The blueprint of the universe. Physicists explore the fundamental laws that govern matter, energy, and the forces shaping our universe – from subatomic particles to cosmic phenomena.
Master the tools to understand, and shape, the universe. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world application, giving students opportunities to engage in research supported by the National Science Foundation. At LTU, you don’t just learn physical laws – you apply them through experimentation, analysis, and discovery.
Graduates are prepared for careers in research, engineering, technology, and data science, as well as for graduate study in physics and related fields. The program also provides a strong foundation for interdisciplinary careers that rely on analytical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving expertise.
LTU offers an emphasis on the hands-on nature of physics. Our students have designed and constructed 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. What will you create?
Build your skills (and your resume) with research projects that have real-world impacts. Our National Science Foundation-funded research offers the possibility of paid research assistantships, publication in professional journals, and paid travel to share your discoveries at scientific conferences.
Find your own path and customize your degree with interdisciplinary electives such as mathematics, computer science, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Get involved in internships, research opportunities, and resume-building experiences starting as early as your freshman year.
Participating in undergraduate research is an excellent opportunity to develop essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills and to enhance your career or graduate school prospects. At LTU, physics researchers work on cutting-edge research projects with real-world impacts, driving innovation in engineering, technology, medicine, and industry.
LTU physics students have many opportunities to get involved in research:
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Take a behind-the-scenes look at LTU Biology with a personal tour of our teaching and research spaces. Stop by a class, chat with a professor, and ask any questions you have about classes, careers, or campus life.
The information below is based on the Bachelor of Science in Physics Progression Flowchart (last updated April, 2026). View our Course Catalog page for more information about our individual courses.
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
Laboratory experiments supporting topics covered in CHM1213. Lab 3 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: CHM 1213.
CHM1221
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
A survey of contemporary knowledge of the nature and the evolution of planets, stars, galaxies and the universe. Topics include stellar evolution, the origin of the elements, the deaths of stars, black holes, the structure of the Milky Way galaxy, other galaxies, dark matter, the expanding universe and the big bang. 3 Credit hours. Lect. 3 hrs.
PHY1213
3
A companion laboratory experience to the Introductory Astronomy lecture class (PHY1213). Experiments include hands-on and online activities and astronomy software explorations of seasons, phases of moon, eclipses, solar system formations, stellar evolution, black holes, and Hubble’s Law. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY1213. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs.
PHY1221
1
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 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
Total Credits:
16
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
Introductory laboratory experiments to complement University Physics 1. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs.
PHY2421
1
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
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
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
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
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
Introductory laboratory experiments complementing University Physics 2. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs.
PHY2431
1
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
Introduction to programming with C++. Binary, two’s complement, decimal, hex, and octal representations. Variable types. Simple, iterative, and conditional statements. Procedure and functions with parameters by value and reference with or without a returning value. Arrays and vectors, multidimensional arrays, bubble and selection sorts, linear and binary search. Pointer and dynamic memory allocation, character and C-strings, file input/output (sequential). Classes, friends, array of objects, and operators’ overloading. Inheritance, polymorphism, virtual function, and recursion.
MCS2414
4
Training in a systematic method for producing effective technical communication, written reports, letters, and memos as well as oral presentations. Lecture 3 hours. 3 hours credit
COM2103
3
Total Credits:
15
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.
PHY2423
3
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.
PHY2431
1
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
Systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, finite-dimensional vector spaces, linear transformations and their matrices, Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization, inner product spaces.
MCS2433
3
A practical hands-on programming approach to traditional and machine learning computational methods used for graphical, mathematical, and statistical analysis and modeling of physics problems, experiments, and systems. Studio 3hrs. Corequisites: PHY2423. Prerequisites MCS1514.
PHY3513
3
LLT Elective
LLT2XX3
3
Total Credits:
16
Special Elective*
XXX3
3
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
Laplace transforms of continuous and piecewise continous functions, inverse Laplace transforms, applications to ordinary differential equations. Complex variables, analytic functions, Laurent expansions, residue theory with applications, complex inversion integral and convolution integral. Lecture 3 hrs.
MCS3413
3
-OR-
Line and surface integrals, Green’s theorem, Stokes’ theorem, Divergence Theorem. Topics from differential and integral calculus theory. Power series solution of differential equations. Bessel functions, Leg endre’s equation. Lecture 3 hrs.
MCS3723
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
SSC Elective
2XX3
3
Total Credits:
16
Vector analysis; Coulombs law and electric field intensity, electric flux density, Gauss law and divergence; energy and potential; conductors, dielectrics, and capacitance; experimental mapping methods; Poisson and Laplace equations. Steady magnetic field, magnetic forces, materials, and inductance; time varying fields, and Maxwell’s equations; the uniform plane wave; the laws of circuit theory. Lecture 4 hrs.
PHY3574
4
General Elective
XXX3
3
Voltage current, power. Kirchoffs law, Ohms law, resistance independent and dependent sources, operational amplifiers. Formulation and solution of network equations, MathCAD, Spice, linearity and superposition, Thevenins theorems, maximum power transfer. Capacitance, inductance, mutual inductance. Sinusoidal steady state analysis, AC power, three phase systems. Transfer functions, frequency response, Bode diagrams, filters. First order transient responses. Lecture 4 hours. The following courses can be taken concurrently with this course: MCS 2423, PHY 2423.
EEE2114
4
Safety. Proper use of equipment. Measurement of resistances, measurement of constant voltages and currents, instrument loading, error analysis. Design of voltage and current dividers, T and PI attenuators. Measurement of power, source resistance, Thevenin parameters Op amps, dependent sources, wave forms, first and second order transient circuits. Balanced bridges, strain gauges, thermistors, thermocouples. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: EEE 2114.
EEE2111
1
Student expectations include literature research, project planning, proposal writing, and presentation. The course will develop project management and conflict resolution skills aligned with academic and industrial best practices. Students will evaluate ethical behavior and leadership models emphasizing the context of cultural diversity and sociopolitical impacts of scientific research. During the course, students will choose a senior research project and advisor and submit a project proposal.
PSC3002
2
Total Credits:
14
*Specialized Electives:
PHY†XXX
CHM†XXX
PSCY†XX
MCS†XXX
E**†XXX
BME†XXX
BIO†XXX
†=2/3/4
Entropy, temperature, the Boltzman factor, the chemical potential, the Gibbs factor, distribution functions, semiconductor statistics, heat and work.
3 Credit Hours, Lecture 3 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY 3653.
PHY4763
3
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
General Elective
XXX3
3
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
Jr./Sr. Elective
LLT/SSC/PSY
3/4XX3
3
Total Credits:
15
Brief review of atomic theory, crystal structure, binding forces, mechanical and thermal properties, electrical and magnetic properties of diaeletrics, metals, semiconductors and magnetic materials.
PHY4843
3
Geometric optics, wave theory, polarization, Fresnel’s equations, lasers, and Fourier optics. 3 Credit Hours. Lecture 3 hrs.
PHY4743
3
Experiments in optics supporting PHY4743 including optical methods used in contemporary science. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 3 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY 4743.
PHY4741
1
Continuation of Physics Project 1. Course fee: $60.00.
PHY4922
2
Specialized Elective*
XXX3
3
Specialized Elective*
XXX3
3
Total Credits:
15
*Specialized Electives:
PHY†XXX
CHM†XXX
PSCY†XX
MCS†XXX
E**†XXX
BME†XXX
BIO†XXX
†=2/3/4
A degree in biology, chemistry, or physics is the first step to many great careers in research, medicine, or industry, and the careers listed below are just some of excellent options. Through a commitment to hands-on learning, individual attention from faculty mentors, and real-world experiences through research and internships, the Department of Natural Sciences helps prepare you to succeed in whatever your next step may be.
The careers listed below may require further education. LTU ensures you are prepared for your next steps by helping you confidently pass the MCAT, GRE, or any required continuing education exams.
Career
Median Yearly Salary
| Medical Physicist | $174,370 |
| Astronomer | $132,170 |
| Physical Scientist | $92,750 |
| Information Systems Engineer | $140,330 |
| Software Developer | $133,080 |