2024-2025 Course Catalog

The Department of Physics provides a curriculum aligned with contemporary research and infused with hands-on skills.  Spanning the full breadth of knowledge, from basic notions to the leading edge in the physics of matter and astrophysics, the coursework promotes the ability to think in unscripted ways that is quintessential to this field.  Strong math and flexible programming requirements are key elements in support of the curriculum.  Active learning in our classrooms creates graduates who thrive in advanced academic disciplines as diverse as particle physics and global science policy. Our focus on programming, instrumentation and data skills produces versatile professionals endowed for a multitude of careers in all areas of services, from the healthcare industry to the financial sector, inclusive of engineering. 

Research experiences are an integral component of the physics programs, offered as early as the freshman year and enriched with travel to partner sites across the world. Under the guidance of caring faculty mentors, our physics students develop the skills and mindset needed to become the uniquely qualified problem solvers who often epitomize this field of pursuit. 

Students pursuing Physics have several options:

  • Bachelor of Science in Physics
  • Bachelor of Arts in Physics
  • Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Bachelor of Science with an engineering major from a partner university (3+2 Binary Engineering program)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (BA/BSEd) dual degree
  • Physics minor

Learning Outcomes

At the successful conclusion of our program, our graduates will demonstrate proficiency in five areas that are key to productive physics training:

Physics Knowledge

  • Applying principles and methods of physics competently to problems of practical and fundamental nature that lie in the general areas of classical, relativistic and quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, thermal and atomic physics.
  • Accommodating nimbly to next level expectations in select advanced fields such as nuclear and gravitational physics.

Effective Communication

  • Employing effective and unambiguous wording in the transmission of technical concepts to peers in the sciences.
  • Employing accessible language and imagery in oral and written interpersonal exchanges with the general public.

Teamwork skills

  • Listening with purpose.
  • Putting individual skills effectively in the service of the group.
  • Leading with confidence and respect.

Laboratory skills

  • Using and modifying experimental equipment, with emphasis in optics and electronics.
  • Colleting and processing data.
  • Competently estimating uncertainties associated with physical measurements.
  • Applying rigorous interpretation of data to draw valid conclusions.
  • Designing methods to test given predictions.

Computing skills

  • Using computing tools capably for efficient calculation.
  • Using computing tools accurately in the modeling of physical phenomena.

 

Degree Programs

Two degree options are offered for students majoring in physics: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), requiring a minimum of 126 credits, and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), requiring a minimum of 120 credits.

Common requirements for all degrees

Besides specific physics coursework indicated below by program, the following are required for all physics degrees:

MATH 115 Calculus I

4 credits

MATH 116 Calculus II

4 credits

MATH 215 Calculus III

4 credits

MATH 310 Linear Algebra

3 credits

MATH 314 Differential Equations

3 credits

MATH 308 Numerical Methods or MATH 301 Probability and Statistics I

3 credits

Choose one:

COSC 170 Computer Programming: Python
COSC 150 Computer Programming: C++
COSC 160 Computer Programming: Java

3 credits

CHEM 121/121L General Chemistry I and Lab

5 credits

CHEM 122/122L General Chemistry II and Lab

5 credits

ENGL 302W Science Writing

3 credits

PHYS 105 Career Development

1 credit

Bridges Common Learning Experience required for all University programs

40 credits, many embedded

BS Physics requirements

All with grade of C or better. Track completion required.

Physics Core

  

PHYS 221 Physics I – Classical Mechanics or
PHYS 211 General Analytical Physics I

4 (3) credits

PHYS 221L Physics I lab or

PHYS 211L General Analytical Physics I Lab

1 credit

PHYS 222 Physics II – Electromagnetism or

PHYS 212 General Analytical Physics II

4 (3) credits

PHYS 222L Physics II lab or

PHYS 212L General Analytical Physics II lab

1 credit

PHYS 302 Optics

3 credits

PHYS 312 Optics Lab

1 credit

PHYS 332 Electronics

3 credits

PHYS 374 Modern Physics

3 credits

PHYS 401 Thermal Physics

4 credits

PHYS 461 Mechanics

4 credits

PHYS 464 Advanced Lab

2 credits

PHYS 470 Electricity and Magnetism

3 credits

PHYS 473 Electrodynamics

3 credits

PHYS 474 Quantum Mechanics

3 credits

PHYS 499W Senior Research

2 credits

 

Tracks (choose one):

1. Broad Track: recommended for candidates planning to pursue a graduate degree in physics after graduation. Must complete PHYS 350 Mathematical Methods in Physics (3 credits) and 9 (nine) additional credits of PHYS 300+ coursework. 
  • PHYS 404 Solid State Physics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 405 Gravitational Astrophysics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 475 Advanced Quantum Mechanics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 482W Particle Physics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 485 Relativity (3 credits)
  • PHYS 491 Introductory Materials Science (3 credits)
  • PHYS 502 Advanced Optical Theory and Devices (3 credits)
  • PHYS 508 Computational Physics (3 credits)
  • PHYS 532 Data Acquisition and Control (3 credits)
  • At least two semesters of research and PHYS 407 GRE Prepare strongly recommended, though not required.

2. Professional Track: recommended for candidates planning to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Must complete PHYS 404, PHYS 491, PHYS 502 and another applied physics course. In addition, three business courses are required to complete this track:
  • BLAW 251 Business Law (3 credits)
    MGMT 261 Management and Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
    ENTR 375 Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
  • A professional internship is recommended. A certificate in entrepreneurship is accessible from the School of Business by completing two additional courses.

3. Astronomy Track: recommended for candidates intending to pursue a graduate degree in astronomy after graduation. Must complete 12 credits of astronomy major courses by cross-registration at the University of Pittsburgh. Courses must be approved by the physics department. Subject to seat availability.

BA Physics requirements

All the following physics courses with grade of C or better:

PHYS 221 Physics I – Classical Mechanics or
PHYS 211 General Analytical Physics I

4 (3) credits

PHYS 221L Physics I lab or

PHYS 211L General Analytical Physics I Lab

1 credit

PHYS 222 Physics II – Electromagnetism or

PHYS 212 General Analytical Physics II

4 (3) credits

PHYS 222L Physics II lab or

PHYS 212L General Analytical Physics II lab

1 credit

PHYS 302 Optics

3 credits

PHYS 312 Optics Lab

1 credit

PHYS 374 Modern Physics

3 credits

PHYS 300+ standard-grade only

17 credits

The BA is recommended for students with a broader range of interests, particularly those planning to seek professional degrees in medical school, law or education. The BA degree is offered in combination with a second degree in our double-degree programs.

Dual Degree Programs

Binary Engineering program

Leading to a BA in physics and a BS in engineering from our partner institutions, this program follows a 3+2 model for students starting at Duquesne University and transferring to the partner institution after completing all required coursework for the BA degree.  All engineering majors offered at the partner institution are available to this program. Partner institutions include the University of Pittsburgh and Case Western Reserve University.  The average completion time is five years. Full details available in the articulation agreements. 

Physics Teacher programs

There are three options for candidates planning to pursue a career as a high-school physics teacher:

  • BSEd Secondary Science - Physics. Students in the School of Education can complete a major in physics through this program. Recommended for candidates who prefer a fast track to physics teaching certification.
  • BSEd Secondary Science/BA physics. Students complete the requirements of both degrees in 9 semesters with an accelerated option for qualified candidates to graduate in 8 semesters. Recommended for candidates who favor the strongest physics credentials.
  • BA Physics/MAT Secondary Education. An accelerated program in the 4+1 model leading to a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in education. Recommended for candidates who prioritize building physics content in advance of learning pedagogy.

Physics Minor

The minor in physics provides a wide spectrum of calculus-based physics content and can be completed with or without laboratory experiences.  Calculus I-II-III are necessary mathematics prerequisites not counted towards the physics minor.

Requirements

  • Introductory physics sequence.
  • Choose one of the following two options
    • PHYS 211+212 General Analytical Physics 1 and 2 (6 credits) OR
    • PHYS 221 Physics I - Classical Mechanics and PHYS 222 Physics II - Electromagnetism (8 credits)
  • PHYS 374 Modern Physics (3 credits)
  • Six (6) credits in standard-grade PHYS coursework at level 200 or above. All physics labs are eligible.  Pass/No Pass credits are not eligible.
  • Average grade of 2.0 in all the courses counted towards the minor is required. A PHYS course must receive a grade of C or better when serving as the prerequisite for another PHYS course.

Substitutions

  • The combination PHYS 201 Physics for the Life Sciences 1 + MATH 115 Calculus I (7 credits) can be used to substitute for PHYS 211 General Analytical Physics 1 (3 credits).
  • The combination BMED 201+202 Biomed Electronics and Instrumentation I+II (6 credits) can be used as a substitute for PHYS 332 Electronics (3 credits).