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Physics

Bachelor of Science

Home » All Programs » Physics
From atoms to cosmic forces, physics explores reality. LTU’s hands-on approach builds student skills for research and careers.

» Program Overview

From the depths of the infinite atom to the boundless vastness of space and time, the study of physics represents the means and method by which humans seek to perceive and comprehend the fundamental nature of reality. Physicists study the composition, behavior, and interactions of matter, energy, and force.

They ask the essential questions and seek the elusive answers that will add to our collective knowledge, facilitate technological advancement, and inspire bold and pioneering new hypotheses. By defining the laws that govern matter and motion, by describing the effects of fundamental forces, by delineating the intricate structure of existence, they strive to discern the indescribably sublime. Their work represents both a foundation and a frontier, informing the other scientific disciplines while expanding them to the farthest edge of inquiry where intellect meets imagination.

Supported by funding from the National Science Foundation, and joined by a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of understanding, 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

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Introduction to Science

[course_desc title=”Introduction to Science”]

PSC1161

1

College Composition

[course_desc title=”College Composition”]

COM1103

3

University Chemistry 1

[course_desc title=”University Chemistry 1″]

CHM1213

3

University Chemistry 1 Lab

[course_desc title=”University Chemistry 1 Lab”]

CHM1221

1

Calculus 1

[course_desc title=”Calculus 1″]

MCS1414

4

Astronomy

[course_desc title=”Astronomy”]

PHY1213

3

Astronomy Lab

[course_desc title=”Astronomy Lab”]

PHY1221

1

Total Credits:

16

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

University Physics 1

[course_desc title=”University Physics 1″]

PHY2413

3

University Physics 1 Lab

[course_desc title=”University Physics 1 La”]

PHY2421

1

Calculus 2

[course_desc title=”Calculus 2″]

MCS1424

4

Foundations of CS

[course_desc title=”Foundations of CS”]

MCS1243

3

Engaging Ancient Texts

[course_desc title=”Engaging Ancient Texts”]

HUM1213

3

Engaging Modern Texts

[course_desc title=”Engaging Modern Texts”]

HUM1223

3

Total Credits:

17

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

University Physics 2

[course_desc title=”University Physics 2 “]

PHY2423

3

University Physics 2 Lab

[course_desc title=”University Physics 2 Lab”]

PHY2431

1

Calculus 3

[course_desc title=”Calculus 3″]

MCS2414

4

Technical and Prof. Communication

[course_desc title=”Technical and Prof. Communication”]

COM2103

3

SSC Elective

SSC2XX3

3

Total Credits:

14

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Contemporary Physics

[course_desc title=”Contemporary Physics”]

PHY3653

3

Contemporary Physics Lab

[course_desc title=”Contemporary Physics Lab”]

PHY3661

3

Differential Equations

[course_desc title=”Differential Equations”]

MCS2423

3

Linear Algebra

[course_desc title=”Linear Algebra”]

MCS3863

3

LLT Elective

LLT2XX3

3

General Electives

XXX3

3

Total Credits:

16

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Analytical Mechanics*

[course_desc title=”Analytical Mechanics”]

PHY3414*

4

Probability and Statistics

[course_desc title=”Probability and Statistics “]

MCS3403

3

Advanced Engineering Mathematics

[course_desc title=”Advanced Engineering Mathematics”]

MCS3413

3

-OR-

Advanced Calculus

[course_desc title=”Advanced Calculus”]

MCS3723

Special Electives

XXX6

6

Total Credits:

16

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Electricity and Magnetism

[course_desc title=”Electricity and Magnetism”]

PHY3574

4

-OR-

Electromagnetic Fields

[course_desc title=”Electromagnetic Fields”]

EEE3414

Circuits 1

[course_desc title=”Circuits 1″]

EEE2114

4

Circuits 1 Lab

[course_desc title=”Circuits 1 Lab”]

EEE2111

1

Leadership in Scientific Research

[course_desc title=”Leadership in Scientific Research”]

PSC3002

2

General Electives

XXX3

3

LLT Jr./Sr. Elective

LLT3/4XX3

3

Total Credits:

17

*These courses are offered every two years. An individual plan of work will be developed in consultation with the student’s advisor.

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Quantum Mechanics*

[course_desc title=”Quantum Mechanics”]

PHY4724*

4

Thermal and Statistical Physics*

[course_desc title=”Thermal and Statistical Physics”]

PHY4763*

3

Physics Project 1**

[course_desc title=”Physics Project 1″]

PHY4912

2

General Electives

XXX3

3

Jr./Sr. Elective
PSY/SSC

XXX3

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Condensed Matter Physics*

[course_desc title=”Condensed Matter Physics”]

PHY4843*

4

Optics, Lasers, and Microscopy*

[course_desc title=”Optics, Lasers, and Microscopy”]

PHY4743*

3

Optics, Lasers, and Microscopy Lab*

[course_desc title=”Optics, Lasers, and Microscopy Lab”]

PHY4781*

1

Senior Project 2**

[course_desc title=”Senior Project 2″]

PHY4922

2

Special Electives

XXX6

6

Total Credits:

15

*These courses are offered every two years. An individual plan of work will be developed in consultation with the student’s advisor.

**Students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of senior project. They may elect to increase the number of credits to an overall maximum of 6 credits (at the discretion of the senior project advisor).

The extra credits may be allowed to count towards general or tech elective credits. In addition, students may opt to alter the distribution of the credit hours (3 credits in the fall and 1 credit in the spring, for example) to help achieve full time student status.

» 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.