Physics Bachelor’s Degree and Minor Overview
Physics attempts to explain the phenomena we observe or infer on earth and in the universe. It has made possible a modern understanding of the origin of the universe. Physics also helps us explain the behavior of biological materials and chemical processes.
Through PSU's Physics program you will build a foundation in both the theoretical and experimental aspects of physics. This includes everything from electricity and magnetism to quantum mechanics. We offer a multitude of opportunities to gain experimental skills through labs and coursework. Through your courses, our seminar series and guest lecturers, and undergraduate research you will learn new dimensions of physics fields.
MAJOR IN PHYSICS AT PSU
As a physics major, you will take a group of core courses that provide you with a solid foundation in the subject including topics of:
- force and motion
- thermodynamics
- statistical mechanics
- optics
- electricity
- magnetism
- atomic and nuclear physics
- quantum mechanics
- physical properties of materials
In addition to meeting all university requirements for the bachelor's degree, the following outlines the requirements for the BA/BS degree in Physics. Student will choose either the standard, environmental, or biomedical option which provide the flexibility to take courses that best fit your interests and career goals:
Standard Option Requirements
Standard physics gives a strong background in physics. Courses focus on force and motion, heat, optics, electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, and the physical properties of materials, learning both the theoretical and the experimental aspects. The standard option is for student who pursue a traditional physics undergraduate degree towards graduate programs and careers in physics, engineering, and related physical sciences.
Environmental Option Requirements (to be updated soon!)
Environmental physics explores the measurement and analysis of interactions between organisms and their environment. Courses include physics courses and electives from biology, chemistry, geology, geography, and environmental science and management. The environmental physics track is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate studies or careers in atmospheric, climate and geophysical sciences, energy science, and green technology.
Biomedical Option Requirements (to be updated soon!)
Biomedical physics focuses on the application of physics concepts, theories, and methods to medicine and healthcare. Courses include Physics in Biomedicine and Radiation Therapy Physics, as well as electives from biology and chemistry. The biomedical option is for students who want to enter a professional career in biophysics, biomedical engineering, medical physics, or a health care field.
Engineering Option Requirements (to be updated soon!)
MINOR IN PHYSICS
Minor Requirements
To earn a Minor in Physics a student must complete 27 credits (9 credits of which must be taken in residence at PSU, and 12 to 15 credits of which must be upper division), to include the courses as outlined below. A maximum of one-third of the courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) is acceptable toward fulfilling the department minor requirements. Additional courses may be required as prerequisites.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCES THROUGH PSU PHYSICS
Students in the physics program at PSU have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research experiences in the Physics Department with faculty through mechanisms including Senior Capstone, Senior Thesis, and through NSF REU funded programs. Student researchers regularly present research in student symposiums and at scientific conferences.
Our expert faculty are leading researchers in:
- atmospheric and climate science
- biophysics
- crystallography
- imaging technologies
- nanotechnology
- optics
- photonics
- physics education
- theoretical quantum mechanics and electrodynamics
Portland State is home to the Center for Electron Microscopy and Nanofabrication. It is a signature research facility for the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnology Institute. A collaboration between Oregon's research universities, Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, and industry partners.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE OR MINOR IN PHYSICS?
Physicists are employed by almost all industries, and PSU's bachelor's degree in physics will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to succeed no matter where your career takes you.
Many of our students go on to complete graduate degrees in areas such as biophysics, material science, atmospheric physics, environmental science, and medical physics. Others use their physics majors as preparation for medical or law school.
Recent graduates have been accepted to programs around the country, including medical physics at Oregon Health & Science University, astrophysics at Northwestern University, theoretical and mathematical physics at SUNY at Albany, physics at Caltech, atmospheric science at the University of Washington, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, physics at University of Oregon, applied physics at PSU, and physical chemistry at Montana State.
With a bachelor's degree, you can also work in a variety of jobs in technical industries and government laboratories. Our alumni have been hired at Intel, Thermo, Lam Research, Nike, Diatomix, and Micro Systems Engineering.
FEATURED COURSES
- PH 211-216 General Physics with Laboratories
- PH 311-312 Modern Physics
- PH 314-316 Experimental Physics
- PH 322 Computational Physics
- PH 424 Classical Mechanics
- PH 426 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
- PH 431-432 Electricity and Magnetism
- PH 411-412 Quantum Mechanics
ELECTIVES
- PH 319 Solid State Physics for Engineers
- PH 337 Physics in Biomedicine
- PH 361-362 General Astronomy
- PH 375 Climate Change and Human Life
- PH 413 Intro to Solid State Physics
- PH 434 Methods of Mathematical Physics
- PH 464 Applied Optics
- PH 471 Atmospheric Physics
- PH 490 Cellular and Molecular Biophysics
- PH 481 Introduction to Nano(materials) Science and Engineering
- PH 495 Materials Physics: Structure and Physical Properties of Ordered and Disordered Condensed Matter
- PH 551 Electron Microscopy