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 Chemistry and Physics.
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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.
-
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 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 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.
-
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.
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
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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 - 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
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.
-
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 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 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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 - 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
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 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 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 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
-or-
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.
-
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.
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.
-
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.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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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