Physics
Bachelor of Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Department Overview
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a wide variety of courses and programs that examine and employ the laws of nature from both theoretical and applied perspectives. The courses are of value and importance to all liberally educated persons.
Degree Objectives
- Introductory level courses are offered for students interested in any discipline, as well as for those students with special interests in science or engineering regardless of their background
or preparation. - Intermediate level courses are offered for students wishing to concentrate in scientific or technical fields, and a broad spectrum of advanced courses for students planning to pursue in-depth studies of physics, astronomy, engineering or related fields are provided.
- The department emphasizes hands-on experience and laboratory work in
its programs.
Career Opportunities*
Historically, about three-fourths of our graduates have successfully pursued advanced degrees. Others have accepted positions in business or industry, or at research laboratories, while some have pursued careers in law, medicine, and the religious life, for example.
Others have accepted positions in business or industry, or at research laboratories, while some have pursued careers in law, medicine, and the religious life, for example.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Chemical Engineers, on the Internet at this link
Contact
Dr. Ryan Maderak
Associate Professor, Chair
Contact by Email
913.360.7527
Printable factsheet for this degree
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- Scott Baird, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus - Douglas Brothers, Ph.D.
Professor - Ryan Maderak, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair - A. Max Sayler, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor - Georgiy Shcherbatyuk, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor - Christopher Shingledecker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Freshmen Year
PHYS-2100 | Classical Physics I** | 4 |
CHEM-1200 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
CHEM-1201 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
– | Foreign Language | 4 |
GNST-1000 | BC Experience | 1 |
MATH-1300 | Calculus I | 4 |
Total | 17 |
– | Foreign Language | 4 |
PHYS-2110/2111 | Classical Physics II/w lab | 4 |
CHEM-1210 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
CHEM-1211 | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
MATH-1350 | Calculus II | 3 |
EXSC-1115 | Wellness for Life | 1 |
Total | 17 |
Sophomore Year
PHYS-3200 | Relativity & Atomic Physics | 3 |
PHYS-3201 | Modern Physics Lab | 1 |
MATH-2300 | Calculus III | 4 |
PHIL-1750 | Principles of Nature | 3 |
THEO-1100 | Introduction to Theology | 3 |
– | Oral Communications | 3 |
Total | 17 |
PHYS-3210 | Nuclear & Elem Part Physics | 2 |
PHYS-3211 | Modern Physics Lab II | 1 |
MATH-3100 | Differential Equations | 3 |
CSCI-2300 | Programming for Scientists & Engineers | 3 |
PHYS-3500 | Electronics | 4 |
– | Historical Inquiry Foundation | 3 |
Total | 16 |
Junior Year
ENGL-1010 | English Composition | 3 |
– | Faith Foundation | 3 |
PHYS-4100 | Mechanics I | 3 |
PHYS-4900 | Physics Colloquium | cr |
– | Elective (Rec. PHYS-4200, Math Meth) | 3 |
– | Historical Inquiry Foundation | 3 |
Total | 15 |
– | Philosophical Inquiry Foundation | 3 |
PHYS-4300 | Optics | 3 |
PHYS-4301 | Optics Lab | 1 |
PHYS-4110 | Mechanics II* | 3 |
PHYS-4901 | Physics Colloquium | cr |
EXSC | Fitness course | 1 |
– | Visual Communication | 3 |
– | Aesthetic Experience | 3 |
Total | 17 |
Senior Year
PHYS-4600 | Electricity & Magnetism I | 3 |
PHYS-4400 | Thermodynamics* | 4 |
PHYS-4800 | Quantum Mechanics* | 3 |
PHYS-4902 | Physics Colloquium | cr |
– | Faith Foundation | 3 |
– | Philosophical Inquiry Foundation | 3 |
Total | 16 |
PHYS-4610 | Electricity & Magnetism II* | 3 |
– | Person and Community | 3 |
PHYS-4903 | Physics Colloquium | cr |
– | Aesthetic Experience | 3 |
PHYS-4700 | Condensed Matter Physics* | 3 |
– | Elective | 3 |
PHYS-4910 | Physics & Astronomy Research | 1 |
PHYS-COMP | Senior Comprehensive | cr |
Total | 16 |
*Indicates a course not required for the B.A.
**Students not ready for Calculus I this semester should enroll in a general education class instead of Classical Physics.
Other Department Offerings
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Astronomy
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Physics
- Minor in Physics