Physics, B.S.
The physics major at pro provides a foundation for all the natural sciences and engineeringdisciplines. Physics has brought many revolutionary ideas such as relativity,quantum mechanics, and the Big Bang Theory, profoundly altering howhumankind views the universe.
Physicists have made many breakthrough discoveries. The invention ofthe transistor by physicists has made the modern computer possible,while the development of lasers has led to diverse applications rangingfrom supermarket scanners to laser surgery. Physicists are versatileproblem solvers and excel in many technical fields.
Training in physics leads to a broad-based understanding of natural phenomena, analytical and computer skills, experience with electronics and the operation of sophisticated equipment, an understanding of measurements and their limitations, and the ability to formulate and solve complex technical problems. Physics majors at SLU desire to understand the physical universe around them. They are interested in questions such as “Why do elementary particles behave the way they do?” “What is the nature of light?” or “How did the universe begin, and what will eventually happen to it?” Some physics students pursue double majors in mathematics, computer science or an engineering field.
Physics students who also like to explore other languages and culturescan study at SLU’s campus in Madrid. International study withinthe physics discipline opens your horizons and prepares you for successin an increasingly global job market. SLU-Madrid offers the requiredcoursework for the first three semesters of the physics major, makingstudying abroad an exciting option for pursuing a physics degree at SLU.
Curriculum Overview
SLU's B.S. in physics focuses on both fundamentals and applications of physics. It includes many opportunities to participate incutting-edge research.
Physics majors gain a solid foundation in analytical, computational andlaboratory skills through physics coursework. The physics curriculumincludes courses in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electricityand magnetism, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, optics,electronics, modern and solid-state physics, as well as nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
The benefits of SLU's physics program also include several internship and career opportunities. The physics department employs some of its students as teaching and research assistants during the summer. Students have held summer internships at NASA-Langley, the Argonne National Laboratory and other laboratories. Students have worked during the summer and during the year at local companies such as Boeing and Anheuser-Busch. Numerous opportunities exist for summer research in basic and applied physics in the School of Science and Engineering, national laboratories and National Science Foundation-sponsored programs at universities throughout the United States.
SLU's physics program engages students in exciting researchopportunities in experimental, computational or theoretical physics. Newstate-of-the-art research laboratories allow students to work alongsidefaculty members on research projects.
Careers
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in physics enter various careers that depend on the technical skills gained in college. Alumni work in product development and quality control in large companies such as RCA, Boeing and Lockheed-Martin. Alumni are computer specialists at Anheuser-Busch and other companies. Some are now involved in the marketing of technical products, while others are in management positions. A few graduates have entered military careers. Students frequently earn double majors, combining physics with mathematics, computer science or chemistry.
Admission Requirements
pro also accepts the Common Application.
Freshman
All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.
To be considered for admission to any pro undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.
Transfer
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.
Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit mustsubmit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).
In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of pro. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.
International Applicants
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- Proof of financial support must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at pro
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general admission and matriculation requirements of the University, the B.S. in physics program requires the following:
- GPA: Minimum cumulative 3.00 high school GPA for freshman applicants and 2.70 college GPA for transfer applicants.
- Coursework: Fifteen total units of high school work are required: three or four units of English; four or more units of mathematics, including Algebra I and II, Geometry and Precalculus (Algebra II with Trigonometry is not sufficient). Students should be prepared to start the first semester of freshman year in Calculus I or higher; three or four units of science, including general science, introduction to physical science, earth science, biology, physics or chemistry; two or three units of social sciences including history, psychology or sociology; and three units of electives.
Admission requirements are based on a combination of secondary school grades, college admission test scores, co-curricular activities and attempted college coursework, as well as other indicators of the applicant’s ability, career focus and character. This process respects SLU's non-discrimination policy and is designed to select a qualified, competent and diverse student body with high standards of scholarship and character, consistent with the University's mission.
Tuition
Tuition | Cost Per Year |
---|---|
Undergraduate Tuition | $54,760 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a pro education:
- Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
pro makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.
- Graduates will be able to understand the principles of physics and apply these principles to problems of fundamental and practical interest.
- Graduates will be able todesign and conduct experiments and analyze and interpret data.
- Graduates will be able tocollaborate effectively on teams.
- Graduates will be able tocommunicate effectively and professionally in oral and written formats.
- Graduates will be able toknow about contemporary issues in science and technology.
- Graduates will be able tounderstand the numerical formulation of scientific problems and be able to solve such problems utilizing at least one programming language or environment.
Physics students must complete a minimum total of 80 creditsfor the major.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
University Undergraduate Core | 32-35 | |
Major Requirements | ||
Basic Science and Math | ||
CHEM1110 &CHEM1115 | General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
CHEM1120 &CHEM1125 | General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS1110 | Introduction to Physics (as a career) | 1 |
PHYS1610 &PHYS1620 | University Physics I and University Physics I Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS1630 &PHYS1640 | University Physics II and University Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
MATH1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH1520 | Calculus II | 4 |
MATH2530 | Calculus III | 4 |
CSCI1060 | Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming | 3 |
Required Physics & Mathematics Courses | ||
MATH3240 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
MATH3270 | Advanced Mathematics for Engineers | 3 |
MATH3550 | Differential Equations | 3 |
MATH3850 | Foundation of Statistics | 3 |
PHYS2610 | Modern Physics | 3 |
PHYS2620 | Modern Physics Lab | 1 |
PHYS3110 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
PHYS3610 | Modern Physics II | 3 |
PHYS4210 | Electricity & Magnetism | 3 |
PHYS4610 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
PHYS3310 &PHYS3320 | Optics and Optics Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS3410 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
PHYS3510 &PHYS3511 | Analog & Digital Electronics and Analog & Digital Electronics Lab | 4 |
Additional Requirements | 6 | |
Select six credits upper division physics courses, 3000-level and above | ||
Research Experience | ||
PHYS3860 | Physics Research I | 0 |
PHYS4870 | Physics Research II | 0 |
PHYS4880 | Senior Inquiry: Research Project | 3 |
General Electives | 5-8 | |
Total Credits | 120 |
Non-Course Requirements
All Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program.
Continuation Standards
Students must have a GPA of 2.00 in physics major/minor coursework to be retained in the major/minor.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentunless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
CORE1000 | Ignite First Year Seminar (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) | 2-3 |
CORE1500 | Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes / Must be taken at SLU) | 1 |
CORE1900 | Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) | 3 |
PHYS1110 | Introduction to Physics (Required for major) | 1 |
CHEM1110 | General Chemistry 1 (satisfies CORE3800) | 3 |
CHEM1115 | General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 1 |
MATH1510 | Calculus I (satisfies CORE3200) | 4 |
Credits | 15-16 | |
Spring | ||
CORE1600 | Ultimate Questions: Theology | 3 |
PHYS1610 | University Physics I (Required for major) | 3 |
PHYS1620 | University Physics I Laboratory (Required for major) | 1 |
MATH1520 | Calculus II (Required for major) | 4 |
CHEM1120 | General Chemistry 2 (Required for major) | 3 |
CHEM1125 | General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (Required for major) | 1 |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
CORE1200 | Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 60 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) | 3 |
CORE1700 | Ultimate Questions: Philosophy | 3 |
PHYS1630 | University Physics II (Required for major) | 3 |
PHYS1640 | University Physics II Laboratory (Required for major) | 1 |
MATH2530 | Calculus III (Required for major) | 4 |
CSCI1060 | Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming (Required for major) | 3 |
Credits | 17 | |
Spring | ||
CORE2500 | Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation | 0 |
PHYS2610 | Modern Physics (Required for major) | 3 |
PHYS2620 | Modern Physics Lab (Required for major) | 1 |
PHYS3110 | Classical Mechanics (Required for major) | 3 |
MATH3550 | Differential Equations (Required for major) | 3 |
MATH3240 | Numerical Analysis (Required for major) | 3 |
General Electives | 3 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
CORE2800 | Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression | 2-3 |
CORE3400 | Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture | 3 |
PHYS4610 | Quantum Mechanics (Required for major) | 3 |
MATH3270 | Advanced Mathematics for Engineers (Required for major) | 3 |
PHYS3610 | Atomic, Molecular and Solid-State Physics (Required for major) | 3 |
Credits | 14-15 | |
Spring | ||
CORE3600 | Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
PHYS4210 | Electricity & Magnetism I (Required for major) | 3 |
PHYS3410 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (Required for major) | 3 |
PHYS3860 | Physics Research I (Required for major) | 0 |
PHYS Upper Division Course | To total 6 credits. Required for major 1 | 3 |
MATH3850 | Foundation of Statistics (Required for major) | 3 |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
CORE3500 | Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World (May be added to a capstone for the major / Cannot carry attributes) | 1 |
PHYS4870 | Physics Research II (Required for major) | 0 |
PHYS3510 | Analog & Digital Electronics (Required for major) | 3 |
PHYS3511 | Analog & Digital Electronics Lab (Required for major) | 1 |
PHYS Upper Division Course | To total 6 credits. Required for major 1 | 3 |
CORE4000 | Collaborative Inquiry | 2-3 |
General Electives | 3 | |
Credits | 13-14 | |
Spring | ||
PHYS4880 | Senior Inquiry: Research Project (Required for major) | 3 |
PHYS3310 | Optics (Required for major) | 3 |
PHYS3320 | Optics Laboratory (Required for major) | 1 |
PHYS Upper Division Course or General Elective 1 | 3 | |
General Electives | 6 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Total Credits | 121-124 |
- 1
Two additional courses can be selected from the following for PHYSUpper Division Course: PHYS 4010 Nanoscience Frontiers (3cr),PHYS 4020 Experimental Physics (3 cr), PHYS 4110 Intro to Biophysics.
2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.