West Virginia Wesleyan College
B.S. in Physics

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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 industrial and government labs.

Students study such topics as mechanics, electronics, light, nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, and electromagnetic theory. Students also study related topics in mathematics, chemistry, and computer science.

The program provides research opportunities in the following labs: the light and atomic lab, the nuclear lab, the analog and digital electronics lab, the electro-optics (laser) lab, the materials science lab, and the solid state physics lab.

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Typical Schedule of Classes

Year 1 Fall Semester

PHYS 161 General Physics 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

General studies or free electives

Total

4

3

3

6

16

Year 2 Fall Semester

PHYS 210 Light & Atomic Physics

PHYS 211 Light & Atomic Lab

MATH 162 Calculus II

MATH 163 Technology for Calculus

COMM 211 Oral Communication General studies or free electives

Total

3

1

4

1

3

6

15

Year 2 Spring Semester
PHYS 220 Nuclear Physics

PHYS 221 Nuclear Physics Lab

General studies or free electives

Total

3

1

4

6

14

Year 3 Fall Semester

PHYS 305 Electro-Optics Lab

PHYS 340 Thermodynamics

CHEM 161 Chemistry

CHEM 163 Chemistry Lab

CSCI 230 Scientific Programming General studies or free electives

Total

1

3

3

1

3

6

17

Year 3 Spring Semester
PHYS 250 Electronics

PHYS 251 Electronics Lab

PHYS 360 Electromagnetism

MATH 230Differential Equations

General studies or free electives

Total

3

1

3

3

6

16

Year 4 Fall Semester

PHYS 320 Materials Science

PHYS 321 Materials Science Lab

PHYS 342 Quantum Mechanics

PHYS 497 Research Seminar I General studies or free electives

Total

3

1

3

1

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

MATH 301 Advanced Math

Total

3

3

1

1

3

14

CSCI 320 Microprocessors

MATH 310 Linear Algebra

MATH 330 Probability

PHSC 127 Geology

PHYS 131 Astronomy

PHYS 145 Engineering Design I
PHYS 146 Engineering Design II

PHYS 260 Digital Electronics
PHYS 261 Digital Electronics Lab
PHYS 309 Engineering Mechanics

PHYS 311 Mechanics of Materials
PHYS 345 Engineering Lab
PHYS 350 Fluid Mechanics