Physics BS
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Minimum Required Credits: 120.0
Co-op Option(s): Two Co-op, One Co-op, No Co-op
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 40.0801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-2012
About the Program
Drexel’s Bachelor of Science in Physics degree program provides a rigorous foundation in physics suitable for graduate study or to branch out into other scientific or technical disciplines, education, or medical school. The physics program offers an innovative curriculum in a top-notch learning environment: small class sizes, personal interactions with faculty, and extensive opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research under mentorship of world-class faculty. Students explore the span of universal phenomenon—from the farthest reaches of astrophysics and cosmology, to molecular biophysics, advanced materials, and subatomic particle physics — providing a foundation for continued study and exploration. Many undergraduates actively participate in research projects, including co-authorship of peer-reviewed publications and presenting results at conferences.
Courses are designed to extend students' abilities to manage real-world challenges using cutting-edge technology, critical thinking and analytic skills, and advanced computational methods. The program is also flexible, allowing students to tailor their degree focus by selection of in-depth topical courses, including biophysics, extragalactic astrophysics, condensed matter physics, particle physics, and big data physics. In addition, students can choose electives to meet teacher certification requirements.
The Department of Physics conducts a broad array of outreach activities including the Kaczmarczik Lecture Series, public observing nights at the Lynch Observatory, and demonstrations in grade school performed by the Drexel Chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) and the Women in Physics Society (WiPS).
Upon completion of the program, students will have a deep understanding of physical laws, will develop the skills to interpret experimental data, and will demonstrate mathematical and computational thinking and problem solving. They will be prepared to be a participant in the physics community, with an ability to analyze and discuss new discoveries in physics. Professionally, this program will prepare them for graduate study in Physics or other related fields, medical and other professional schools, or to enter the workforce in a wide range of technical or quantitative disciplines.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences
Degree Requirements
| University Requirements | ||
| EXP 1001 | Introduction to Experiential Learning | 3.0 |
| WRIT 1100 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1110 | English Composition I | |
| WRIT 1200 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1210 | English Composition II | |
| Introductory Core Competencies 1 | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories of Introductory Core Competency Courses: | 6.0 | |
Introductory: Inquire and Analyze | ||
Introductory: Collaborate and Integrate | ||
Introductory: Apply and Engage - satisfied by AS-I 1007 in the College Requirements below. | ||
| Free Electives | 15.0 | |
| College Requirements | ||
| AS-I 1007 | Journeys in Arts and Sciences | 3.0 |
| AS-I 1008 | Data Fluency | 3.0 |
| AS-I 1009 | Interdisciplinary Ethics | 3.0 |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Core Physics Requirements | ||
| PHYS 1401 | Contemporary Physics I | 4.0 |
| PHYS 1402 | Contemporary Physics II | 4.0 |
| PHYS 1701 | Introduction to Experimental Physics | 3.0 |
| PHYS 2411 | Waves and Quanta | 4.0 |
| PHYS 2421 | Classical Mechanics | 3.0 |
| PHYS 2711 | Introduction to Computational Physics | 3.0 |
| PHYS 3301 | Physics Seminar (Must be taken twice) | 2.0 |
| PHYS 3431 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 4.0 |
| PHYS 3441 | Electromagnetic Fields | 4.0 |
| PHYS 3701 | Advanced Laboratory in Physics | 3.0 |
| PHYS 4411 | Advanced Quantum Mechanics | 3.0 |
| PHYS 4988 | Senior Thesis in Physics I | 3.0 |
| PHYS 4989 | Senior Thesis in Physics II | 3.0 |
| Topicals | ||
| Select five (5) of the following courses: 2 | 15.0 | |
| Observational Astrophysics | ||
| Introduction to Astrophysics | ||
| Introduction to Biophysics | ||
| Mathematical Physics | ||
| Computational Physics | ||
| Introduction to Nuclear Physics | ||
| Big Data Physics | ||
| Extragalactic Astrophysics | ||
| Condensed Matter Physics | ||
| Nanoscience | ||
| Biophysics | ||
| Particle Physics | ||
| Math and Science Requirements | ||
| CHEM 1030 | Chemistry for Engineers | 4.0 |
| MATH 1201 | Calculus I | 4.0 |
| MATH 1202 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
| MATH 2201 | Multivariable Calculus | 4.0 |
| MATH 2901 | Matrix and Differential Systems I | 4.0 |
| Free Electives | 3.0 | |
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Co-op cycles may vary. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 1001 as preparation for their co-op experience. COOP 1001 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 120.0 | |
- 1
A complete list of eligible Introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.
- 2
Other elective courses at the 4000 level will be considered at the discretion of the program.
