
- ENGR 131, 334
- Plus: four courses, one of which must be upper division, selected from:
- CSCI 302
- ENGR 240, 333
- Strongly Recommended: ENGR 355
- MATH 331, MATH/STAT 242
- PHYS 221, 332, 336, 401
- CHEM 341 may be substituted for ENGR 333
- CHEM 342 may be substituted for PHYS 401
- MATH 351 may be substituted for PHYS 354
- Required supporting courses:
- CHEM 115; DATA 133 or CSCI 144; MATH 151, 152, 253
Typical Applied Physics Program Schedule
- First Year: PHYS 153, 163; ENGR 131; MATH 151, 152
- Sophomore Year: PHYS 154, 164, 221, 223, 354; MATH 253
- Junior Year: ENGR 333; PHYS 310; CHEM 115; DATA 133 or CSCI 144
- Senior Year: PHYS 331, 499A, 499B; ENGR 240, 334, 355
Minors
Minor in Physics
22 semester hours
- PHYS 153; 154; 163; 164; 223
- Plus: 8 additional semester hours in physics (excluding PHYS 110), of which at least 4 hours must be upper division.
Minor in Engineering & Industry
28 semester hours
The curriculum of the Engineering & Industry Minor consists of engineering courses, courses in business, economics, and ethics with a special emphasis on industry and/or an internship. Students choosing the minor will learn the basics of engineering design and team problem solving, will gain familiarity with industry, and will obtain valuable skills ensuring their success in the workplace or in graduate studies.
An Advisory Board comprised of engineering and science professionals associated with PLU will advise students in the Engineering Internship process for students who choose that option, will evaluate the quality of internships, and will consult with the program leaders on curriculum.
The Engineering & Industry Minor is ideal for all students who would benefit from in-depth exposure to engineering and industry. Typically students in Natural Sciences, Business, Economics or any students who have completed the introductory calculus-based physics sequence (PHYS 153/163, 154/164) would be a good fit for the minor. BS in Applied Physics students are NOT ALLOWED to add this minor, as it essentially is the minor aligned with the Applied Physics major.
- ENGR 131
- PHYS 153/163, 154/164 (calculus-based introductory physics plus laboratory)
- 8 additional semester hours chosen from:
- ENGR 240, 333, 334, 355
- Plus: 8 additional semester hours chosen from:
- ENGR 495 (credits vary depending on internship type and schedule)
- Courses in business, economics, ethics, and history that introduce students to aspects of industry:
- BUSA 201, 310, or 358
- ECON 101 or 313
- HIST 248, 254, 346, or 370
- PHIL 125, 223, 225, 226, 248, or 327
All courses counted toward the minor must be completed with grades of C or higher.
Engineering (ENGR) - Undergraduate Courses
ENGR 131 : Introduction to Engineering
An introduction to the engineering profession and development of basic skills important to the profession; including, problem solving, engineering design, graphics, use of computers, computer programming, engineering economics, and ethics in engineering. Prerequisite: completion of college-preparatory mathematics. (2)
ENGR 240 : Engineering Statics
Engineering statics using vector algebra; equilibrium of rigid bodies; equivalent force and movement systems; centroids and center of gravity; trusses and frames; methods of virtual work; shear and bending moment diagrams; moments of inertia. Prerequisite: PHYS 153 with a C- or higher.
ENGR 333 : Engineering Thermodynamics
Classical, macroscopic thermodynamics with applications to physics, engineering, and chemistry. Thermodynamic state variables, cycles, and potentials; flow and non-flow systems; pure substances, mixtures, and solutions; phase transitions; introduction to statistical thermodynamics. Prerequisites: PHYS 153 with a C- or higher. (4)
ENGR 334 : Engineering Materials Science
Fundamentals of engineering materials including mechanical, chemical, thermal, and electrical properties associated with metals, polymers, composites, and alloys. Focus on how useful material properties can be engineered through control of microstructure. Prerequisites: PHYS 154 with a C- or higher and CHEM 115 with a C- or higher. (4)
ENGR 355 : Electrical Circuits
Introduction to the fundamental techniques and concepts of analysis and design of DC and AC circuits including Kirchhoff's Laws, circuit theorems, OP Amps, first and second order transient and steady state circuits, and frequency response. Computer simulation and laboratory work are essential parts of the course. Prerequisites: MATH 151; PHYS 154 or consent of instructor. (4)
ENGR 495 : Internship
To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student and the Advisory Board for the Engineering internship course and the Engineering & Industry Minor. (1 to 12)
Physics (PHYS) - Undergraduate Courses
PHYS 110 : Astronomy - NW
Stars and their evolution, galaxies and larger structures, cosmology, and the solar system. Emphasis on observational evidence. Evening observing sessions. Prerequisite: MATH 115 or equivalent by math placement exam. (4)
PHYS 125 : College Physics I - NW
An algebra-based introduction to physics; including, the topics of kinematics, forces, momentum, work, energy, gravitation, and rotational motion. Prerequisites: MATH 128 or MATH 140 (or equivalent by placement exam) with a C- or higher. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 135. (4)
PHYS 126 : College Physics II - NW
An algebra-based introduction to physics; including, the topics of electricity, magnetism, waves, and optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 125 with a C- or higher. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 136.(4)
PHYS 135 : College Physics I Laboratory
Basic laboratory experiments in mechanics are performed in conjunction with the College Physics sequence. Concurrent registration in PHYS 125 is required. (1)
PHYS 136 : College Physics II Laboratory
Basic laboratory experiments in electricity, magnetism, waves, and optics are performed in conjunction with the College Physics sequence. Concurrent registration in PHYS 126 is required. (1)
PHYS 153 : General Physics I - NW
A calculus-level survey of basic concepts in physics, emphasizing mechanics. Topics covered may include kinematics, Newton's Laws, circular motion, momentum, energy, oscillations, and thermodynamics. Concurrent registration in (or previous completion of) MATH 152 is strongly recommended. Prerequisite: MATH 151 with a C- or higher. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 163. (4)
PHYS 154 : General Physics II - NW
A calculus-level survey of the general fields of physics emphasizing electromagnetism. Topics may include electricity, magnetism, circuits, waves, and optics. Prerequisites: MATH 152 with a C- or higher, PHYS 153 with a C- or higher. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 164. (4)
PHYS 163 : General Physics I Laboratory
Basic laboratory experiments in mechanics are performed in conjunction with the General Physics sequence. Concurrent registration in PHYS 153 is required. (1)
PHYS 164 : General Physics II Laboratory
Basic laboratory experiments in electricity, magnetism, waves, and optics are performed in conjunction with the General Physics sequence. Concurrent registration in PHYS 154 is required. (1)
PHYS 221 : Waves and Fluids
A systematic introduction to waves and fluids under the unifying theme of physics of continuous systems. The course covers harmonic oscillations and waves in their most common physical realizations: mechanical, electromagnetic, and quantum. It discusses the statics and dynamics of ideal and viscous fluids, and some topics from nonlinear dynamics. Prerequisites: PHYS 153, 154 with a C- or higher (or permission of instructor), MATH 151, 152 with C- or higher. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 253. (4)
PHYS 223 : Elementary Modern Physics
An introduction to the fundamental concepts that form the basis of special relativity and quantum mechanics. Topics may include time dilation, length contraction, four-momentum, wave interference and diffraction, wave-particle duality, and the modeling of bound systems. Prerequisites: PHYS 154 with a C- or higher and MATH 253 with a C- or higher. (4)
PHYS 287 : Special Topics in Physics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
PHYS 288 : Special Topics in Physics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
PHYS 289 : Special Topics in Physics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
PHYS 291 : Directed Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
PHYS 310 : Methods of Experimental Physics
A selected treatment of laboratory techniques; including, experimental design, error analysis, and communication of scientific results. Laboratory topics include circuits, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 154 with a C-or higher. (4)
PHYS 331 : Electromagnetic Theory
Electrostatics, dipole fields, fields in dielectric materials, electromagnetic induction, and magnetic properties of matter, in conjunction with the development of Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: PHYS 153, 154 with a C- or higher, and MATH 253 with a C- or higher. (4)
PHYS 332 : Electromagnetic Waves and Physical Optics
Proceeding from Maxwell's equations, the generation and propagation of electromagnetic waves is developed with particular emphasis on their application to physical optics. Prerequisite: PHYS 331 with a C- or higher. (4)
PHYS 336 : Classical Mechanics
Applications of differential equations to particle dynamics; rigid body dynamics; including the inertia tensor and Euler's equations; calculus of variations; Lagrange's equations and the Hamiltonian formulation of mechanics; symmetries and conservation laws. Prerequisites: PHYS 154 with a C- or higher and MATH 253 with a C- or higher. (4)
PHYS 354 : Mathematical Physics
Ordinary differential equations, Laplace transforms, functions of a complex variable, and contour integration are developed in the context of examples from the fields of electromagnetism, waves, transport, vibrations, and mechanics. Prerequisites: MATH 253 with a C- or higher. Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 154 or permission of the instructor. (4)
PHYS 387 : Special Topics in Physics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
PHYS 388 : Special Topics in Physics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
PHYS 389 : Special Topics in Physics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
PHYS 401 : Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
An introduction to the fundamental techniques and concepts of quantum mechanics and their applications. Topics may include Schroedinger's equation, wavefunctions, Dirac notation, spin, and quantum information. Prerequisites: PHYS 223 with a C- or higher. Prerequisite or Corequisite: PHYS 354 or MATH 351 with a C- or higher, or permission of the instructor. (4)
PHYS 487 : Special Topics in Physics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
PHYS 488 : Special Topics in Physics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
PHYS 489 : Special Topics in Physics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
PHYS 491 : Independent Studies
To provide individual undergraduate students with advanced study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
PHYS 495 : Internship
To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)
PHYS 499A : Capstone: Senior Seminar I - SR
Professional development, exploring career paths, case studies in ethics, literature review, experimental design, and the research process. With 499B meets the senior seminar/project requirement. Prerequisites: PHYS 223 with a C- or higher; two upper-division courses in physics, one of which may be taken concurrently with 499A. (1)
PHYS 499B : Capstone: Senior Seminar II - SR
Continuation of PHYS 499A with emphasis on design and implementation of a project under the guidance of the physics staff. With PHYS 499A meets the senior seminar/project requirement. Prerequisite: PHYS 499A with a C- or higher. (1)