Pictured | E-Lexus Thornton | Physics | Michigan City, Indiana (hometown)
About the Bachelor of Science in Physics
There are multiple tracks for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics. The Professional Track is designed to prepare students either for graduate study in physics or for employment. The Applied Physics Track is intended primarily for students pursuing degrees in both physics and engineering through the dual-degree arrangements described below. The Nanoscience Track is also suitable for graduate study, but in collaboration with Ivy Tech provides additional training in the science and analytical methods utilized in nano-scale science.
Academic Advising
College policy on advising requires that students meet with their academic advisors at least once each year, and in some departments, prior to each semester’s enrollment. Advising holds are reset following advising appointments. Students with a declared major are advised in their academic units. To determine who your advisor is and how to contact them, see One.IU.
Degree Requirements (120 cr.)
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Students receiving the Bachelor of Science degree in Physics must complete 120 total credit hours including
- Math courses required for the BS in Physics fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
- World Language | Successful completion of a second-semester language class, designated as 102, or formal training, as evidenced by secondary or university diplomas, in a language other than English. The Department of World Language Studies (W.L.S.) offers a placement examination to determine into which semester a student should enroll and/or to qualify students for credit by examination. (3-6 cr.)
- Major Requirements (35 cr.)
- Research and Capstone (1 cr.)
- Math Requirements (21 cr.)
- Elective Requirements (x cr.)
- Minimum of 30 credit hours at the 300- or 400-level.
- Courses required for the major must be completed with a grade of C– or higher.
- A minimum CGPA of 2.0 is required.
Major Requirements (35 cr.)
All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise designated.
There are multiple tracks for the BS degree in physics at IU South Bend. The Professional Track is the best preparation for graduate study in physics, and the Nanoscience Track provides additional training related to the science of modern nanotechnology; while the Applied Physics Track is intended primarily for students who are pursuing degrees in both physics and engineering through our “3/2” dual-degree arrangements with engineering departments at other universities. It is especially important for those interested in completing a 3/2 program to work closely with their advisor to navigate the specific requirements of the engineering school and program of their choosing.
For students completing the Applied Physics Track as part of a 3/2 program, up to 10 credits in approved courses from the partnering institution may be transferred back to IU South Bend to reach the 35 credits in the physics requirements.
Fundamental Core (20 cr.)
All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise designated.
- PHYS-S 106 Contemporary Physics Seminar (1 cr.)
- PHYS-P 221 Physics 1 (5 cr.)
- PHYS-P 222 Physics 2 (5 cr.)
- PHYS-P 309 Modern Physics Laboratory
- PHYS-P 323 Physics 3
- PHYS-P 324 Physics 4
Advanced Core (6-12 cr.)
All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise designated.
Note | All four courses required for Professional Track; at
- PHYS-P 331 Theory of Electricity and Magnetism
- PHYS-P 340 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
- PHYS-P 441 Analytical Mechanics I
- PHYS-P 453 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Physics Electives (1-9 cr. to reach total of 35 cr. in Physics Requirements)
All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise designated.
- AST-A 453 Topical Astrophysics
- AST-N 390 The Natural World
- PHYS-P 303 Digital Electronics (4 cr.)
- PHYS-P 321 Techniques of Theoretical Physics
- PHYS-P 334 Fundamentals of Optics
- PHYS-P 410 Computing Applications in Physics
- PHYS-P 473 Introduction to String Theory
- PHYS-S 405 Readings in Physics (1-3 cr.; limited to 6 cr.)
For those on Nanoscience Track, the following courses from Ivy Tech will be required:
- NANO 202 Characterization and Testing of Nanotechnology Structures and Materials
- NANO 203 Basic Nanotechnology Processes
Research and Capstone (1 cr. min.)
All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise designated.
- PHYS-S 406 Research Project (1-3 cr.)
- PHYS-S 490 Physics Capstone (0 cr.)
Math Requirements (21 cr.)
All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise designated.
- MATH-M 215 Calculus I (5 cr.)
- MATH-M 216 Calculus II (5 cr.)
- MATH-M 301 Linear Algebra and Applications
- MATH-M 311 Calculus 3 (5 cr.)
- MATH-M 343 Introduction to Differential Equations with Applications I