Chemistry & Physics

Physics Programs

Physics Major

The Physics major is intended to prepare students for advanced study in physics or engineering, for teaching high school physics, for a career in industrial research and development, government research laboratories, or any career involving quantitative problem solving and analysis. The requirements for the Physics and Physics-Engineering Option majors are given below.

Required: (Hours)

  • Phys 191/192 General Physics I/II (strongly preferred) OR Phys 151/152 Principles of Physics I/II (8)
  • Phys 230 Modern Physics (3)
  • Phys 370 Physics Seminar (1)
  • Two laboratory courses chosen from the following:
  • Phys 231 Modern Physics lab
  • Phys 210 Introduction to Laser Science
  • Phys 371 Experimental Physics (3-6)

Three of the following four courses:

  • Phys 310 Thermal Physics
  • Phys 320 Classical Mechanics (9)
  • Phys 340 Electromagnetic Fields
  • Phys 360 Quantum Mechanics
  • Physics electives 200-level or above to total 30 hours in physics (3-6)

(30)

Required Supporting Courses: (Hours)

  • Chem 101 Bonds and Structures (4)
  • CmSc 150 Fundamentals of Computing I (4)
  • Math 151/152 Calculus I/II (8)
  • Math 251 Calculus III (4)
  • Math 345 Differential Equations (3)

Total Supporting Hours (23)
Program Total (53)

Physics Minor

A minor in physics consists of an eight hour introductory core and at least 10 hours of physics courses numbered 200 or higher. Some upperlevel courses emphasize applied areas of physics. This is intended to make the minor in physics especially practical to students of pre-engineering, physics education, chemistry, and mathematics. Although either Principles of Physics (151/152) or General Physics (191/192) will satisfy the core requirement for the minor, students satisfying the core requirement with the non-calculus based Principles of Physics (151/152) should realize that calculus is a pre-requisite for some 200- and 300-level courses.

Required: (Hours)

  • Phys 151/152 Principles of Physics I/II OR Phys 191/192 General Physics I/II (8)
  • Physics Electives numbered 200 and above (10)

Total (18)

Physics - Engineering Option
This option is only available to students who transfer to an engineering school. A maximum of 32 hours may be transferred back to Simpson College from the engineering school.

Required: (Hours)

  • Phys 191/192 General Physics I/II (8)
  • Phys 230 Modern Physics (3)
  • Phys/Engr 250 Statics OR Phys/Engr 330 Digital Systems (3)

One of the following:

  • Phys 310 Thermal Physics
  • Phys 320 Classical Mechanics
  • Phys 340 Electromagnetic Fields
  • Phys 360 Quantum Mechanics (3)
  • Physics Elective (200-level) or above (3)
  • Engineering electives 300-level or above (transferred from engineering school) (12)

Total physics/engineering hours (32)

Required Supporting Courses: (Hours)

  • Chem 101/102 Bonds and Structures* (4-8)
  • CmSc 150 Fundamentals of Computing I (4)
  • Math 151/152 Calculus I/II (8)
  • Math 251 Calculus III (4)
  • Math 345 Differential Equations (3)

Total supporting hours: (23-27)

Program Total (55-59)

*Chemistry 102 may be waived if it is not required by the particular engineering school or program the student wishes to enter.

View course descriptions for  Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Math

Last Updated: 6/11/09