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For Thursday 02/06/25, the campus will be closed until 12 noon today due to the severe weather. All classes scheduled after 12 noon will take place as scheduled. Students should check Canvas for details on classes.

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

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
College Composition
COM1103
3
Introduction to Science
PSC1161
1

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
Foundations of CS
MCS1243
3
Engaging Modern Texts
HUM1223
3
Engaging Ancient Texts
HUM1213
3

Total Credit Hours

17

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
University Physics 2
PHY2423
3
University Physics 2 Lab
PHY2431
1
Calculus 3
MCS2414
4
LLT Elective
LLT2XX3
3
Technical and Professional Communication
COM2103
3

Total Credit Hours

14

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Contemporary Physics
PHY3653
3
Contemporary Physics Lab
PHY3661
1
Differential Equations
MCS2423
3
Linear Algebra
MCS3863
3
Gen. Elective
XXX3
3
SSC Elective
SSC2XX3
3

Total Credit Hours

17

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Special Electives
Special Electives
6
Analytical Mechanics
PHY3414
4
Advanced Calculus OR Advanced Eng Mathematics
MCS3723 OR MCS3413
3
Probability & Statistics
MCS3403
3

Total Credit Hours

16

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Electricity & Magnetism
PHY3574
4
Gen. Elective
XXX3
3
Circuits 1
EEE2114
4
Circuits Lab 1
EEE2111
1
Leadership Scientific Research
PSC3002
2
Jr./Sr. LLT Elective
LLTXXX3
3

Total Credit Hours

17

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Thermal & Statistical Physics
PHY4763
3
Quantum Mechanics
PHY4724
4
Gen. Elective
XXX3
3
Physics Project 1
PHY4912
2
Jr./Sr. Elective
SSC/PSY 3/4XX3
6

Total Credit Hours

18

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
PHY4922
2
Special Electives
Special Electives
6

Total Credit Hours

15

» 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.