Physics, BS

Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Major: Physics

Program Overview

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree program is to develop professional physicists by providing majors a comprehensive undergraduate education in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermal physics/statistical mechanics, and laboratory, data analysis and computational skills. Majors learn how to communicate professionally and reason quantitatively and ethically. They are prepared for employment or graduate study in physics and aligned technical disciplines and have a solid foundation for other professional career paths. 

This degree is traditionally pursued by students interested in a career in physics research in government or industry, or in college- and university-level teaching and research. Approximately three-quarters of our graduates continue their studies in physics, engineering or another professional area. Others choose immediate employment in a variety of technical fields in industry and government. CWRU physics majors have been remarkably successful at winning prestigious national and international fellowships and earning admission to top graduate programs and professional schools.

An important component of the program is the senior capstone. BS in Physics students who choose to do their capstone project through the Department of Physics have a year-long research experience with a research mentor, devoted to a project chosen by the student.

Majors in the standard BS in Physics program have the option to pursue one of two concentrations: Mathematical Physics or Biophysics.

The mission of the Mathematical Physics concentration is to develop professional physicists whose interests are focused on theoretical physics. This undergraduate program provides an enhanced, graduate-level education in electromagnetism and quantum mechanics as well as experience in mathematical methods used in theoretical physics. This program is based on the BS in Physics, with mathematical methods courses replacing two upper-level physics laboratory courses and some undergraduate lecture courses replaced by graduate-level courses on the same topics. This program is distinct from the BS in Mathematics and Physics, which is a parallel education in both mathematics and physics administered jointly by both departments.

The Biophysics concentration offers an ideal preparation for biological research in graduate-level physics programs and in industry. It also provides an appropriate foundation for careers in biology, biophysics, and biomedical engineering, as well as for medical school. Select courses in the regular BS degree program are replaced by a "biogroup" of five courses (generally chosen from available biology, biophysics, biochemistry, and biomedical engineering courses) and a technical elective. The biogroup and technical elective courses are chosen by the student in consultation with the biophysics academic advisor.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to master classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermal physics/ statistical mechanics and other topics expected for a professional physicist and needed for admission to a graduate program in physics and other professional programs.
  • Students will be able to carry out experiments, take measurements and analyze data to support or refute a scientific hypothesis.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the methods of scientific inquiry, including critical thinking and problem-solving, and be able to formulate and solve quantitative problems using computational and analytical methods.
  • Students will be able to research and demonstrate they can contribute to an experimental, theoretical or computational research effort.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in communicating scientific concepts and results orally and in writing in styles appropriate to proposals, reports and formal publications.
  • Students will be well-versed in professional ethics.
  • Students will be prepared for employment or graduate study in physics and aligned technical disciplines, as well as other professional career paths.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.