What is Physics?
Physics is the branch of science that studies the nature of matter, energy, and space-time at the most fundamental level. It provides a foundation for all the natural sciences and engineering disciplines. Physics has brought such revolutions as relativity, quantum mechanics, and the "big bang" theory, profoundly altering the way mankind views the universe.
Physicists have played a major role in the discovery of many phenomena leading to whole new technologies. The invention of the transistor, by physicists, has made the computer possible, while the development of lasers has led to diverse applications ranging from supermarket scanners to laser surgery. The physicist is a versatile problem solver, able to excel in many technical fields.
A training in physics leads to a broad-based understanding of natural phenomena, analytical and computer skills, experience with electronics and the operation of sophisticated equipment, an understanding of measurements and their limitations, and the ability to formulate and solve technical problems.
The Major
SLU-Madrid Division of Sciences, Engineering and Nursing and the Department of Physics of Parks College in St. Louis both offers a Bachelor of Science degree that prepares students for a broad range of careers requiring scientific and technical knowledge. This program is excellent preparation for graduate work in physics and other fields or for work in industry.
The B.S. degree stresses undergraduate research and applications of computers in physics, taking advantage of the state of the art facilities at Parks College. A focused set of electives, called allied electives, allows the student to adapt the program to his or her own career plans.
Students of the physics program gain a solid foundation in analytical, computational, and laboratory skills through course work in mathematics, computer science, and physics. The physics curriculum includes courses in Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, as well as Optics, Electronics, and Modern Physics.
Special Topics courses in subjects such as Einstein's Theory of General Relativity are also taught. Saint Louis University places a strong emphasis on the education of the whole person. In order to round out their education, all students at Parks take courses in theology, humanities, ethics, social and behavioral sciences, cultural diversity.
Career Opportunities
The role of a physicist as a versatile problem-solver able to succeed in a wide variety of technical fields is perhaps less widely appreciated. A training in physics leads to a broad-based understanding of natural phenomena, analytical and computer skills, experience with electronics and the operation of sophisticated equipment, an understanding of measurements and their limitations, and the ability to formulate and solve technical problems. These skills are transferable and equip the physicist for a wide variety of careers. For instance, physicists work in all fields of engineering, in software development, computer science, medicine, technical law, and finance.
Unique Features of this Program
Life-long success in industry or graduate school requires more than a firm understanding of physics concepts and skills. It also depends upon:
The physics program at SLU-Madrid and Parks College both provide experiences throughout the curriculum to develop all of these skills. In addition, the program features:
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements to physics degree program is based on a combination of secondary school grades, college admission test scores, co-curricular activities and attempted college course work, as well as other indicators of the applicant’s ability and character. This process respects the nondiscrimination policy of the University and is designed to select a qualified, competent and diverse student body with high standards of scholarship and character, consistent with the mission of the University.
Spanish and international students normally enroll in the SLU-Madrid intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program during their first year of study.
In addition to the general admission and matriculation requirements of the University, Saint Louis University-Madrid Campus has the following additional requirements for the physics program:
| Freshman | Transfer | |
| Bachelor of Science | GPA | GPA |
| Physics | 2.50 | 2.70 |
For admission into the program it is recommended that a student have fifteen units of high school work:
a. Three or four English
b. Four or more Mathematics - Algebra I and II, Geometry, and mathematics with a focus on trigonometry prior to or during the senior year, such as Pre-Calculus (Algebra II with Trigonometry is not sufficient). Students should be prepared to start the first semester freshmen year in Calculus I or higher.
c. Three or four sciences – General Science, Introduction to Physical Science, Earth Science, Biology, Physics, or Chemistry
d. Two or three Social Sciences - History, Psychology, or Sociology
e. Three electives
Students seeking a Subject Minor
The Department of Physics offers Minors in Physics, useful primarily to students majoring in mathematics, computer science, engineering fields, and other sciences. Major-minor links between physics and other disciplines provide opportunities for students to acquire valuable analytical and problem-solving skills and to distinguish themselves from others pursuing similar career paths.
A Parks College student can earn a minor in Physics by completing at least 22 hours of physics consisting of:
Upper Division Course List
Faculty
The program integrates faculty who are physicists, chemists, and engineers by training. They are individually committed to teaching, while maintaining active undergraduate and graduate research programs.
For more information, visit our faculty web.
Curriculum of Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics
| Prerequisites: | Credits |
| PHYS-111 Introduction to Physics | 1 |
| CSCI-145 Scientific Programming | 3 |
| CHEM-163/165 General Chemistry I with Lab | 4 |
| PHYS-161/162 Engineering Physics I with Lab | 4 |
| PHYS-163/164 Engineering Physics II with Lab | 4 |
| Knowledge of Differential and Integral Calculus: | Credits |
| MATH-142 Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH-143 Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH-244 Calculus III | 4 |
| Required courses: | Credits |
| PHYS-261/262 Modern Physics with Lab | 4 |
| PHYS-461 Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS-311 Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS-331/332 Optics with Lab | 4 |
| PHYS-341 Thermo and Statistical Mech. | 3 |
| PHYS-351 Analog and Digital Electronics | 4 |
| PHYS-421 Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| MATH-355 Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH-370 Advanced Math for Engineers | 3 |
| MATH-403 Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| MATH-320 Numerical Methods | 3 |
| Two additional courses selected from: | Credits |
| PHYS-312 Classical Mechanics II | 3 |
| PHYS-422 Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS-462 Applications of Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Allied Electives | Credits |
| Eight courses selected in consultation with advisor | 24 |
| Research Experience: | Credits |
| PHYS-386 Physics Research I | 0 |
| PHYS-487 Physics Research II | 0 |
| PHYS-488 Physics Research III | 3 |
| College core: | Credits |
| CMM-293 Small Group Presentation | 1 |
| THEO-100 Theological Foundations | 3 |
| PHIL-105/205 Ethics | 6 |
| ENGL-150 Process of Composition | 3 |
| ENGL-192 Advance Writing for Professionals | 3 |
| Humanities Elective | 3 |
| Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 |
| Cultural Diversity Elective | 3 |
| General Elective (Social/Behavioral or Humanities) | 3 |
| Open Elective | Credits |
| One course | 3 |
| Total credit hours required for B.S. in Physics | 128 |
