BS in Applied Physics (Pre-Med Program)
Physics is the fundamental language of the universe, and applied physics is your key to unlocking its potential. Our Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics equips you to tackle the cutting-edge challenges of science and technology.
This program goes beyond theory, focusing on the practical application of physical principles. You’ll develop the skills to bridge the gap between physics and other in-demand fields like medicine, engineering, astronomy, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
What Will I Learn?
Your physics education at LAU will equip you with a well-rounded skillset for scientific exploration. Through problem-based learning, you’ll develop critical thinking skills, alongside the ability to communicate scientific information effectively, both orally and in writing. Your coursework and senior research project will further solidify your foundation by providing hands-on experience in research methodology, data analysis, and interpretation.
LAU prioritizes a student-centered approach, with physics classes designed to foster active and experiential learning. By utilizing the latest technology and lab equipment, you’ll delve into core undergraduate physics courses such as classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, modern physics, optics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, solid-state physics, and much more. This comprehensive curriculum prepares you for careers in teaching, research, and industry, while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Your Career
A Bachelor’s degree in Physics provides a strong foundation for a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can choose to continue their education by pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D., allowing them to specialize and expand their expertise in physics or related fields. For those interested in healthcare, a pre-med physics track offers a pathway into medicine.
In industry, physics opens doors to innovative fields such as sustainable energy, nanotechnology, and materials science, as well as established sectors like petroleum and electronics. Graduates with a passion for education can inspire the next generation by teaching physics at the high school level or beyond.
The analytical and problem-solving skills developed through a physics degree also translate into impactful roles in shaping science and energy policies. Additionally, these skills can be applied in the legal realm, particularly in intellectual property and patent law. A physics degree is not just an academic achievement but a launchpad to an array of exciting career possibilities.
Curriculum
A total of 94 credits are required to graduate, distributed as follows:
- Physics Requirements (34 credits)
- Mathematics Requirements (12 credits)
- Chemistry Requirement (3 credits)
- Computer Science Requirement (3 credits)
- Elective Courses (minimum 15 credits with at least 6 credits PHY)
- A total of 27 post-Freshman credits of Liberal Arts and Sciences is required as follows:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Core Curriculum (6 credits): ENG202 and COM203
- Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Change Makers Courses (6 credits)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Digital Cultures Courses (3 credits)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Electives (12 credits: Arts and Humanities: 3 credits, Free Liberal Arts Elective Courses: 9 credits)
Physics Core Requirements (34 credits)
Number | Course | Cr |
---|---|---|
PHY201 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
PHY201B | Electricity and Magnetism lab | 1 |
PHY202 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
PHY203 | Classical Mechanics Lab | 1 |
PHY304 | Mathematical Meth. for Physicists | 3 |
PHY307 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
PHY308 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
PHY309 | Advanced Physics Lab I | 1 |
PHY321 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
PHY322 | Advanced Physics lab II | 1 |
PHY402 | Solid State Physics | 3 |
PHY405 | Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
PHY413 | Optics and Waves | 3 |
PHY499R | Undergraduate Research | 3 |
Mathematics Core Requirements (12 credits)
Number | Course | Cr |
---|---|---|
MTH201 | Calculus III | 3 |
MTH206 | Calculus IV | 3 |
MTH301 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
Choose minimum of 3 credits from:
Number | Course | Cr |
---|---|---|
MTH303 | Numerical Methods | 3 |
MTH305 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
Chemistry Core Requirements (3 credits)
Number | Course | Cr |
---|---|---|
CHM201 | Chemical Principles | 3 |
Computer Science Core Requirements (3 credits)
Choose minimum of 3 credits from:
Number | Course | Cr |
---|---|---|
BIF244 | Intro. to Script Programming | 3 |
CSC243 | Intro. to Obj. Oriented Programming | 3 |
Elective Requirements – 15 credits (at least 6 cr. must be PHY courses)
Number | Course | Cr |
---|---|---|
PHY311* | Organic Materials I | 3 |
PHY312* | Organic Materials II | 3 |
PHY323 | Introduction to Astrophysics | 3 |
PHY324 | Nuclear Physics | 3 |
PHY325 | Particle Physics | 3 |
PHY326 | Computational Physics | 3 |
PHY404 | Fluids Mechanics | 3 |
PHY424 | Intro to Nanotechnology | 3 |
PHY450* | Medical Imaging & Instr. | 3 |
PHY480 | Topics in Physics | 3 |
MTH306 | Non-Linear Dynamics Chaos | 3 |
MTH400 | Advanced Linear Algebra | 3 |
MTH498 | Topics in Mathematics | 3 |
CSC245 | Objects and Data Abstraction | 3 |
ELE201 | Electrical Circuits I | 3 |
ELE302 | Electrical Circuits II | 3 |
ELE303 | Electric Circuits II Lab | 1 |
ELE401 | Electronics I | 3 |
ELE402 | Electronics Lab | 1 |
CHM301* | Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
CHM313* | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
CHM314* | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
CHM421 | Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 |
CHM422 | Inorganic Chemistry II | 3 |
CHM423 | Synth. & Iden. of Inorg. Comp. | 2 |
CHM425 | Computational Chemistry | 2 |
CHM424 | Synth. and Iden. of Nanomaterials | 2 |
BIO201* | General Biology I | 3 |
BIO201B* | General Biology I Lab | 1 |
BIO202* | General Biology II | 3 |
BIO202B* | General Biology II lab | 1 |
BIO321* | Genetics | 3 |
BCH301* | Introduction to Biochemistry | 4 |
*Recommended for premed students