Department/Program:
Physics
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics is designed for those students who want a solid physics education with a broad liberal arts background and will be pursuing further education or employment in fields other than physics or engineering. The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics is designed for those students pursuing employment or further education in physics or engineering.
Department Learning Outcomes
Majors will be able to:
- Explain fundamental concepts, theories, and models of classical and modern physics.
- Apply physics principles and models to real-world problem.
- Solve real-world problems by applying appropriate mathematical and computer analysis.
- Exhibit experimental skills:
- conduct semi-independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor;
- make careful physical measurements using a range of laboratory tools and record them appropriately;
- analyze experimental data and meaningfully interpret results;
- identify uncertainties in measured quantities, and quantify and interpret the uncertainty of derived results;
- apply appropriate computer software for organization, analysis, and visualization of experimental data.
- Exhibit scientific literacy and communication skills:
- critically review a published scientific report;
- effectively communicate physical arguments, in written, oral, and dialogic formats, incorporating clear purpose and appropriate context, organized structure, and supported conclusions.
Dual-Degree Engineering Program
The Dual-Degree Program is a cooperative academic program between Nebraska Wesleyan University and the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Washington University in St. Louis; and the College of Engineering and Technology at the University of Nebraska. The Dual-Degree Program enables a student to devote three years to the study of sciences and liberal arts at Nebraska Wesleyan before transferring to one of these schools for two years of engineering studies. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree from Nebraska Wesleyan and the appropriate engineering bachelor’s degree from Washington University or the University of Nebraska.
The Dual-Degree Program is designed to give the student the best of both liberal arts and engineering and to provide the practicing engineer with a background in the humanities and social sciences. The program encourages engineers to be aware of the changing values and priorities of society, and to be concerned about the effects of science and technology upon the environment and the quality of life.
Engineering fields of study include the following:
Washington University
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- System Science and Engineering
University of Nebraska
- Agricultural Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Biological Systems Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Construction Engineering
- Construction Management
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Software Engineering
Other information
In addition to the regular course offerings, the department provides opportunities to participate in research projects on an individual basis. These projects may be of a theoretical or experimental nature. The department is especially well equipped in digital electronics, x-ray fluorescence and nuclear spectroscopy, astrophysics and planetary science, and radiation protection.
Courses numbered below 1600 are suitable for students who are not natural science majors. They may not be counted toward a major or minor in physics.