Physics, Engineering Physics Track (BS in Physics)
Program
Traditionally, many physics undergraduates continue in graduate school in pursuit of Ph.D. degrees in physics or engineering. Previous students who have completed a physics major also enter a variety of other fields, including among many others, archaeology, astronomy and astrophysics, biology, mathematics, computer science, high school teaching, law, medicine, environmental sciences, operations research, technical sales, industrial management, engineering and oceanography. Because physicists are scientific generalists, undergraduate work in physics followed by specialization in other areas has become one of the preferred preparations for many activities that are setting new directions in society. The requirements for major in physics are relatively flexible, and are designed to prepare people for either graduate work in physics or for later specialization in other areas.
Information on the program can be obtained through the World Wide Web at the address https://www.wm.edu/physics.
Graduate Program
The department offers the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Degree requirements and a full description of graduate courses in physics can be obtained through the World Wide Web at https://www.wm.edu/physics or you may request application forms by e-mail at grad@physics.wm.edu or by writing to the Chair of the Graduate Admission Committee in Physics.
Required Credit Hours: 45
Course Requirements
Core Requirements
This concentration is designed for students interested in research and development in applied sciences and advanced technology. It also aims to provide preparation for material science and engineering graduate programs.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 101 | General Physics-Lecture | 3 |
| or PHYS 101H | General Physics I - Honors | |
| PHYS 101L | General Physics-Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 102 | Gen Physics-Lecture | 3 |
| or PHYS 102H | General Physics II - Honors | |
| PHYS 102L | General Physics-Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 201 | Modern Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 208 | Classical Mechanics of Particles and Waves I | 4 |
| APSC 251 | Engineering Design | 3 |
| PHYS 252 | Electronics | 3 |
| PHYS 313 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 351 | Scientific Instrumentation Laboratory | 3 |
| APSC 301 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| APSC 304 | Energy and Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHYS 401 | Electricity & Magnetism I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 6 | |
| Capstone Engineering Design Senior Project and Capstone Engineering Design Senior Project | ||
| Honors and Honors | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1-3 | |
| Research Applied Science | ||
| Research Applied Science and Research Applied Science | ||
| Research Applied Science | ||
| Sup Senior Research | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Laser Biomedicine | ||
| Introduction to Materials Characterization | ||
| Biomedical Materials and Devices | ||
| Scanning Probe Nanoengineering: Visualization and Manipulation of Matter at Atomic Scales | ||
| Computational Materials Design | ||
| Fluid Mechanics | ||
| Total Hours | 47-49 | |
Major Computing Requirements
The departmental computer proficiency requirement is satisfied through the completion of course work demonstrating programming ability. This is typically satisfied by completion of PHYS 256 Practical Computing for Scientists and Engineers. Students may petition the Physics Undergraduate Committee to satisfy the requirement by another course or a senior/honors research project that demonstrates computational proficiency.
Major Writing Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 6 | |
| Capstone Engineering Design Senior Project and Capstone Engineering Design Senior Project | ||
| Honors and Honors | ||