Directory A-Z Index

Physics

Physics is the most fundamental of the physical sciences and involves the basic principles that govern the workings of the universe from atoms to galaxies. The understanding of nature and the problem solving abilities students develop serve them well in any technical field. If you want to help solve the world’s problems, then physics is where it’s at!

Beyond the basics

Students who graduate with this major can pursue careers in:

Astronomer
Biophysical researcher
Biomedical engineer
Engineering firms
Wind and solar energy sectors

Students get a lot of one-on-one time and group interactions with expert professors.

Students engage in a high-quality research project that gives them problem solving and analytical skills for careers or graduate programs.

All advanced physics courses are delivered in a flipped format, which is an alternative model to the traditional lecture-style of teaching.

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Solve the World’s Problems

State-of-the-art facilities and equipment

Parallel computer for space research
Robotics Lab
3D printer

Internships

NASA
Monticello Nuclear
REU: University of Nebraska
REU: Montana State University
REU: Duke University

Careers

3D52 Engineering, Project Manager
Raytheon, Software Engineer

Graduate School

Montana State University
Iowa State University
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Physics Courses

Major in Physics (51 credit hours)

MATH 160 Calculus I: Elementary Applied Calculus
MATH 161 Calculus II: Theory and Applications
MATH 260 Calculus III: Intermediate Calculus
MATH 261 Calculus IV: Multivariable Calculus
MATH 361 Differential Equations
PHYS 211 General Physics I
PHYS 212 General Physics II: Calculus-Based
PHYS 310 Classical Mechanics
PHYS 360 Mathematical Physics
PHYS 370 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 380 Theoretical Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 481 Research I
PHYS 482 Research II
Electives from MATH, CMSC or PHYS at the 300 level

Recommended support work

CMSC 181 Computer Science I
CMSC 182 Computer Science II
PHYS 353 Thermodynamics

Major in Engineering Physics (31 credit hours)

This option is available only to the students in the dual degree program.

MATH 160 Calculus I: Elementary Applied Calculus
MATH 161 Calculus II: Theory and Applications
MATH 260 Calculus III: Intermediate Calculus
MATH 261 Calculus IV: Multivariable Calculus
MATH 361 Differential Equations
PHYS 211 General Physics I
PHYS 212 General Physics II: Calculus-Based
2 courses from PHYS 310, 360, 370 or 380

Plus completion of engineering curriculum at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

Minor in Physics (17 credit hours)

3 courses from

PHYS 310 Classical Mechanics
PHYS 353 Thermodynamics
PHYS 370 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 380 Theoretical Electricity and Magnetism

PHYS 211 General Physics I
PHYS 212 General Physics II: Calculus-Based

Major in Physics with Teaching Licensure (5-12) (42 credit hours)

MATH 160 Calculus I: Elementary Applied Calculus
MATH 161 Calculus II: Theory and Applications
MATH 260 Calculus III: Intermediate Calculus
MATH 261 Calculus IV: Multivariable Calculus
MATH 361 Differential Equations
PHYS 211 General Physics I
PHYS 212 General Physics II: Calculus-Based
PHYS 310 Classical Mechanics
PHYS 360 Mathematical Physics
PHYS 370 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 380 Theoretical Electricity and Magnetism
Physics electives at the 300 level
Plus requirements for secondary education and education core

Recommended support work:

PHYS 353 Thermodynamics

General Science Teaching Licensure (5-12)

Add the following courses

BIOL 163 Biological Principles I
CHEM 151 General Chemistry I

Minor in Physics with Teaching Licensure (5-12) (24 credit hours)

PHYS 211 General Physics I
PHYS 212 General Physics II: Calculus-Based
Physics electives at the 300 level
Plus requirements for secondary education and education core

Faculty

Shawn Stone

Professor of Physics/General Science

Lisa Mellmann

Assistant Professor of Physical Science