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Physics – Computer Science

Bachelor of Science

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Computers drive modern physics. At LTU, students gain hands-on experience in advanced computing, research, and career-ready skills.

» Program Overview

The computer has become so essential to the study of modern physics that to imagine the latter without the former is like picturing biology without a microscope, or carpentry without a hammer.

The simple reality is that the computer’s capacity for problem-solving, for creating complicated systems models, and for organizing data sets makes it an irreplaceable tool for the physicist. Throughout the field of physics, advanced computer techniques, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, are being used to expand the limits of our understanding.

Supported by funding from the National Science Foundation, and joined by a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, LTU’s faculty and students are collaboratively engaged in cutting-edge research. This hands-on experience is one of the distinct advantages of LTU’s “theory and practice” approach. Throughout their coursework, students will cultivate proficiency in scientific methodology, critical analysis, and a host of skills beneficial for future academic pursuits and diverse career paths. As a result of the collaborative environment and close working relationships with faculty, students may expect to participate in meaningful partnership with faculty, attend national conferences, and even see their scholarly work published in peer-reviewed journals.

Why LTU?

  • The opportunity to customize your degree by taking interdisciplinary electives such as mathematics, computer science, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
  • An emphasis on the “hands-on” application of physics. To learn experimentation, our students have built their own instruments to levitate objects with sound, to measure the speed of a shockwave of an explosion, to visualize turbulent air currents, and more.
  • The opportunity for paying research assistantships supported by the National Science Foundation which offer the possibility of being published in professional journals and enjoying paid travel to international conferences.
  • The opportunity to join the Society of Physics Students, an award-winning organization that offers academic, professional, and social activities.

» Curriculum

First Year

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
University Chemistry 1
CHM1213
3
University Chem 1 Lab
CHM1221
1
Calculus 1
MCS1414
4
Introductory Astronomy
PHY1213
3
Introductory Astronomy Lab
PHY1221
1
Introduction to Science
PSC1161
1
College Composition
COM1103
3

Total Credit Hours

16

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
University Physics 1
PHY2413
3
University Physics 1 Lab
PHY2421
1
Calculus 2
MCS1424
4
Computer Science 1
MCS1514
4
Engaging Ancient Texts
HUM1213
3

Total Credit Hours

15

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
University Physics 2
PHY2423
3
University Physics 2 Lab
PHY2431
1
Calculus 3
MCS2414
4
Computer Science 2
MCS2514
4
Engaging Modern Texts
HUM1223
3

Total Credit Hours

15

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Contemporary Physics
PHY3653
3
Contemporary Physics Lab
PHY3661
1
Differential Equations
MCS2423
3
Discrete Mathematics
MCS2523
3
Technical and Professional Communication
COM2103
3
SSC Elective
SSC2XX3
3

Total Credit Hours

16

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Advanced Calculus
MCS3723
3
Analytical Mechanics
PHY3414
4
Linear Algebra
MCS3863
3
Data Structures
MCS2534
4
LLT Elective
LLT2XX3
3

Total Credit Hours

17

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Electricity & Magnetism
PHY3574
4
Leadership Scientific Research
PSC3002
2
Probability & Statistics
MCS3403
3
Gen. Elective
XXX3
3
Jr/Sr MCS Elective
MCSxxx3
3

Total Credit Hours

15

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Thermal & Statistical Physics
PHY4763
3
Quantum Mechanics
PHY4724
4
Physics Project 1
PHY4913
3
Numerical Analysis 1
MCS4813
3
Jr./Sr. Elective
SSC/PSY 3/4XX3
3

Total Credit Hours

16

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Condensed Matter Physics
PHY4843
3
Optics, Lasers and Microscopy
PHY4743
3
Optics, Lasers, Microscopy Lab
PHY4781
1
Physics Project 2
PHY4923
3
Mathematical Modelling
MCS3523
3
Junior/Senior LLT Elective
LLT 3/4XX3
3

Total Credit Hours

16

» Document Viewer

Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.