Physics, BS

College of Sciences and Technology

What Is the Study of Physics?

 

Physics is the fundamental science. It is the study of matter and energy and the interaction between the two. Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Engineering apply the principles of physics to specific problems. Almost all areas of modern technology involve applications of physics. An undergraduate major in Physics provides a solid foundation upon which to build later work and study in physics, astronomy and engineering.

Why Should I Consider this Major?

A Bachelor’s degree in Physics provides an excellent foundation in liberal arts, and can open a variety of doors for jobs in high tech industries, government labs, and as preparation for graduate school. Recent Physics graduates have found positions in a variety of fields including software development, optoelectronics, engineering, failure analysis, and education, among many others. Many graduates have found the skills acquired in our program have prepared them for further academic studies in Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, Patent Law, Medical Physics, Medicine, and Education to name a few.

How to Declare:

 

Classes within the Physics major are highly sequenced and early departmental advisement and major declaration are vital to remain on track for a timely graduation. First quarter freshmen should begin with MATH 124 (or prerequisite Math coursework) and PHYS 161 and meet with a departmental advisor as soon as possible. A freshman or transfer student who has not yet received grades at Western can still be admitted to the major.

Coursework

Requirements

  • ASTR 315 - The Solar System
  • CSCI 140 - Programming Fundamentals in C++
  • MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
  • PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
  • PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
  • PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
  • PHYS 224 - Modern Physics I
  • PHYS 225 - Modern Physics II
  • PHYS 226 - Physics with Calculus IV
  • PHYS 322 - Fundamentals of Electronics
  • PHYS 326 - Tools and Data Analysis
  • PHYS 335 - Statistical and Thermal Physics
  • PHYS 339 - Optics
  • PHYS 363 - Classical Mechanics
  • PHYS 368 - Electromagnetism I
  • PHYS 369 - Electromagnetism II
  • PHYS 391 - Junior Lab
  • PHYS 419 - Professional Writing for Physicists
  • PHYS 455 - Quantum Mechanics I
  • PHYS 456 - Quantum Mechanics II
  • PHYS 475 - Physics of Solids and Materials I
  • PHYS 485 - Mathematical Physics
  • PHYS 486 - Computational Physics
     
  • Choose either:
    • MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I and
    • MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
      • OR
    • MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors and
    • MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors
      • OR
    • MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus
       
  • Choose either:
    • MATH 203 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations I
    • MATH 303 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations II
      • OR
    • MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
    • MATH 304 - Linear Algebra
    • MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations
       
  • One course selected from:
    • PHYS 391 - Junior Lab (as a repeated course)
    • PHYS 444 - Special Topics in Physics
    • PHYS 476 - Physics of Solids and Materials II
    • ASTR 316 - Stars and Galaxies
    • ASTR 320 - Cosmology
    • ASTR 416 - Astrophysics
    • OR other courses under advisement

 

GURs:

 

The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.

  • QSR: CSCI 140; MATH 124, 125, 134, 135, 138
  • LSCI: PHYS 161, 162, 163
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers students a unique experience; we have a program that is at the same time big and small! We average classes of roughly twenty students—a very  large number for the discipline, and a number that permits significant breadth—and yet, at the same time, small enough to foster a true community, with students and faculty working closely on projects, original research, and course material.  Our program and our faculty are focused on the undergraduate experience, providing many opportunities, from original research with faculty, to teaching lab courses as a Teaching Assistant, to helping mentor peers as a Learning Assistant. At the end, students are prepared for graduate school, or a variety of professional careers.

- Brad Johnson, Faculty

The physics program at WWU is fantastic at fostering a community-based learning environment. I felt like I had the full support of the faculty and my classmates. The different experiences from being a TA to research to courses provided a great variety of things to be involved in. I feel the program has greatly improved my content knowledge, my problem solving skills, and I feel well-practiced at public speaking and written communication.

- Drew Grennell, Student

Notable Alumni

Charles W. Clark

Clark, Fellow, National institute for Standards and Technology, and co-Director, Joint Quantum Institute.

Seth Rittenhouse

Department of Physics Fellow, Harvard University

Sample Careers

  • Astronomer
  • Seismologist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Geophysicist
  • Technical Consultant
  • Research and Development Scientist
  • Physics Teacher
  • Optical Medical Devices Designer
  • Satellite Data Analyst
  • Science Writer
  • Engineer
  • Industrial Hygienist

Department

Contact

Undergraduate Advisor

Brad Johnson
CF 385; 360-650-3818
bljohnso@physics.wwu.edu

Administrative Manager

Donna VanderGriend
CF 385; 360-650-3818
Donna.Vandergriend@wwu.edu

Related Majors

Physics/Mathematics—Secondary Education, BAEd