Physics
Study the fundamental science of Physics at RWU, where you’ll learn math, computational and theoretical skills you can apply to any liberal arts or professional degree. Our Physics program offers classes in topics like advanced calculus, astronomy and quantum mechanics, which can help you prepare for taking standardized tests necessary for admission into graduate study in medicine, law, engineering and more.
Degree Requirements
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Majors pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physics must satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements and the College speech requirement, COMM 210. In addition, they must complete the following courses and a sufficient number of electives to total 120 credits. Majors are encouraged to apply electives toward a minor or second major.
REQUIRED COURSES
Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in these courses.
MATH 213 Calculus I and Lab
MATH 214 Calculus II and Lab
MATH 317 Differential Equations
MATH 331 Linear Algebra
PHYS 201 Physics I with Calculus and Lab
PHYS 202 Physics II with Calculus and Lab
PHYS 320 Modern Physics
PHYS 340 Classical Mechanics
PHYS/MATH 370 Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences
PHYS405 or ENGR460 Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 420 Quantum Mechanics
ENGR330 or CHEM391 Thermodynamics
PHYSICS ELECTIVE COURSES
Students must take at least 6 credit hours of additional physics (PHYS) courses with 3 credit hours at the 300 level or above.
ADDITIONAL ELECTIVE COURSES
Students must take an additional 6 credit hours selected from the list of approved out of department electives or any physics (PHYS) courses at the 300 level or above. Some of the courses listed have prerequisites below the 300-level which may be taken as part of a student’s free electives.
Approved out of department elective courses
Chemistry:
CHEM392 Quantum Chemistry
CHEM433 Advanced Physical Chemistry
Computer Science:
COMSC 330 Software Design
COMSC 335 Theory of Computation
COMSC 340 Analysis of Algorithms
COMSC410 Artificial Intelligence
COMSC415 Machine Learning
Engineering:
ENGR300 Mechanics of Materials and Lab
ENGR305 Fluid Mechanics and Lab
ENGR310 Materials Science
ENGR337 Finite Element Analysis
ENGR 350 Theory and Design of Mechanical Measurements
ENGR360 Signals and Systems
ENGR431 Mechanical Vibrations
ENGR433 Heat Transfer
ENGR437 Acoustics
ENGR442 Biomechanics
Environmental Science:
NATSC305 Marine Geology
NATSC315 Meteorology and Climatology
Mathematics:
MATH305 Mathematical Modeling
MATH 315 Probability and Statistics
MATH342 Numerical Analysis
MATH 351 Calculus of Several Variables
MATH 371 Real Analysis
MATH 381 Complex Analysis
To read more about our academic offerings, or to view full course descriptions, please refer to our University Catalog.
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