The Fundamental Physics Emphasis

Intended for students who are likely to enroll in graduate school in physics after VU.

Includes nearly all of the elective courses in physics.

Within the physics major, a emphasis on fundamental physics is best for students who are considering graduate school in physics after graduation from Valparaiso University. Most students who prepare for graduate school take the largest possible number of elective physics courses in their course of study giving them the best foundation for taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in physics and for being ready for the physics courses in graduate school.

In addition, these students also take a solid program in mathematics, but not one which necessarily must be a major in mathematics. This emphasis in mathematics will be very helpful in the graduate school courses.

Other emphases within the broader curriculum are also possible. Nearly 50% of our physics majors are Christ College honors students in the humanaties. Others have had an emphasis in music, English, and other subjects.

The elective courses within the physics major which are most helpful in the fundamental physics emphasis are the following:

Course Title
Semester
Semester
Required

.
Suggested
hours
Elective

PHYS-360 Thermal Physics (Fall, even years)
5 or 7
3
Elective

PHYS-372 Electromagnetic Waves (Spring, odd years)
6 or 8
3
Elective

PHYS-381 Advanced Mechanics (Fall, even years)
5 or 7
3
Elective

PHYS-421 Quantum Mechanics I (Fall, odd years)
5 or 7
3
Elective

PHYS-422 Quantum Mechanics II (Spring, even years)
6 or 8
3
Elective

PHYS-430 Nuclear and Particle Physics (Spring, even years)
6 or 8
3
Elective

PHYS-430L Nuclear and Particle Physics (Laboratory) (Spring, even years)
6 or 8
1
Elective

PHYS-440 Condensed Matter Physics (Spring, odd years)
6 or 8
3
Elective

NOTES:

  • Catalog descriptions of the physics courses are available.
  • There are a total of 25 s.h. (out of a minimum of 32 s.h.) of rquired couses in the physics major.
  • Most of the upper level elective courses are taught in alternate years, but all are available in the 4 yr program.
  • Specific courses of study are worked out with your department faculty academic advisor each semester.
  • You may puruse current information about these courses from the home page under courses.

You wlll find more details about other options within the major program of study from the degree programs main page.

Return to Degree Programs main page

Please forward questions, comments, or suggestions to us at physics@valpo.edu .
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