
Physics
Why pursue a degree in physics at North Central College?
Physicists study the universe and everything in it, from the very small (quantum) to the very large (cosmology). A physics major explores the basic principles that govern matter, energy and their interactions. Physics majors are prepared for a variety of roles in all areas of physics, materials science, data science, computation, and even broader fields such as engineering or finance. At North Central College, faculty are committed to helping students develop a broad range of applicable skills. With close proximity to both Fermi and Argonne National Laboratories, students have opportunities to work with world-class scientists at world-class facilities, as well as valuable networking opportunities. North Central’s physics program prepares students for graduate school as well as careers at laboratories, educational institutions and a variety of private sector environments.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Developing theories based on observation and experimentation
- Conducting research around physical phenomena
- Devising methods to apply physical laws and theories
then a degree in PHYSICS might be for you.
Why study physics at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- Advanced Laboratory
- Advanced Topics, including
- Astrophysics
- Cosmology
- Elementary Particles
- Quantum Computing
- Solid State Physics
- Calculus
- Classical Mechanics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Electronics
- LabVIEW Interfacing
- Mathematical and Computational Methods
- Oscillation and Waves
- Quantum Mechanics
- Special Relativity
- Statistical Physics
- Thermodynamics
Beyond the Classroom
As a physics major, you can:
- Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
- Obtain laboratory training in electrical and optical measurements, analog and digital electronics, and advanced experimental physics.
- Gain valuable work experience through an internship at a nearby corporate or government research laboratory, such as Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Ill. or Argonne National Laboratory near Lemont, Ill.
- Present your research findings at North Central’s own Rall Symposium and summer colloquium as well as local, regional, and national conferences.
Physics, Professional Track, B.S.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see
Electives
One of the following:
-
PHYS 420 - Electromagnetic Theory
PHYS 420 - Electromagnetic Theory
-
PHYS 490 - Topics
PHYS 490 - Topics
300- or 400-level Physics
Four additional credit hours of Physics at the 300- or 400-level, not including
Required Support Courses
-
CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
-
ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
-
MATH 151 - Calculus I
MATH 151 - Calculus I
-
MATH 152 - Calculus II
MATH 152 - Calculus II
-
MATH 253 - Calculus III
MATH 253 - Calculus III
One of the following:
-
MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation
MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation
-
MATH 300 - Linear Algebra
MATH 300 - Linear Algebra
Physics, Interdisciplinary Track, B.S.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see
Electives
Six additional credit hours in Physics at the 300- or 400-level, not including
Second Major or Minor
Completion of a second major or minor in a discpline, pre-approved by the department.
Required Support Courses
-
CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
-
ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
-
MATH 151 - Calculus I
MATH 151 - Calculus I
-
MATH 152 - Calculus II
MATH 152 - Calculus II
-
MATH 253 - Calculus III
MATH 253 - Calculus III
One of the following:
-
MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation
MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation
-
MATH 300 - Linear Algebra
MATH 300 - Linear Algebra
Physics Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see
A minimum of 36 credit hours, including:
Introductory Classical Physics
One of the following Physics sequences:
-
PHYS 131 - Physics I (Non-Calculus)
PHYS 131 - Physics I (Non-Calculus)
-
PHYS 132 - Physics II (Non-Calculus)
PHYS 132 - Physics II (Non-Calculus)
-
PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
-
PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
-or-
Introductory Quantum Physics
One of the following:
-
PHYS 263 - Physics III: Quantum Physics
PHYS 263 - Physics III: Quantum Physics
-
CHEM 345 - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
CHEM 345 - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
Experimental and Advanced Physics
Eight credit hours to include:
One of the following:
-
PHYS 200 - Electronic Instrumentation for Scientists
PHYS 200 - Electronic Instrumentation for Scientists
-
PHYS 264 - Experimental Quantum Physics
PHYS 264 - Experimental Quantum Physics
At least one of the following:
-
PHYS 300 - Computational Mechanics
PHYS 300 - Computational Mechanics
-
PHYS 320 - Physics of Solids
PHYS 320 - Physics of Solids
-
PHYS 340 - Thermal Physics I
PHYS 340 - Thermal Physics I
-
PHYS 341 - Statistical Physics
PHYS 341 - Statistical Physics
-
PHYS 405 - Data Acquisition with LabVIEW
PHYS 405 - Data Acquisition with LabVIEW
-
PHYS 410 - Advanced Experimental Physics
PHYS 410 - Advanced Experimental Physics
-
PHYS 420 - Electromagnetic Theory
PHYS 420 - Electromagnetic Theory
-
PHYS 440 - Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 440 - Quantum Mechanics
Note:
Required Support Courses
-
CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
-
MATH 151 - Calculus I
MATH 151 - Calculus I
-
MATH 152 - Calculus II
MATH 152 - Calculus II
-
MATH 253 - Calculus III
MATH 253 - Calculus III
Physics Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internship
Recent graduates in physics have interned at:
- Argonne National Laboratory, near Lemont, IL
- Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, IL
Graduate Schools
Recent graduates in physics have been accepted to graduate study programs at:
- University of Minnesota
- University of New Mexico
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Tennessee
- University of Illinois-Chicago
Careers
Recent graduates in our physics program are employed as:
- Scientist, Computer Sciences Corporation
- Physicist, Argonne National Laboratory
- Physicist, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab)
- Physics teacher, Hinsdale Central High School
- Physics teacher, Cretin-Derham High School, St. Paul, MN
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