Physicists work in a variety of areas from basic research at universities and government laboratories to education to healthcare to manufacturing to consulting and analysis firms. In recent years, about 40% of all Bachelor degree recipients enter the workforce immediately after graduation, about 35% pursue graduate degrees in Physics or Astronomy, and about 20% pursue a graduate degree in some other field.
A major in physics at Kentucky Wesleyan is designed to prepare physics majors for technical post baccalaureate employment or for entrance into graduate study in physics, medical physics, engineering, or related fields. Physics majors are expected to understand the broad range of general principles that characterize physics and the ability to apply both theoretical and experimental techniques to the solution of a wide variety of problems.
Specifically, we intend our graduates to:
- understand the role of physics among the sciences and in society.
- understand the basic principles and foundations of physics.
- understand and utilize the methods and techniques in experimental physics.
- develop the ability for problem solving in physics.
- develop computer programming skills.
- develop technical communication skills.
Kentucky Wesleyan College, in conjunction with the National Society of Physics Students (SPS), has a student physics society. All physics students are encouraged to become members of the society and participate in activities within the region and state.
Offerings include a Bachelor of Science degree and a minor in Physics.
Learning Outcomes #
- Students will demonstrate a conceptual understanding of classical physics, modern physics, and applied mathematics.
- Students will demonstrate complex analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Students will demonstrate experimental skills in basic or applied research.
- Students will demonstrate oral and written communication skills, especially in scientific/technical settings.
Bachelor of Science Degree 56 Semester Credit Hours #
Core Requirements
- PHYS 211 – General Physics I (3)
- PHYS 212 – General Physics I Laboratory (1)
- PHYS 221 – General Physics II (3)
- PHYS 222 – General Physics II Laboratory (1)
- PHYS 301 – Electricity and Magnetism (3)
- PHYS 302 – Mechanics (3)
- PHYS 308 – Modern Physics (4)
- *PHYS 401 – Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3)
*Can be substituted with CHEM 343
Must take one of the following:
- PHYS 101 – Introduction to Physics in Modern Medicine (3)
- PHYS 102 – Physics and the Arts (3)
- PHYS 103 – Astronomy (3)
Laboratory Electives – must take one (1) of the following:
- PHYS 340 – Electronics (4)
- PHYS 342 – Heat and Thermodynamics (4)
Supporting Requirements
- CHEM 121 – General Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
- CHEM 122 – General Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
- CHEM 131 – General Chemistry I (3)
- CHEM 132 – General Chemistry II (3)
- MATH 121 – Calculus I (4)
- MATH 221 – Calculus II (3)
- MATH 222 – Calculus III (3)
- MATH 301 – Differential Equations (3)
Math Electives – must take one (1) of the following:
- MATH 309 – Discrete Mathematics (3)
- MATH 403 – Partial Differential Equations (3)
Sample Four-Year Plan for B.S. in Physics #
| First Year | |
| Fall Semester: CHEM 121 CHEM 131 ENGL 111 KW 101 MATH 121 | Spring Semester: CHEM 122 CHEM 132 ENGL 112 General Education Course MATH 221 |
Second Year | |
| Fall Semester: CIS 201 or CIS 203 CL 101 EXSC 101 General Education Course MATH 222 PHYS 211/212 | Spring Semester: Elective General Education Course General Education Course PHYS 221/222 PHYS 302 |
Third Year | |
| Fall Semester: Elective (PHYS lab) 1 General Education Course MATH 301 PHYS 301 PHYS 308 | Spring Semester: Elective Elective (MATH) 3 General Education Course General Education Course PHYS 307 PHYS 4012 |
Fourth Year | |
| Fall Semester: Elective Elective Elective Elective Elective | Spring Semester: Elective Elective Elective Elective |
1 PHYS 340 Electronics or PHYS 342 Heat and Thermodynamics.
2 CHEM 343 Physical Chemistry II may be substituted for PHYS 401 Quantum Mechanics.
3 MATH 307 Linear Algebra (offered every other spring), MATH 309 Discrete Mathematics (offered every other spring), MATH 320 Statistics I (not in course descriptions), MATH 321 Statistical Analysis (not in course descriptions), or MATH 403 Partial Differential Equations (offered every other spring). – the ones highlighted are not listed in major requirements
Missing PHYS 101, 102, or 103 from major requirements – PHYS 101 (no offering listed in course description), PHYS 102 (offered every fall), PHYS 103 (no offering listed in course description).
Physics Minor 21 Semester Credit Hours #
Core Requirements
- PHYS 211 – General Physics I (3)
- PHYS 212 – General Physics I Laboratory (1)
- PHYS 221 – General Physics II (3)
- PHYS 222 – General Physics II Laboratory (1)
- PHYS 301 – Electricity and Magnetism (3)
- PHYS 302 – Mechanics (3)
- PHYS 308 – Modern Physics (3)
Must take one of the following:
- PHYS 101 – Introduction to Physics in Modern Medicine (3)
- PHYS 102 – Physics and the Arts (3)
- PHYS 103 – Astronomy (3)