Physics

We believe that the best place to take your degree in physics is at a liberal arts college. The reason is simple enough: You'll get a background in physics that will provide the opportunity to go on to graduate school in physics or engineering, or to get a good job, but you will also get a background in the liberal arts that will allow you to move from the laboratory to the boardroom. You will also get the tools to take you through walks of life that a narrowly focused program won't allow. At MCLA you'll be introduced to both sides of the liberal arts experience - the sciences and the humanities.

A typical (more or less) sequence of courses might look like the matrix below - not all programs require all the courses listed. Click on the links under each year to check out the Details for each program. Other programs, such as Robotic Arts, 3-2 Engineering and Student Research opportunities will also modify the outline given below. One can also "mix and match" courses to meet individual interests.

Your First (Freshman) Year

If you've chosen physics as your major at MCLA (or if you are thinking about it) this page will help you get comfortable with what's ahead.
First, do you really want to study physics? On the one hand it's a demanding subject, on the other it offers great rewards, both personal and professional. It also offers an entry path to other disciplines: engineering, medicine, law and a host of others.

What do you need coming in? Mostly, other than the usual virtues of commitment and work ethic, is a liking for science and math. As a minimum, you should be comfortable with algebra and trigonometry, and maybe have a calculus course or two under your belt. Backgrounds of individual students vary widely: Some need a pre-calculus warm-up course, others jump into calculus III. Of course, if you've been treated to a good physics course that's a plus too.

Your Second (Sophomore) Year

In your second year you will complete the Introductory Physics sequence and continue to build a strong math background. These courses provide the skills that are necessary foundations for the advanced courses that lie ahead. This year also allows for some electives that you can use to add direction to your studies. If you plan to take your BS or BA degree, or take advantage of the 3-2 Engineering program, the basic physics and math courses are unchanged. If you are thinking about going into an engineering field, either through the 3-2 program or directly from MCLA into graduate school, the Introduction to Engineering course should be of interest (if you haven't taken it already). This is also a good time (actually, a critical time) to be sure your Core requirements are being covered. Again, your advisor will be able to help you navigate these troubled waters. If you already have, or intend to become involved in the Robotic Arts program, this is also a good time to look into a computer programming course (most of our robotics code is written in Java).

Your Third (Junior) Year

As you enter your Junior year, you have already been exposed to most of the fundamental fields of physics - mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetics, modern physics, and several of their sub-fields. At the same time you have gained a considerable level of what we like to call "mathematical maturity". You have also gained some experience in experimental techniques. All of this will be put to good use. Whether you plan to take your BA degree or your BS degree, the skills you have accumulated will be put to good use.

The course structure in your junior year is driven by your choice of which program to pursue, the BA or the BS, and other choices determined by your interests. Some options are shown below:

The Bachelor of Science Track
This path prepares you for entrance into graduate school in physics or engineering, or for a career in technical industry.

• Mechanics I & II - You will re-visit mechanics with far more powerful tools placed at your disposal.
• Modern Physics I & II - Atomic and nuclear physics, and an introdiction to quantum mechanics.
• Methods of Experimental Physics I & II - You'll learn about (and work on) vacuum systems, lasers and electronics in the first semester. In the second semester you will pick a research topic from one of several areas, including robotics.
• Mathematical Physics I & II - Here you will develop advanced skills in mathematics, including vector calculus, complex variables and partial differential equations.

The Bachelor of Arts Track
This path is for 3-2 engineering candidates, teaching careers, and those who seek a physics background as a stepping stone to a broad career spectrum.

• Mechanics I
• Modern Physics I & II
• Methods of Experimental Physics I - The first of two courses in experimental physics.
• Electives talored to your individual needs, including robotics and dual major/minor options.

Your Fourth (Senior) Year

Your senior year allows several options. For the BS program these are, actually, quite limited. Those in the BS track will need a well structured sequence of courses in order to prepare for the rigors of graduate school or the high expectations of industry. The senior Advanced Physics Lab courses do offer an opportunity to explore personal interests, perhaps in robotics, lasers, electronics or theoretical studies. As a BA candidate, course selections are guided by diverse interests. If, for example, you chose the 3-2 Engineering track, you aren't at MCLA - you're off to a participating engineering school! If you expect to become a teacher, there are education requirements to be met. Typical course listings are shown below.

The Bachelor of Science Track
This track continues to prepare you for entrance into graduate school or technical industry.

• Electricity and Magnetism I & II - Electromagnetic field theory will bring you the beauty of Maxwell's equations and new mathematical tools.
• Statistical Physics (fall) and Physics Seminar (spring).
• Advanced Physics Lab I & II - Expand on your Junior year's lab work, or turn to other interests.
• Quantum Mechanics I & II - Learn the physics that changed the course of science in the 20th century, and is the foundation of much of today's research.

The Bachelor of Arts Track
In your final year you prepare for broader career options in teaching or private industry, or to enter graduate school in a broad selection of professional or business programs.

• Electricity and Magnetism I.
• Advanced Physics I - The second experimatal physics course.
• Electives talored to your individual needs, including robotics and dual major/minor options.