West Virginia Wesleyan College
B.S. in Physics

Physicists design experiments to discover patterns in the observable universe. They also develop general theories consistent with experimental observations.

The B.S. in Physics contains all the components of a balanced program in modern experimental and theoretical physics. The program is designed to prepare students for graduate study at the best universities in the country. The program also prepares students for work in research and development at industry and government labs.

Students study such topics as mechanics, electronics, light, nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, solid state physics, and electromagnetic theory. Students also study related topics in mathematics, chemistry, and computer science. The program provides research opportunities in the following well-equipped labs: light and atomic lab, nuclear lab, analog and digital electronics lab, electro-optics (laser) lab, materials science lab, and solid state lab.

Typical Schedule of Courses

Year 1 Fall Semester
PHYS 161 General Physics I
MATH 161 Calculus I
ENGL 101 Composition I*
General studies or free elective
Freshman Seminar
Total

4
4
3
3
1
15

Year 1 Spring Semester
PHYS 162 General Physics II
ENGL 102 Composition II
COMM 211 Oral Communication
INDS 120 Humanities
General studies or free elective
Total

4
3
3
3
3
16

Year 2 Fall Semester
PHYS 210 Light/Atomic Physics
PHYS 211 Light/Atomic Lab
MATH 162 Calculus II
General studies or free electives
Total

3
1
4
6
14

Year 2 Spring Semester
PHYS 220 Nuclear Physics
PHYS 221 Nuclear Lab
PHYS 340 Thermodynamics
MATH 223 Calculus III
General studies or free electives
Total

3
1
3
3
6
16

Year 3 Fall Semester
PHYS 250 Electronics
PHYS 251 Electronics Lab
PHYS 305 Electro-Optics Lab
CHEM 161 Chemistry
CHEM 163 Chemistry Lab
General studies or free electives
Total

3
1
1
3
1
6
17

Year 3 Spring Semester
PHYS 342 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 360 Electromagnetism
MATH 230 Differential Eqns
General studies or free electives
Total

3
3
3
6
15

Year 4 Fall Semester
PHYS 320 Materials Science
PHYS 321 Materials Lab
PHYS 497 Research Seminar I
MATH 301 Math Methods
General studies or free electives
Total

3
1
1
3
6
14

Year 4 Spring Semester
PHYS 310 Analytical Mechanics
PHYS 330 Solid State Physics
PHYS 331 Solid State Lab
PHYS 498 Research Seminar II
CSCI 230 Scientific Programming
General studies or free elective
Total

3
3
1
1
3
3
14

*Note: Asterisked courses may be waived upon test results.

Wesleyan offers the following engineering science electives:


CSCI 320 Microprocessors PHYS 260 Digital Electronics PHYS 261 Digital Electronics Lab PHYS 309 Engineering Mechanics	PHYS 311 Mechanics of Materials PHYS 350 Fluid Mechanics MATH 310 Linear Algebra