Bachelor of Science Major in Physics

The Bachelor of Science in Physics degree program is the standard preparation for professional careers in physics and related physical sciences. Graduates may enter industrial and government positions directly at the BS level or may proceed to graduate study in preparation for higher level research positions. In addition to the Standard Track for the Bachelor of Science in Physics described above, students may choose a focused concentration for their studies, and follow one of the three concentrations below. These concentrations engage the student further in areas where our department has particular expertise and resources. Computational Physics Concentration This concentration enhances the student’s understanding and experience in using computers to solve physics problems and build simulations of complex phenomena that use the department’s high performance computing resources. Students in this concentration are required to take PHYS 127 and one other applied Math or Physics course, and their Senior Thesis (PHYS 199) is a computationally intensive project. Astrophysics Concentration Through coursework and projects that uses the department’s astronomical telescopes (optical and radio) and other equipment, students in the Astrophysics Concentration enhance their understanding of the Universe beyond the Earth. Students in this concentration are required to take PHYS 127 and PHYS 141, and their Senior Thesis (PHYS 199) involves either an experimental or theoretical astrophysics project. Mathematical Physics Concentration This concentration is for students who are mathematically gifted or might be considering a dual major in Math. Students in the Mathematical Physics Concentration are exposed to more advanced techniques and aspects of theoretical physics. The requirements of this concentration are PHYS 137 and another upper division MATH elective, and the Senior Thesis (PHYS 199) involves a theoretical investigation. Bachelor of Science Major in Physics Students must complete a minimum of 124 units with a Pacific cumulative and major/program grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics. Computational Physics Concentration This concentration enhances the student’s understanding and experience in using computers to solve physics problems and build simulations of complex phenomena, that use the department’s high performance computing resources. Students in this concentration are required to take PHYS 127 and one other applied Math or Physics course, and their Senior Thesis (PHYS 199) is a computationally intensive project. Conceptual and Analytical Capabilities • Map physical problems into a set of equations and solve them using analytical/numerical methods. • Identify the relevant physical principles that govern the dynamics of physical problems and obtain solutions for these problems in the areas of (1) classical mechanics, (2) electromagnetism, (3) statistical mechanics, and (4) quantum mechanics/special relativity. Inquiry and Research Capabilities • Propose a research project, complete the necessary theoretical background study required for the project, design an experiment or write a computer program for performing necessary calculation/ simulation, and analyze the results to verify/nullify the hypothesis. Communication Capabilities • Make clear and effective presentations of research projects in both written and oral form.