Physics
Bachelor of Science

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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.

Contact

Department of Natural Sciences

nschair@ltu.edu

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

» Curriculum Documents

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Introduction to Science

Introduction to scientific thinking with emphasis on collaboration, community, and scientific communication. Hands-on experiments and laboratory safety. Exploration of institutional resources and active areas of scientific research at LTU.

PSC1161

1

College Composition

College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.

COM1103

3

University Chemistry 1

May need 1 year high school chemistry and chemistry placement or math placement. Laws and concepts of chemistry and their application to chemical systems. The liquid and solid states, phase changes and phase diagrams, topics in the chemistry of materials, oxidation-reduction chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics and gas-phase equilibrium. Lect. 3 hrs., Workshop 1 hr., 3 hours credit. The following courses can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS 1074, MCS 1414, MCS 1424.

CHM1213

3

University Chemistry 1 Lab

University Chem 1 Lab – Laboratory experiments supporting topics covered in CHM1213. Lab 3 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: CHM 1213.

CHM1221

1

Calculus 1

Topics include, limits and continuity, differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, mean value theorem, applications of differentiation, anti-derivatives, indefinite integrals, inverse trigonometric functions, substitutions, definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, applications of integration. Applications will be emphasized. In addition to regular class meetings, all students are required to participate in calculus lab sessions. The schedule, frequency, and modality of these labs may vary by section. Refer to the class schedule and course syllabus for details.

MCS1414

4

Astronomy

Course not found.

PHY1213

3

Astronomy Lab

Course not found.

PHY1221

1

Total Credits:

16

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

University Physics 1

Calculus based kinematics and dynamics of particles, conservation of energy, momentum, rotational dynamics and statics, fluids, temperature and heat, and laws of thermodynamics. 3 Credit hours. Lecture 3 hrs., Studio 1 hr. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS1424.

PHY2413

3

University Physics 1 Lab

Course not found.

PHY2421

1

Calculus 2

Hyperbolic functions, L’Hospital’s rule, techniques of integration, application to arc length and surface area, polar coordinates, infinite series, Taylor Series. In addition to regular class meetings, all students are required to participate in calculus lab sessions. The schedule, frequency, and modality of these labs may vary by section. Refer to the class schedule and course syllabus for details.

MCS1424

4

Foundations of CS

An overview of computer science for CS and non-CS majors with the overarching objective to develop a computational mindset. For CS majors, to gain an appreciation of the relevance of the various computing topics and interrelationships for future courses. For non-CS majors, to provide the necessary technological background to appreciate and integrate into today’s technical society.

MCS1243

3

Engaging Ancient Texts

A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.

HUM1213

3

Engaging Modern Texts

A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to engage texts of the modern global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, photography, film, digital media, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.

HUM1223

3

Total Credits:

17

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

University Physics 2

Calculus based simple harmonic motion, waves and sound, geometric optics, interference and diffraction, electric charge and interaction, electric current, DC Circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, and RC circuits. 3 Credit Hours. Lecture 3 hrs., Studio 1 hr. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS 2414.

PHY2423

3

University Physics 2 Lab

Introductory laboratory experiments complementing University Physics 2. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs.

PHY2431

1

Calculus 3

Three-dimensional analytic geometry. Vectors, vector-valued functions, motions in space, functions of several variables, partial differentiation, multiple integration, integration of vector fields, Green’s Theorem and Divergence Theorem.

MCS2414

4

Computer Science 1

Course not found.

MCS1514

4

Technical and Prof. Communication

Course not found.

COM2103

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Contemporary Physics

Introduction to concepts of modern physics: interference and diffraction, relativity, photoelectric effect, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Bohr’s models of the atom, Schrödinger’s wave equations, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, statistical mechanics, condensed matter physics, astrophysics and cosmology. 3 Credit hours. Lecture 3 hrs.

PHY3653

3

Contemporary Physics Lab

Laboratory experiments to complement the material presented in PHY3653. 1 Credit hours. Lab 3 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY 3653.

PHY3661

1

Differential Equations

Topics include, but are not limited to, solving first and second-order differential equations and first-order linear systems of differential equations by various techniques such as separation of variables, integrating factors, substitution methods, variation of parameters, and Laplace Transforms. Emphasis will be placed on applications of differential equations arising from engineering applications and the natural sciences.

MCS2423

3

Linear Algebra

Systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, Finite-dimensional vector spaces, linear transformations and their matrices, Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization, inner product spaces. Lecture 3 hrs.

MCS3863

3

Computational Physics

Course not found.

PHY3513

3

Language and Literary Studies elective

Course not found.

LLT 2xx3

3

Total Credits:

16

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Analytical Mechanics*

A study of Newton’s laws of motion applied to particles and systems, with an emphasis on velocity-dependent forces, forced/free/damped oscillations, accelerated/rotating systems, gravitational forces, and Lagrangian. 4 Credit Hours. Lecture 4 hrs.

PHY3414*

4

Probability and Statistics

Representation of data, probability, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, sampling theory, central limit theorem, confidence intervals, tests of statistical hypotheses, regression analysis. Lecture 3 hrs.

MCS3403

3

Advanced Engineering Mathematics or Advance Calculus

Course not found.

MCS3413 or

MCS3723

3

Probability and Statistics

Representation of data, probability, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, sampling theory, central limit theorem, confidence intervals, tests of statistical hypotheses, regression analysis. Lecture 3 hrs.

XXX6

6

Total Credits:

16

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Electricity and Magnetism

Course not found.

PHY3574

4

General Electives

Course not found.

XXX3

3

Circuits 1

Course not found.

EEE2114

4

Circuits 1 Lab

Course not found.

EEE2111

1

Leadership in Scientific Research (Junior Standing)

Course not found.

PSC3002

2

Jr/Sr LLT Elective

Course not found.

LLT3XX3/4XX3

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*

A theoretical study of the non-relativistic quantum interpretation of matter. Development of wave mechanics, the Schroedinger equation. Formal structure of quantum mechanics. Operators. Solution of one-dimensional and three-dimensional systems. Lecture 4 hrs.

PHY4724*

4

Thermal and Statistical Physics*

Course not found.

PHY4763*

3

Physics Project 1**

Practice in experimental or theoretical research techniques through setting up and carrying out projects in classical and modern physics. Course fee: $60.00.

PHY4912

2

General Electives

Practice in experimental or theoretical research techniques through setting up and carrying out projects in classical and modern physics. Course fee: $60.00.

XXX3

3

Jr/Sr SSC/PSY Elective

Practice in experimental or theoretical research techniques through setting up and carrying out projects in classical and modern physics. Course fee: $60.00.

SSC/PSY/XXX3

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Condensed Matter Physics

Brief review of atomic theory, crystal structure, binding forces, mechanical and thermal properties, electrical and magnetic properties of diaeletrics, metals, semiconductors and magnetic materials.

PHY 4843

3

Optics, Lasers, and Microscopy

Course not found.

PHY 4743

3

Optics, Lasers, and Microscopy Lab

Course not found.

PHY 4781

1

Physics Project 2

Continuation of Physics Project 1. Course fee: $60.00.

PHY 4922

2

Specialised Electives

Continuation of Physics Project 1. Course fee: $60.00.

PHY/CHM/ PSC/MCS/E**/

BME/BIO/

XXX5

5

Total Credits:

14

*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.

» Expand Your Curriculum

Physics + Mathematical Sciences
Dual Bachelor’s
Graduates with a degree in physics have many professional opportunities–adding a degree in mathematics increases their attractiveness to employers.
Physics – Concentration in Engineering Physics
Bachelor of Science
Scientific, technological, and engineering advances that have changed our world are built on the fundamental principles of physics.
Physics – Concentration in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science
Computers drive modern physics. At LTU, students gain hands-on experience in advanced computing, research, and career-ready skills.
Nanotechnology Concentration
Concentration
Nanotechnologists manipulate matter at the molecular and atomic level for the purpose of developing new technologies.
Minor in Physics
Minor
The study of physics is the means and the method by which humans seek to perceive and comprehend the fundamental nature of reality.

» 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.