Sequence at a Glance - Computer Physics

The program provides a firm foundation in physics and a well-structured sequence of computational courses, including a project-oriented, team-taught course, "Advanced Computational Physics", and a research experience course, "Computational Research in Physics".

Our classes are small, allowing ample opportunity for individualized attention. All courses are taught by professors, who are committed to undergraduate education.

Courses Taken By Computer Physics Majors

A brief description of each course is provided in the Illinois State University catalog.

Basic Physics Courses

Intermediate and Advanced Physics Courses

Computational Courses

Advanced Physics Electives

We offer a variety of electives including two computationally oriented courses: Molecular Dynamics and Nonlinear Science, as well as traditional advanced courses in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, electronics, mathematical physics, optical physics, and solid state physics.

 

Sample Sequence

Fall Year 1

Course Title Hours
MAT 45 Calculus I 4
PHY 107 Frontiers in Physics
PHY 110 Physics I
Gen Ed 6

Spring Year 1

Course Title Hours
MAT 146 Calculus II 4
PHY 111 Physics II
ITK 165 Scientific Programming
Gen Ed 3

Fall Year 2

Course Title Hours
MAT 147 Calculus III 4
PHY 112 Physics III
Gen Ed/Minor 1xx 9

Spring Year 2

Course Title Hours
MAT 175 Linear Algebra 4
PHY 217 Methods of Theoretical. Physics
Gen Ed/Minor 1xx 9

Fall Year 3

Course Title Hours
MAT 340 Differential Equations I
PHY 220 Mechanics I
PHY 240 E&M I
ITk 254 Hardware/Software Concepts 3
Gen Ed/Minor 2xx 3

Spring Year 3

Course Title Hours
PHY 270 Experimental Physics
PHY 318 Methods of Computational Physics
PHY 284 Quantam Physics I
Gen Ed/Minor 2xx 6

Fall Year 4

Course Title Hours
PHY 325 Thermal Physics
PHY 388 Advanced Computational Physics
PHY 380.03 Nonlinear Science
ITK 275 C Programming
Gen Ed/Minor 2xx 3

Spring Year 4

Course Title Hours
PHY 380.02 Molecular Dynamics Simulation
PHY 384 Quantam Physics II
PHY 320 Mechanics II
PHY 390 Computational Research
Gen Ed/Minor 2xx 3