Physics Computer-Science

The physics-computer science program is a hybrid program between physics and computer science. It also is administered by the Department of Physics. The program is designed to emphasize the use of computer software in scientific applications. Thus the physics-computer science program strives to give the student a solid foundation in both physics and computer science so that he/she is equipped to understand both the science and the computer applications needed in scientific situations.

What do Physics/Computer Science Majors Study?

The physics/computer science student takes a wide spectrum of physics, computer science and mathematics courses in order to build expertise in this field of study.  The program of study for students of physics/computers science includes general education requirements which are common to all students seeking the bachelor's degree.  In addition to specified courses, most of which are taken in the first and second year, students have a variety of physics and computer science courses to select from as program electives to complete the course of study. Below is a sample program which might be followed by a physics/computer science student. 

Bachelor Of Science With A Major In Physics-Computer Science (PCS)

Typical Program

1st Year

  • General Physics I Mechanics and Lab
  • General Physics II Electricity and Magnetism
  • Analytical Geometry and Calculus I & II
  • Computer Science Algorithms & Programming I & II
  • 4 Humanities Base Electives

Sophomore Year

  • General Physics Lab I & II
  • General Physics III Mechanics of Waves
  • Computational Physics
  • Calculus III
  • Differential Equations
  • Algorithms & Programming III
  • Data Structures & Algorithms
  • 4 General Education Electives

Junior Year

  • Digital & Analog Electronics for Scientists
  • 2 Physics Electives (upper level)
  • Operating Systems I
  • Computer Science Elective (upper level)
  • Linear Algebra
  • 2 General Education & Breadth Electives

Senior Year

  • 3 Physics Electives (upper level)
  • 3 Computer
  • science
  • Electives (upper level)
  • 4 General Electives

Program Requirements

Physics - basic physics, PHY 206, 207, 208, 210L, 211L, 323,333 & four additional courses numbered above 300. Ina addition, a senior  project involving some application of computers in physics is recommended. 
Computer Science - CPS 150, 151, 250, 346, 350, 353, and two additional courses numbered above 340. Additional numerical analysis courses are recommended.
Mathematics - basic mathematics, MTH 168, 169, 218, 219, 302.
Communication Skills - proficiency requirements in college composition and speech.
General Education - 27 sem. hrs. including 12 in philosophy/religious studies, 9 hrs. in humanities and 6 hrs. in social science.
General Electives - additional hours to total at least 120 sem. hrs.

What Careers Are Available To Physics/Computer Science Majors?

Most graduates of the Physics/Computer Science Program enter the work force, either in a research lab where their computer skills and knowledge of fundamental science make them a desirable member of a research team, or in the business world where their computer knowledge and problem-solving skills from their physics training are the sought-after competencies.  Some graduates choose the option of advanced study in either physics or computer science.  Opportunities for advanced study also exist in other related fields including engineering, business medicine and law. 

 
 

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