Physics
Program Details
From the tiniest bits of matter to the enormity of the universe, there exists a structure that is based on a surprisingly small number of far-reaching fundamental principles. The goal of physics is to discover these fundamental principles, often called the "laws of nature."
As a student in the physics major at Xavier, you’ll gain a deep knowledge of the application of physical laws. You’ll also have the opportunity to work and learn alongside faculty mentors in laboratories designed for experiments in electronics, holography, quantum optics, nuclear physics and more. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to enter grad school or work as a researcher, laboratory technician or physics teacher.
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Physics major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Fall
- ENGR 101: Intro to Engineering............ 3cr.
- PHYSICS 170: University Physics I............ 3cr.
- PHYSICS 171: Exploration in Physics I............ 1cr.
- MATHEMATICS 170: Calculus I............ 4cr.
- CORE 100, First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- CORE 101, GOA............ 0cr.
- Second Language 103 level............ 3cr.
Spring
- PHYSICS 172: University Physics II............ 3cr.
- ENGR 173: Explorations in Engineering or PHYS 173............ 3cr.
- MATHEMATICS 171: Calculus II............ 4cr.
- THEOLOGY 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- CORE 102, GOA............ 0cr.
- Second Language 201 level............ 3cr.
Fall
- PHYSICS 242: Circuit Analysis I............ 3cr.
- PHYSICS 243: Circuit Analysis I Lab............ 1cr.
- PHYSICS 330: Modern Physics I............ 3cr.
- PHYSICS 331: Modern Physics I Lab............ 2cr.
- MATHEMATICS 220: Calculus III............ 4cr.
- ENGL 101: Composition............ 3cr.
Spring
- PHYS 355: Advanced Lab............ 3cr.
- ENGR 244, Electronics............ 3cr.
- ENGR 244, Electronics Lab............ 1cr.
- ENGR 180: Intro to Mathlab............ 1cr.
- MATHEMATICS 230: Differential Equations............ 3cr.
- PHILOSOPHY 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy............ 3cr.
Fall
- PHYSICS 360: Electromagnetism I............ 3cr.
- MATH Elective............ 3cr.
- ENGR 370: Fluid mechanics............ 3cr.
- Lit. & Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspective elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- PHYSICS 364: Physical Optics............ 3cr.
- PHYSICS 365: Physical Optics Lab............ 1cr.
- PHYSICS 350: Theoretical Mechanics............ 3cr.
- PHYSICS 382: Thermodynamics............ 3cr.
- Program Elective............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- PHYSICS 376: Quantum Mechanics I............ 3cr.
- PHYSICS 395: Physics Research............ 1cr.
- PProgram Elective............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspectives elective............ 3cr.
- Social Sciences Elective............ 3cr.
- Div. Flag* or Free Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- ENGR 342 - Material Science............ 3cr.
- PHYSICS 398: Physics Thesis............ 1cr.
- Program Elective............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- ER/S Flag* or Free Elective (if needed)............ 3cr.
Physics Courses
Sample courses within the physics major curriculum:
- Physics I (PHYS 170)- This calculus-based course explores fundamental concepts in mechanics, including: kinematics, force analysis, conservation of energy and conservation of momentum. Strong emphasis is placed on the application of these concepts toward problem solving. Students taking this course are expected to be proficient in basic trigonometry and algebra.
- Explorations in Physics I (PHYS 171) - This lab course is a a direct, hands on exploration of forces and motion. Emphasis is placed on data acquisition and analysis, experimental design, proper notebook techniques and effective presentation of results.
- Modern Physics I (PHYS 330) - This course explores how the experiments of the late 19th and early 20th century revolutionized our understanding of nature, and presents the basic principles of the two theories that emerged as a result- special relativity and quantum physics. The application of quantum theory toward an understanding of hydrogen-like atoms is presented.
- Modern Physics I Lab (PHYS 331) - This lab course reinforces concepts from PHYS 330 through the performance of several classic experiments of the late 19th and early 20th century such as the photoelectric effect, ejm for electrons and the muon experiment. Students also learn techniques for obtaining atomic and X-ray spectra. The course emphasizes data and error analysis using computer software, proper notebook techniques and effective presentation of results.
- Astrophysics (PHYS 388) - This advanced course focuses on the practical application of classical and modern physics principles to explore astronomical phenomena. Students delve into topics such as orbital mechanics, stellar birth and progression, compact celestial bodies, the structure and emergence of galaxies, and the study of the universe's origins and development.
- Introduction to Fabrication- (ENGR 101) This course introduces students to a variety of traditional and modern tools and techniques for making physical objects. Students will develop a basic understanding of health and safety in a workshop environment and will develop an understanding of how to use these tools and techniques.
Physics Careers
99% of Xavier students, including those in the physics major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2022). Additionally, Xavier students have an 86% acceptance rate to medical schools (5-year average, Class of 2022), compared to 40% nationally. Explore Xavier's Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.
Career Opportunities: Design Engineer, Materials Engineer, Process Engineer, Physicist, Research Analyst, Research Scientist, Science Teacher/Professor, Web Developer
Career Opportunities for Physics Majors
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshop series on interviewing and resume writing techniques and maintaining an educational, vocational and employer information resource center. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for positions in business and industry.
Student Clubs
- Physics Club- Students in the Physics Club organize trips to national labs, host cool experiment series and events that connect to physics, like ice skating (friction!) and water balloon launches.
- Alchemyst Club- Ever been to a liquid nitrogen ice cream social? This club is made up of chemistry enthusiasts who love to experiment and discuss the ins and outs of the study of matter.
- Computer Science Club- Members of this club are computer science enthusiasts who collaborate to create innovative projects. Members strive to explore emerging areas of computer science while offering resources for individual development.
- Minorities in STEM Succeeding Together- Become part of a supportive community dedicated to empowering minority STEM majors. Discover a space where you can thrive, connect with peers and build confidence in your identity while pursuing excellence in STEM.
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Gain Expertise in a Physics Program Focused on Research
There are numerous opportunities for undergraduate research at Xavier, allowing you to dive deeper into topics that interest you within the field of physics. Whether you're exploring cutting-edge technologies or solving practical problems, research experiences will enrich your education and prepare you for future endeavors. You'll also have the opportunity to work alongside faculty in carrying out research in their labs.
Learn in Dedicated Physics Facilities and Laboratories
The Lindner Family Physics Building houses a variety of facilities for you to carry out research and other experiential learning opportunities. Students carry out experiments including probing inside the atom with X-ray fluorescence; discovering surface textures with an atomic force microscope and more. Outside of class, students observe the planets and stars using the department's astronomical observatory.
High Medical School Acceptance Rate
Many students in the physics major go on to study in veterinary, medical and dental school. Xavier students have a 92% acceptance rate to medical schools (Class of 2019), compared to 40% nationally. Our pre-health advising program helps students reach their goal of getting into medical school.
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Physics Major at Xavier University
The Physics program at Xavier provides a close interaction between faculty and students. Research laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and all principal faculty members are active researchers. In short, Physics at Xavier offers: A strong community that encourages team work, active research laboratories that offer undergraduate research opportunities and physics in a liberal arts setting which strengthens logical and communicative skills.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."