Santa Clara University

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

Professors Emeriti: William T. Duffy Jr., Carl H. Hayn, S.J.
Professors: Richard P. Barber Jr., Betty A. Young
Associate Professors: John T. Birmingham (Department Chair), Philip R. Kesten
Assistant Professors: Guy Ramon, Christopher P. Weber


The Department of Physics offers major programs of lecture and laboratory instruction leading to the Bachelor of Science in Physics and the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics. The department also provides an academic minor in physics and required and elective courses for students majoring in other fields.
The usual career goal of a physics major is professional scientific employment in industry or government, by a university, or in a secondary school teaching physical science. The undergraduate major program in physics is appropriate preparation for graduate study in physics, astronomy and astrophysics, biophysics, environmental science, geological science and geophysics, medical physics and medicine, patent law, oceanography, and other fields.
The engineering physics major is particularly appropriate for the applied science student who intends to do research and development, and/or attend graduate school in physics, applied physics, or various engineering disciplines. The engineering physics major covers a broad spectrum of courses in mathematics, engineering, and physics. This program emphasizes, to a greater extent than the traditional engineering major, the physics fundamentals that are applicable to new technologies as well as to the more established ones.
Research in the department currently is funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA, Research Corporation, and the Department of Energy. Majors in physics and engineering physics participate in faculty research projects through PHYS 198 (Undergraduate Physics Research). Advanced students also have opportunities for part-time employment assisting faculty in laboratory and related teaching activities.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

In addition to fulfilling University Core Curriculum requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, students majoring in physics or engineering physics must complete the following departmental requirements:

Major in Physics

• CHEM 11 and 12
• MATH 11, 12, 13, 14, 22
• CSCI 10
• PHYS 31, 32, 33, 34
• PHYS 70, 103, 104, 111, 112, 113, 116, 120, 121, 122, 151

Major in Engineering Physics

• CHEM 11 and 12
• MATH 11, 12, 13, and 14
• AMTH 106 or MATH 22
• One course from CSCI 10, COEN 10, COEN 11, or COEN 44
• PHYS 31, 32, 33, 34, 70, 103, 111, 112, 121
• One upper-division physics elective chosen from PHYS 104, 113, 116, 122, or 151
• PHYS 120 or MECH 121
• At least four courses from these options: MECH 15, ELEN 110, ELEN 115, MECH 143, COEN 21, MECH 122 or 132 or 266
• An approved cluster of five technical courses in one of several special emphasis areas including computational, electronics, materials science, solid state, and mechanical

Note: PHYS 116 is taught as a capstone and, although not required, is highly recommended for engineering physics majors.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR

Students must fulfill the following requirements for a minor in physics:

• PHYS 31, 32, 33, and 34
• Four approved upper-division courses, excluding PHYS 190, 198, and 199

LOWER and UPPER DIVISION COURSE LISTINGS are AVAILABLE in the Undergraduate Bulletin (PDF)