Why Major in Physics?
Wherever students desire to go in the sciences, the Chemistry and Physics department is dedicated to helping students get there.
The Department offers three programs in physics, including Biophysics and Engineering Physics, each offering a balanced presentation of theory and application. Each track has course offerings designed to allow students to best pursue their objectives. Our programs are designed to give students broad opportunities ranging from health-related careers to advanced studies in physics and engineering.
The variety of opportunities available for students in the chemistry and physics department are limitless. From learning with communities outside the classroom and undergraduate research directly with a faculty member to laboratory assistant jobs and service learning outreach programs with various middle and high school and youth organizations, opportunities abound for students seeking to gain experience and expertise.
What You'll Learn
- A balanced presentation of theory and application.
- Through hands-on learning and research, become a creative problem solver and prepare for careers in physics, engineering, acoustics, teaching, business, law and medicine.
- Research opportunities in biophysics, nanoscience, optics, acoustics, physical chemistry, material science, machine learning, science education, computational physics and more.
Career Possibilities
Scholarly teaching, research experiences and professional development prepare students to pursue future careers in many scientific areas including:
- Graduate School in Physics
- Medical School
- Teaching Physics at Secondary School Level
- Radiation Physics
- Employment in Various Technical Fields
- Equipment Representatives
Program Details
Curriculum
The physics major leads to either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science. It requires 128 hours of coursework:
- BELL core and technical requirements: 57 hours
- Major requirements: 34 hours
- Minor requirements: 18 hours
- General electives: 23 hours
Courses You'll Take
- PHY 1050 Freshman Physics Seminar
- PHY 1110 Precalculus-Based Physics I
- PHY 1115 Precalculus-based Physics I Laboratory
- PHY 1120 Precalculus-Based Physics II
- PHY 1125 Precalculus-based Physics II Laboratory
- PHY 1140 Introduction to Physics
- PHY 1145 Introduction to Physics Laboratory
- PHY 1610 Calculus-Based Physics I
- PHY 1620 Calculus-Based Physics II
- PHY 2010 Physics for Audio Engineering
- PHY 2230 Introduction to Modern Physics
- PHY 3110 Analytical Mechanics
- PHY 3120 Electricity and Magnetism
- PHY 4210 Quantum Mechanics I
- PHY 4010 Advanced Laboratory
- PHY 3700 Research in Physics I
- PHY 4700 Research in Physics II
- PHY 4050 Physics Senior Capstone
Belmont Physics students can pursue a variety of experiences outside of the classroom, including study abroad, community outreach and student organizations. We encourage our students to start research and career development early and often! In addition to conducting research for academic credit, our students can apply for Belmont’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURFs) program as early as the summer following their first year. Our students have been accepted to competitive summer research programs and internships at universities and companies nation-wide. Many of our students have presented their research at regional, national and international physics conferences.
We understand that students may not have everything about their passions or future career figured out, and that’s okay! Belmont Physics students learn the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in technical careers, gain valuable experiences to grow both professionally and personally, and are valued for who they are as an individual.
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Contact Us
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Spencer Hayes
Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.6489
Email Spencer