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College of Arts & Sciences

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.

More Department information

Physics, Professional Track, B.S.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Chemistry and Physics.

  • PHYS 160 - Einstein and Heisenberg: Physics of the Fast and the Small

    PHYS 160 - Einstein and Heisenberg: Physics of the Fast and the Small

    2.00 credit hours

    Introduction to the special theory of relativity: Galilean relativity, space-time diagrams, Lorentz transformations, relativistic collisions and conservation of four-momentum. Introduction to the principles of quantum physics, Heisenberg's matrix mechanics, Pauli's spin matrices.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat

    PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat

    4.00 credit hours

    Newton's Laws of motion, energy conservation, rotational motion, thermodynamics. Laboratory required, includes experimental physics and an introduction to computational modeling. Credit may be earned for only one of PHYS 131 and PHYS 161.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics

    PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics

    4.00 credit hours

    Oscillations, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics. Laboratory required, includes experimental physics and computational modeling. Credit may be earned for only one of PHYS 132 and PHYS 162.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 200 - Electronic Instrumentation for Scientists

    PHYS 200 - Electronic Instrumentation for Scientists

    4.00 credit hours

    Survey of electronics with focus on application to scientific instrumentation. Topics include digital principles, combinational and sequential logic, digital applications, DC and AC circuits, discrete semiconductors, operational amplifiers. Focus is on applied learning in the laboratory. Laboratory required.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 263 - Physics III: Quantum Physics

    PHYS 263 - Physics III: Quantum Physics

    4.00 credit hours

    An introduction to quantum physics. Quantum phenomena, the Schrodinger equation, analysis of one-dimensional potentials, the hydrogen atom and the electronic structure of multi-electron atoms, spin-orbit coupling.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 264 - Experimental Quantum Physics

    PHYS 264 - Experimental Quantum Physics

    2.00 credit hours

    An exploration of the experimental foundations of quantum physics. Selected experiments from the photoelectric effect, electron impact spectroscopy, Bragg scattering and x-ray diffraction, single photon two-slit experiment, molecular spectroscopy, muon decay and others.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 300 - Computational Mechanics

    PHYS 300 - Computational Mechanics

    4.00 credit hours

    Newton's Laws, projectile and charged particle kinematics, conservation laws and oscillations. Advanced methods in mechanics. Mathematical methods introduced as needed. Laboratory required, focuses on computation and modeling.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 391 - Seminar I

    PHYS 391 - Seminar I

    1.00 credit hours

    Professional development topics such as ethics, job seeking skills and safety. Students, faculty and guest presenters discuss research results in the format of a scientific meeting.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 392 - Seminar II

    PHYS 392 - Seminar II

    1.00 credit hours

    Students learn to search the scientific literature, read primary literature and orally present a journal article. Students, faculty and guest presenters discuss research results in the format of a scientific meeting.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 410 - Advanced Experimental Physics

    PHYS 410 - Advanced Experimental Physics

    2.00 credit hours

    An exploration of advanced experimental techniques and concepts in physics. Experiments selected from optical spectroscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, magnetic resonance, vacuum techniques, solid-state physics, laser physics, nuclear physics. Laboratory required.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 440 - Quantum Mechanics

    PHYS 440 - Quantum Mechanics

    4.00 credit hours

    The physical interpretation and mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics. Schrodinger equation, one-dimensional and three-dimensional potentials, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, operator methods, matrix mechanics, Dirac notation and approximation methods.

    Schedule Of Classes

Electives

One of the following:

  • PHYS 420 - Electromagnetic Theory

    PHYS 420 - Electromagnetic Theory

    4.00 credit hours

    The theory of electromagnetism, including electrostatics, magnetostatics and electrodynamics. May include applications to electromagnetic waves, guided waves and transmission lines, plasmas, radiation theory and relativistic electrodynamics.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 490 - Topics

    PHYS 490 - Topics

    2.00-4.00 credit hours

    Advanced topics in physics, such as biophysics, astrophysics and cosmology, particles and nuclei, general relativity, advanced mechanics.

    Schedule Of Classes

300- or 400-level Physics

Four additional credit hours of Physics at the 300- or 400-level, not including PHYS 395 or internships.

Required Support Courses

  • CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming

    CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming

    4.00 credit hours

    An introduction to computer science and programming, emphasizing the development of algorithms and problem solving skills using both procedural and object-oriented approaches. Topics include data types; I/O; arithmetic, relational and logical operators; control structures; functions; simple data structures; different computing environments such as the Linux operating system are also explored. Integrated laboratory.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations

    ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations

    2.00 credit hours

    Develops the student's ability to use MATLAB to solve various engineering problems. Lecture/Laboratory.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 151 - Calculus I

    MATH 151 - Calculus I

    4.00 credit hours

    An exploration of the fundamental concepts of single-variable calculus including limits, continuity, differentiation and integration with applications.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 152 - Calculus II

    MATH 152 - Calculus II

    4.00 credit hours

    A continuation of single-variable calculus with emphasis on advanced integration techniques and applications, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and infinite series.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 253 - Calculus III

    MATH 253 - Calculus III

    4.00 credit hours

    A continuation of calculus with an emphasis on vectors, vector-valued and multiple-variable functions, partial derivatives, line and multiple integrals, vector analysis, Green's, divergence and Stokes' theorems.

    Schedule Of Classes

One of the following:

  • MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation

    MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation

    4.00 credit hours

    First and second order differential equations, systems of differential equations, matrix and vector algebra, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Students may not receive credit for both MATH 255 and either MATH 300 or MATH 315.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 300 - Linear Algebra

    MATH 300 - Linear Algebra

    4.00 credit hours

    Vector spaces, linear transformations, inner products, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, Gram-Schmidt process and orthogonal transformations. Students may not receive credit for MATH 300 and MATH 255.

    Schedule Of Classes

Physics, Interdisciplinary Track, B.S.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Chemistry and Physics.

  • PHYS 160 - Einstein and Heisenberg: Physics of the Fast and the Small

    PHYS 160 - Einstein and Heisenberg: Physics of the Fast and the Small

    2.00 credit hours

    Introduction to the special theory of relativity: Galilean relativity, space-time diagrams, Lorentz transformations, relativistic collisions and conservation of four-momentum. Introduction to the principles of quantum physics, Heisenberg's matrix mechanics, Pauli's spin matrices.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat

    PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat

    4.00 credit hours

    Newton's Laws of motion, energy conservation, rotational motion, thermodynamics. Laboratory required, includes experimental physics and an introduction to computational modeling. Credit may be earned for only one of PHYS 131 and PHYS 161.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics

    PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics

    4.00 credit hours

    Oscillations, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics. Laboratory required, includes experimental physics and computational modeling. Credit may be earned for only one of PHYS 132 and PHYS 162.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 200 - Electronic Instrumentation for Scientists

    PHYS 200 - Electronic Instrumentation for Scientists

    4.00 credit hours

    Survey of electronics with focus on application to scientific instrumentation. Topics include digital principles, combinational and sequential logic, digital applications, DC and AC circuits, discrete semiconductors, operational amplifiers. Focus is on applied learning in the laboratory. Laboratory required.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 263 - Physics III: Quantum Physics

    PHYS 263 - Physics III: Quantum Physics

    4.00 credit hours

    An introduction to quantum physics. Quantum phenomena, the Schrodinger equation, analysis of one-dimensional potentials, the hydrogen atom and the electronic structure of multi-electron atoms, spin-orbit coupling.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 264 - Experimental Quantum Physics

    PHYS 264 - Experimental Quantum Physics

    2.00 credit hours

    An exploration of the experimental foundations of quantum physics. Selected experiments from the photoelectric effect, electron impact spectroscopy, Bragg scattering and x-ray diffraction, single photon two-slit experiment, molecular spectroscopy, muon decay and others.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 300 - Computational Mechanics

    PHYS 300 - Computational Mechanics

    4.00 credit hours

    Newton's Laws, projectile and charged particle kinematics, conservation laws and oscillations. Advanced methods in mechanics. Mathematical methods introduced as needed. Laboratory required, focuses on computation and modeling.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 391 - Seminar I

    PHYS 391 - Seminar I

    1.00 credit hours

    Professional development topics such as ethics, job seeking skills and safety. Students, faculty and guest presenters discuss research results in the format of a scientific meeting.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 392 - Seminar II

    PHYS 392 - Seminar II

    1.00 credit hours

    Students learn to search the scientific literature, read primary literature and orally present a journal article. Students, faculty and guest presenters discuss research results in the format of a scientific meeting.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 410 - Advanced Experimental Physics

    PHYS 410 - Advanced Experimental Physics

    2.00 credit hours

    An exploration of advanced experimental techniques and concepts in physics. Experiments selected from optical spectroscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, magnetic resonance, vacuum techniques, solid-state physics, laser physics, nuclear physics. Laboratory required.

    Schedule Of Classes

Electives

Six additional credit hours in Physics at the 300- or 400-level, not including PHYS 395 or internships.

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

    4.00 credit hours

    An introduction to computer science and programming, emphasizing the development of algorithms and problem solving skills using both procedural and object-oriented approaches. Topics include data types; I/O; arithmetic, relational and logical operators; control structures; functions; simple data structures; different computing environments such as the Linux operating system are also explored. Integrated laboratory.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations

    ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations

    2.00 credit hours

    Develops the student's ability to use MATLAB to solve various engineering problems. Lecture/Laboratory.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 151 - Calculus I

    MATH 151 - Calculus I

    4.00 credit hours

    An exploration of the fundamental concepts of single-variable calculus including limits, continuity, differentiation and integration with applications.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 152 - Calculus II

    MATH 152 - Calculus II

    4.00 credit hours

    A continuation of single-variable calculus with emphasis on advanced integration techniques and applications, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and infinite series.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 253 - Calculus III

    MATH 253 - Calculus III

    4.00 credit hours

    A continuation of calculus with an emphasis on vectors, vector-valued and multiple-variable functions, partial derivatives, line and multiple integrals, vector analysis, Green's, divergence and Stokes' theorems.

    Schedule Of Classes

One of the following:

  • MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation

    MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation

    4.00 credit hours

    First and second order differential equations, systems of differential equations, matrix and vector algebra, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Students may not receive credit for both MATH 255 and either MATH 300 or MATH 315.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 300 - Linear Algebra

    MATH 300 - Linear Algebra

    4.00 credit hours

    Vector spaces, linear transformations, inner products, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, Gram-Schmidt process and orthogonal transformations. Students may not receive credit for MATH 300 and MATH 255.

    Schedule Of Classes

Physics Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Chemistry and Physics.

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)

    4.00 credit hours

    Kinematics, Newton's Laws, conservation laws, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Laboratory required. Credit may be earned for only one of PHYS 131 and PHYS 161.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 132 - Physics II (Non-Calculus)

    PHYS 132 - Physics II (Non-Calculus)

    4.00 credit hours

    Oscillations, waves, sound, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Laboratory required. Credit may be earned for only one of PHYS 132 and PHYS 162.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • -or-

  • PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat

    PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat

    4.00 credit hours

    Newton's Laws of motion, energy conservation, rotational motion, thermodynamics. Laboratory required, includes experimental physics and an introduction to computational modeling. Credit may be earned for only one of PHYS 131 and PHYS 161.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics

    PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics

    4.00 credit hours

    Oscillations, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics. Laboratory required, includes experimental physics and computational modeling. Credit may be earned for only one of PHYS 132 and PHYS 162.

    Schedule Of Classes

Introductory Quantum Physics

One of the following:

  • PHYS 263 - Physics III: Quantum Physics

    PHYS 263 - Physics III: Quantum Physics

    4.00 credit hours

    An introduction to quantum physics. Quantum phenomena, the Schrodinger equation, analysis of one-dimensional potentials, the hydrogen atom and the electronic structure of multi-electron atoms, spin-orbit coupling.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • CHEM 345 - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy

    CHEM 345 - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy

    4.00 credit hours

    Quantum theory, electronic structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding, computational chemistry, spectroscopic methods used to study molecular structure and reactions, statistical thermodynamics. Laboratory required.

    Schedule Of Classes

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

    4.00 credit hours

    Survey of electronics with focus on application to scientific instrumentation. Topics include digital principles, combinational and sequential logic, digital applications, DC and AC circuits, discrete semiconductors, operational amplifiers. Focus is on applied learning in the laboratory. Laboratory required.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 264 - Experimental Quantum Physics

    PHYS 264 - Experimental Quantum Physics

    2.00 credit hours

    An exploration of the experimental foundations of quantum physics. Selected experiments from the photoelectric effect, electron impact spectroscopy, Bragg scattering and x-ray diffraction, single photon two-slit experiment, molecular spectroscopy, muon decay and others.

    Schedule Of Classes

At least one of the following:

  • PHYS 300 - Computational Mechanics

    PHYS 300 - Computational Mechanics

    4.00 credit hours

    Newton's Laws, projectile and charged particle kinematics, conservation laws and oscillations. Advanced methods in mechanics. Mathematical methods introduced as needed. Laboratory required, focuses on computation and modeling.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 320 - Physics of Solids

    PHYS 320 - Physics of Solids

    2.00 credit hours

    Properties of crystalline solids. Crystal structure, reciprocal lattice, x-ray diffraction, electrical conduction, band theory, semiconductors and semiconductor devices. Other topics may include thermal properties, magnetic properties of solids.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 340 - Thermal Physics I

    PHYS 340 - Thermal Physics I

    2.00 credit hours

    Interrelationships among temperature, energy, entropy, and other properties of a physical system, examined at the macroscopic level using the tools of thermodynamics. Topics covered include equations of state, the laws of thermodynamics, energy, enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs energy, Maxwell relations, phase equilibrium. Laboratory required.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 341 - Statistical Physics

    PHYS 341 - Statistical Physics

    2.00 credit hours

    Interrelationships among temperature, energy, entropy and other properties of matter, examined at the microscopic level using the tools of statistical mechanics. Topics include macrostates and microstates, entropy, Boltzmann and quantum distribution functions; selected applications from paramagnetism, Einstein solids, blackbody radiation and others.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 405 - Data Acquisition with LabVIEW

    PHYS 405 - Data Acquisition with LabVIEW

    2.00 credit hours

    Computer-assisted measurement and automation of experiments using the LabVIEW graphical programming platform. Hands-on experience through laboratory exercises and projects. Laboratory required.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 410 - Advanced Experimental Physics

    PHYS 410 - Advanced Experimental Physics

    2.00 credit hours

    An exploration of advanced experimental techniques and concepts in physics. Experiments selected from optical spectroscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, magnetic resonance, vacuum techniques, solid-state physics, laser physics, nuclear physics. Laboratory required.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 420 - Electromagnetic Theory

    PHYS 420 - Electromagnetic Theory

    4.00 credit hours

    The theory of electromagnetism, including electrostatics, magnetostatics and electrodynamics. May include applications to electromagnetic waves, guided waves and transmission lines, plasmas, radiation theory and relativistic electrodynamics.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • PHYS 440 - Quantum Mechanics

    PHYS 440 - Quantum Mechanics

    4.00 credit hours

    The physical interpretation and mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics. Schrodinger equation, one-dimensional and three-dimensional potentials, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, operator methods, matrix mechanics, Dirac notation and approximation methods.

    Schedule Of Classes

Note:

Required Support Courses

  • CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming

    CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming

    4.00 credit hours

    An introduction to computer science and programming, emphasizing the development of algorithms and problem solving skills using both procedural and object-oriented approaches. Topics include data types; I/O; arithmetic, relational and logical operators; control structures; functions; simple data structures; different computing environments such as the Linux operating system are also explored. Integrated laboratory.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 151 - Calculus I

    MATH 151 - Calculus I

    4.00 credit hours

    An exploration of the fundamental concepts of single-variable calculus including limits, continuity, differentiation and integration with applications.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 152 - Calculus II

    MATH 152 - Calculus II

    4.00 credit hours

    A continuation of single-variable calculus with emphasis on advanced integration techniques and applications, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and infinite series.

    Schedule Of Classes

  • MATH 253 - Calculus III

    MATH 253 - Calculus III

    4.00 credit hours

    A continuation of calculus with an emphasis on vectors, vector-valued and multiple-variable functions, partial derivatives, line and multiple integrals, vector analysis, Green's, divergence and Stokes' theorems.

    Schedule Of Classes

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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