Physics
Explore the underlying principles of physics
The bachelor’s degree in Physics program coursework focuses on scientific investigation, laboratory experience and research opportunities to give you hands-on experience in the field of physics. You’ll work with faculty members on research projects, which may result in your work being published in journals. Faculty members conduct research projects in a variety of areas, including complex fluids, materials science, ultra-fast physics, nuclear physics and observational astronomy.
The physics and astrophysics department offers a five-year joint program in engineering with the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree in physics program, you will earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics with a concentration in Engineering Physics from DePaul and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Computer, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from IIT.
DePaul offers a variety of combined degree options, including a combined bachelor's degree in Physics/master's in Secondary Education Physics, which allows you to complete a bachelor's degree and a graduate degree in five years.
Classes
Coursework
- Biology
- Calculus
- Earth System Science
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Experimental Physics
- Mechanics
- Methods of Computational and Theoretical Physics
- Programming Languages
- Quantum Mechanics
Resources
Concentrations/Tracks
- Standard Physics
- Computational Physics
- Engineering Physics
- Interdisciplinary Physics
Career Options
Common Career Areas
- Computer science
- Electronics development
- Engineering
- Optics
- Photonics
- Post-graduate study
- Research
- Scientific computing
100%
of Physics graduates were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment after graduation.
Major Requirements
Course Requirements
Common Core
Physics
Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
---|---|---|
PHY 170 | UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I | 4 |
PHY 171 | UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II | 4 |
PHY 172 | UNIVERSITY PHYSICS III | 4 |
PHY 270 | UNIVERSITY PHYSICS IV | 4 |
PHY 300 | METHODS OF COMPUTATIONAL AND THEORETICAL PHYSICS I | 4 |
PHY 301 | METHODS OF COMPUTATIONAL AND THEORETICAL PHYSICS II | 4 |
PHY 330 | SENIOR CAPSTONE PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Liberal Studies Program Capstone) | 4 |
Mathematics
Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
---|---|---|
Select one of the following three-course Calculus sequences: | 12-18 | |
Sequence One |
||
MAT 150 |
CALCULUS I | |
MAT 151 |
CALCULUS II | |
MAT 152 |
CALCULUS III | |
Sequence Two |
||
MAT 147 |
CALCULUS WITH INTEGRATED PRECALCULUS I | |
MAT 148 |
CALCULUS WITH INTEGRATED PRECALCULUS II | |
MAT 149 |
CALCULUS WITH INTEGRATED PRECALCULUS III | |
Sequence Three |
||
MAT 160 |
CALCULUS FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE MAJORS I | |
MAT 161 |
CALCULUS FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE MAJORS II | |
MAT 162 |
CALCULUS FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE MAJORS III | |
Sequence Four |
||
MAT 155 |
SUMMER CALCULUS I | |
MAT 156 |
SUMMER CALCULUS II | |
MAT 260 | MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS I | 4 |
Sequencing of Coursework
Students interested in majoring in physics, applied computational physics, or pre-engineering should enroll in PHY 170 and ?MAT 160 in the autumn quarter of their first year, provided they are adequately prepared in mathematics.
The sequences of PHY 170, PHY 171, and PHY 172 and MAT 160, MAT 161, and MAT 162 are prerequisites to PHY 270, PHY 300 and PHY 301, and PHY 370, which should be taken in the sophomore year together with MAT 260 and MAT 261.
It is recommended that students interested in the standard concentration or pre-engineering also take the chemistry sequence (CHE 130, or CHE 120 and CHE 131 and CHE 132 or CHE 122 and CHE 133, CHE 134 and CHE 135) their first year. Because of the predominance of physics, mathematics, and chemistry sequences in the freshman and sophomore years, it is crucial that Physics and Pre-Engineering majors be advised by Physics faculty upon enrollment at DePaul.
Concentration Requirements
Students must also complete the requirements from one of the following concentrations: Standard, Computational, Engineering, or Interdisciplinary Physics. Students are limited to declaring only one concentration.
Students are advised to talk with their advisor before double majoring, because some major combinations are prohibited. No more than 50% of the credits that apply to one major may be drawn from another major.
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