Set to open in summer 2020, Saint Louis University's new ISE building will be a showcase facility where undergraduate and graduate science and engineering students and faculty gather to learn, collaborate and experiment. It will feature innovative teaching environments and flexible lab spaces.
Forging a path of innovation, from robots to rockets and everything in between.
Study the nature of matter, energy and spacetime at the most fundamental level with Saint Louis University's B.S. in Physics. Physics provides a foundation for all the natural sciences and engineering disciplines. Physics has brought such revolutions as relativity, quantum mechanics and the Big Bang theory, profoundly altering the way mankind views the universe.
Physicists have played a major role in the discovery of many phenomena leading to whole new technologies. The invention of the transistor, by physicists, has made the modern computer possible, while the development of lasers has led to diverse applications ranging from supermarket scanners to laser surgery. The physicist is a versatile problem solver and able to excel in many technical fields.
A training in physics leads to a broad-based understanding of natural phenomena, analytical and computer skills, experience with electronics and the operation of sophisticated equipment, an understanding of measurements and their limitations, and the ability to formulate and solve technical problems.
Physics students have a strong interest in mathematics, computers and science along with a desire to understand how the universe works. Students are interested in questions such as “Why do elementary particles behave the way they do?” or “What is the nature of light?” or “How did the universe begin, and what will eventually happen to it?” Some students pursue double majors in mathematics, computer science or an engineering field.
The B.S. in Physics from Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology stresses physics and its applications in areas such as engineering, computers and the sciences, and also includes opportunities to participate in faculty research.
Students of the physics program gain a solid foundation in analytical, computational and laboratory skills through course work in mathematics, computer science and physics. The physics curriculum includes courses in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, as well as optics, electronics and modern physics.
Benefits of the physics program also include several internship and career opportunities. The physics department employs some of its students as teaching and research assistants during the summer. Students have held summer internships at NASA-Langley, the Argonne National Laboratory and other laboratories. Students have worked both during the summer and during the year at local industries such as Boeing and Anheuser-Busch. Numerous opportunities exist for summer research in basic and applied physics in Parks College, national laboratories, and National Science Foundation-sponsored programs at universities throughout the United States.
The programs stress undergraduate research and applications of computers in physics. New state-of-the-art research facilities allow for students to work directly alongside faculty members on research projects.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in physics enter a variety of careers that depend on the technical skills gained in college. Alumni are employed in product development and quality control in large industries such as RCA, Boeing or Lockheed-Martin. Alumni are computer specialists at Anheuser-Busch and other companies. Some are now involved in the marketing of technical products, while others are in management positions. A few graduates have entered military careers. Students frequently earn double majors, combining physics with mathematics, computer science or chemistry.
Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. Saint Louis University also accepts the Common App.
All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.
To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. Beginning with the 2021-22 academic year, undergraduate applicants will not be required to submit standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) in order to be considered for admission. Applicants will be evaluated equally, with or without submitted test scores.
Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply.
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED. An official high school transcript and official test scores are required only of those students who have attempted fewer than 24 transferable semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit. Those having completed 24 or more of college credit need only submit a transcript from previously attended college(s). In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the office of admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University.
Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply.
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
In addition to the general admission and matriculation requirements of the University, the B.S. in Physics program has the following additional requirements:
Admission requirements to Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology degree programs are based on a combination of secondary school grades, college admission test scores, co-curricular activities and attempted college course work, as well as other indicators of the applicant’s ability, career focus and character. This process respects the non-discrimination policy of the University and is designed to select a qualified, competent and diverse student body with high standards of scholarship and character, consistent with the mission of the University.
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Prerequisites | ||
CHEM 1110 & CHEM 1115 | General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS 1110 | Introduction to Physics (as a career) | 1 |
PHYS 1610 & PHYS 1620 | Engineering Physics I and Engineering Physics I Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS 1630 & PHYS 1640 | Engineering Physics II and Engineering Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
MATH 1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 1520 | Calculus II | 4 |
MATH 2530 | Calculus III | 4 |
CSCI 1060 | Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming | 3 |
Required Physics & Mathematics Courses | ||
MATH 3240 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
MATH 3270 | Advanced Mathematics for Engineers | 3 |
MATH 3550 | Differential Equations | 3 |
MATH 3850 | Foundation of Statistics | 3 |
PHYS 2610 | Modern Physics | 3 |
PHYS 2620 | Modern Physics Lab | 1 |
PHYS 3110 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
PHYS 3610 | Modern Physics II | 3 |
PHYS 4210 | Electricity & Magnetism I | 3 |
PHYS 4610 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
PHYS 3310 & PHYS 3320 | Optics and Optics Laboratory | 4 |
PHYS 3410 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
PHYS 3510 | Analog & Digital Electronics | 4 |
Additional Requirements | ||
Select two additional upper division physics courses (minimum six credits) from the following: | 6 | |
Advanced Classical Mechanics | ||
Electricity & Magnetism II | ||
Application of Quantum Mechanics | ||
Research Experience | ||
PHYS 3860 | Physics Research I | 0 |
PHYS 4870 | Physics Research II | 0 |
PHYS 4880 | Senior Inquiry: Research Project | 3 |
Allied Electives | ||
Select seven courses with Mentor | 21 | |
College Core | ||
ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
CMM 2200 | Small Group Presentation | 1 |
THEO 1000 | Theological Foundations | 3 |
PHIL 2050 | Ethics | 3 |
Social/Behavioral Science Elective 1 | 3 | |
Humanities Elective 1 | 3 | |
General Elect (Social/Behavioral Science or Humanities) | 3 | |
Cultural Diversity Elective 1 | 3 | |
Open Elective | ||
Select one course | 3 | |
Total Credits | 122 |
1 | Cultural Diversity, Humanities, and Social/Behavioral Science elective courses must be selected from an approved list. See the Parks College introduction in this catalog for more information. |
Students must have a GPA of 2.00 in Physics major/minor coursework to be retained in the major/minor.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
PHYS 1110 | Introduction to Physics | 1 |
CHEM 1110 & CHEM 1115 |
General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory |
4 |
ENGL 1900 or ENGL 1920 |
Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research or Advanced Writing for Professionals |
3 |
MATH 1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
Humanities Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
PHYS 1610 & PHYS 1620 |
Engineering Physics I and Engineering Physics I Laboratory |
4 |
MATH 1520 | Calculus II | 4 |
CSCI 1060 | Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming | 3 |
THEO 1000 | Theological Foundations | 3 |
Credits | 14 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
PHYS 1630 & PHYS 1640 |
Engineering Physics II and Engineering Physics II Laboratory |
4 |
MATH 2530 | Calculus III | 4 |
CMM 2200 | Small Group Presentation | 1 |
Allied Elective | 3 | |
Social Science Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
MATH 3240 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
Allied Elective | 3 | |
MATH 3550 | Differential Equations | 3 |
PHYS 2610 & PHYS 2620 |
Modern Physics and Modern Physics Lab |
4 |
PHYS 3110 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
Credits | 16 | |
Year Three | ||
Fall | ||
MATH 3270 | Advanced Mathematics for Engineers | 3 |
PHIL 2050 | Ethics | 3 |
PHYS 3610 | Modern Physics II | 3 |
PHYS 4610 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
General Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
MATH 3850 | Foundation of Statistics | 3 |
PHYS 3410 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
PHYS 3860 | Physics Research I | 0 |
PHYS 4210 | Electricity & Magnetism I | 3 |
Allied Elective | 3 | |
Allied Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Year Four | ||
Fall | ||
PHYS 3510 | Analog & Digital Electronics | 4 |
PHYS 4870 | Physics Research II | 0 |
Allied Elective | 3 | |
Allied Elective | 3 | |
Cultural Diversity Elective | 3 | |
PHYS Upper Division Course | 3 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Spring | ||
PHYS 3310 & PHYS 3320 |
Optics and Optics Laboratory |
4 |
PHYS 4880 | Senior Inquiry: Research Project | 3 |
PHYS Upper Division Course | 3 | |
Allied Elective | 3 | |
General Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 16 | |
Total Credits | 122 |