Physics Major
Requirements
Degree Requirements
This major is available as a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree, as defined in the section on degree requirements for all majors in this catalog.
Major Requirements
41 credits from within the department, plus an additional 17 credits from outside the department, for a combined total of 58 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| PHYS 210 | INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICS | 5 |
| PHYS 211 | INTRODUCTION TO ELECTROMAGNETISM | 5 |
| PHYS 215 | MODERN PHYSICS | 4 |
| PHYS 220 | THERMAL & STATISTICAL PHYSICS | 3 |
| PHYS 385 | GREAT EXPERIMENTS IN PHYSICS | 1 |
| PHYS 386 | EXPLORATION IN EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS | 1 |
| PHYS 420 | CLASSICAL MECHANICS | 4 |
| PHYS 475 | QUANTUM PHYSICS | 4 |
| PHYS 445 | ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM | 4 |
| PHYS 489 | THESIS RESEARCH | 1 |
| or ENGR 489 | ENGINEERING DESIGN PROJECT | |
| PHYS 490 | SENIOR THESIS | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select six credits of the following: | 6 | |
| LABORATORY TECHNIQUES: MACHINE SHOP | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS SCIENCE (ALSO LISTED AS ENGR 303) | ||
| ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY (ALSO LISTED AS ENVS 307) | ||
| CIRCUITS AND ELECTRONICS I (ALSO LISTED AS ENGR 315) | ||
| CIRCUITS AND ELECTRONICS II (ALSO LISTED AS ENGR 316) | ||
| COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS | ||
| ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHYSICS | ||
| Physics Major also requires: | ||
| MATH 170 | CALCULUS I | 5 |
| MATH 175 | CALCULUS II | 3 |
| MATH 200 | VECTOR CALCULUS | 5 |
| CHEM 210 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY | 4 |
| Total Credits | 58 | |
Courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better to count toward the major.
Student Learning Outcomes
- demonstrate knowledge of the foundational principles and methods in physics,
- understand that physics is a process, not just a body of knowledge, and implement the process of scientific inquiry
- communicate scientific knowledge effectively both orally and in writing, and
- leave Linfield with an appreciation for the power and elegance of physics and the ability to achieve science-related goals.
Oregon Preliminary Teaching Licensure in Physics
Students who are also seeking an Oregon Preliminary Teaching License must also complete a Secondary Education major with Licensure. In order to complete the Secondary Education major with Licensure, students should begin taking education courses no later than their sophomore year. The student must be advised by faculty in both majors. Alternatively, students may complete a Teaching Certificate program at Linfield after degree completion. Students should seek advice from the Education Department Director if you are considering the post-graduation certificate option.
Students seeking teaching licensure may earn no grade lower than a C in both major and all licensure coursework.*
*This statement added to the catalog 12/2024, though the policy is not new.