Bachelor's Degree in Physical Sciences
Concentration: Physics (BS)
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Physics Concentration Overview
Purdue University Northwest’s physics concentration offers an engaging learning environment and a rigorous program of study, augmented by a diverse research agenda.
With a degree in Physical Sciences and a concentration in physics, you’re prepared for graduate studies in not only physics but astronomy, engineering, education, data science and medicine as well.
Department of Chemistry and Physics
As a discipline, physics explores some of the most fundamental questions in our world and about our universe. The fundamentals of physics have applications across many fields.
Studying physics develops robust quantitative and critical thinking skills that are highly desired by employers and offer tremendous career flexibility.
With a small student-to-faculty ratio, our physics concentration offers you support and mentoring that suits your specific talents and goals.
Physics Concentration Curriculum
As a physics student, you’ll take a balance of general education courses, College of Engineering Sciences core courses and courses in modern physics, intermediate mechanics and electromagnetism, statistical physics and quantum physics.
We offer a range of elective courses, such as nuclear and computational physics. You’ll also develop your experimental skills through several laboratory courses and a senior research project.
Build a foundation through introductory mechanics and freshman seminar, along with calculus, introductory chemistry and general education courses.
Sample Courses
- PHYS 15200 – Mechanics
- MA 16400 – Integrated Calculus Analysis Geometry II
Complete an introductory course in electromagnetism as well as classes in modern physics, advanced calculus and differential equations. You’ll also take general education and elective courses.
Sample Courses
- PHYS 25100 – Heat, Electricity And Optics
- PHYS 34300 – Modern Physics Laboratory
Begin a two-year rotation of upper-level physics core courses, plus linear algebra, programming and physics electives.
Sample Courses
- PHYS 31100 – Quantum Physics I
- CS 12400 – Programming II: C++
Finish your two-year rotation and conduct a year-long research project, which you’ll present in the spring.
Sample Courses
- PHYS 31000 – Intermediate Mechanics
- PHYS 38000 – Advanced Physics Laboratory
Physics Concentration Highlights
Physics at PNW offers unique opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research alongside our faculty in particle physics, nuclear physics and astrophysics.
Our students have worked with their faculty mentors at the Large Hadron Collider and the Energy Center. They’ve also studied asteroids with the NIRO observatory and helped run supercomputer simulations of neutron star mergers.
Physics Concentration Outcomes
You’ll graduate with a strong understanding of physical principles and theories, experimental analysis techniques and theoretical/computational modeling skills.
This experience prepares you for graduate study in physics and affiliated fields (astrophysics, biophysics, etc.) or employment in fields ranging from data science to finance to engineering and beyond.
Physics Concentration Employers
Recent graduates of our program are employed at:
- University of Glasgow
- William & Mary
- SAI Advanced Power Solutions
- Constellation
Physics Concentration Beyond the Classroom
The Chemistry and Physics Club is a student-led group engaged in community outreach and activities of interest to anyone interested in chemistry and physics.
Physics Concentration Career Paths
Career paths include:
- Project Coordinator
- Assistant Professor
- Research Associate
If there’s something you want to get involved in, such as research, an internship or job, don’t be afraid to reach out. Make those connections and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
The majority of classes in physics deal with very complex, mathematically and conceptually heavy topics and the smaller class sizes allow students the opportunity to communicate with the professors.
I am very happy to have been a graduate of PNW. I have many experiences, formed lasting friendships, and took the combined advice from of my professors and mentors and used it as a guide for my career, and will continue to do so in the future.
Meet the Faculty
Robert A. Kramer, Ph.D., CEM, CDSM, CEA
Professor of Physics
Robert Kramer teaches physics and engineering courses and conducts research in energy utilization, sources, optimization, reliability and electric transmission. He is also the director of the Energy Center.
Professor of Physics; Director, Center for High Energy Physics
Neeti Parashar founded and is leading the Center for High Energy Physics program at PNW. She is also the principal investigator on National Science Foundation funding and the faculty mentor for the PNW QuarkNet Center on education and outreach.
Associate Dean, College of Engineering and Sciences | Associate Professor of Astrophysics
Adam Rengstorf teaches all levels of physics lecture and lab courses, general-education astronomy courses, and upper-level astrophysics courses. He also oversees all observing campaigns and undergraduate research projects at PNW’s NIRo observatory.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Sciences with a Concentration in Physics at PNW
Purdue University Northwest’s physics concentration prepares you for a career in a variety of technical and computational fields or continued work toward an advanced degree.
To see how a Bachelor’s Degree in physical sciences with a concentration in physics from PNW opens doors, from universities to corporations, take the next step today!
