Physics
Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in physics equips you with a strong balance of classroom learning, laboratory experience, and hands-on research involvement. Special grant funding and faculty collaborations allow you to take part in robust and unique research opportunities including near-space research, electron microscopy, digital electronics and solar telescope engagement.
Program Benefits
- Benefit from our small professor-to-student ratio which allows for tailored and interactive instruction from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
- Take advantage of incredible internships and job opportunities available in the exciting Nashville market.
- Participate in exciting and unique research opportunities using state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
What to Expect
Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in physics program combines an academically rigorous liberal arts foundation with a strong foundation in physics. Coursework can be tailored to match your goals and passions, and small class sizes allow you to engage on a deeper level with your professors, classmates, content, projects and research.
You’ll work closely with dedicated faculty who actively collaborate with other universities and corporations to expand your scope of learning and provide valuable network contacts. The unique research opportunities at Trevecca include, but are not limited to, near-space research, electron microscopy, digital electronics and solar telescope engagement.
For the past four years Trevecca has collaborated with Neocera and the University of Maryland on a federally funded project. This magnetic imaging research program provides you the opportunity to work with a SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) to help develop new circuit analysis tools for the semiconductor industry.
Our physics faculty have also been awarded corporate and government funding to support our near-space research program which launches high-altitude balloons to over 120,000 feet and tracks them with our custom-designed GPS tracking and telemetry systems. As part of this program, you can design and conduct experiences, develop electronics and software and participate in launch, tracking and recovery.
Why Choose Trevecca?
Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.
Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.
As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your physics degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you, your faith and your goals.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
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Financial Aid & Costs
Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.
Career Opportunities
With your degree from Trevecca, you’ll be well-prepared to enter any number of fields from astronomy to healthcare to engineering, energy or technology. Your degree positions you to continue on to graduate studies or to pursue roles such as:
- Astronomer
- Research scientist/analyst
- Patent agent
- Data scientist
- Computational scientist
- Engineer
- Solar physicist
- Health physicist
- Aerospace systems engineer
"I'd say students should choose Trevecca to study physics because of the one-on one time with professors that a school like Trevecca can offer. Whether it's time spent answering questions or opportunities outside the classroom learning to use sophisticated equipment like the SQUID microscope or participating in the high altitude balloon launches, there are many opportunities for students to get involved and get direction and guidance from their professors that students at larger universities may not have. I also felt that a physics education at Trevecca more than prepared me for the next step of graduate school."
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*
General Chemistry I
CHE 1040
The first course in a one-year sequence for students planning further work in chemistry. Topics discussed include atomic structure, periodic relationships, bonding, molecular structure, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, solids, liquids, and gases. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
General Physics I
PHY 2110
General Physics II
PHY 2120
Engineering Programming I
EEC 2150
An introduction to programming and software development for engineering, mathematical, and scientific applications. The basics of LabVIEW, MATLAB, and C/C++ will be introduced, and these programming environments will be used to solve problems, conduct experiments, and perform measurements. Topics include data types, functions, conditional statements, loops, structures, arrays, strings, file I/O, data visualization, and finite state machines.
Mathematical Methods for Physical Science and Engineering
PHY 2550/MAT 2550
Designed to give accelerated access to upper level physical science courses by providing, in one semester, the essential background in mathematical methods. Course content may include multivariable calculus, linear algebra, complex functions, vector calculus, differential equations, and special functions. Lecture.
Modern Physics
PHY 3140
A course that explores some of the concepts that revolutionized physics in the early 20th century. Topics include relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic phenomena, and spectroscopy. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Junior Seminar in Biology/Chemistry/Physics
PHY 3335/BIO 3335/ CHE 3335
Requires students to participate in professional development activities designed to prepare them to apply for summer research/externship positions, graduate school, medical programs, and/or jobs in scientific or technical fields. In addition, students will explore the integration of faith with their desired profession.
Senior Seminar in Biology/Chemistry/Physics
PHY 4335/BIO 4335/CHE 4335
Culminating seminar for biology majors and an opportunity to engage in the preparation of a literature review, present scientific data in the form of oral and poster presentations, and demonstrate content knowledge by means of an external assessment. In addition, students will draw upon their experience within the program of study to articulate the relationship between faith and science.
Electromagnetics I
PHY 3200/EEC 3200
This course covers applied electrostatics and electrodynamics. Topics include boundary value problems, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves. Static fields and waves will be analyzed under various boundary conditions in vacuum and in linear media.
Intermediate Mechanics
PHY 3300
A study of the states of systems of particles and of rigid bodies using Newton's Laws and conservation principles. Covering topics such as kinematics and dynamics of system particles, rotation proportions of rigid bodies, and motion under a central force. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Thermodynamics
PHY 4010
A study of the first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics, phase equilibria, and reaction equilibria. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Calculus I
MAT 1510
A study of Cartesian and polar coordinates, parametric equations, vectors and vector-valued functions in 2 and 3 dimensions, limits, differentiation of functions with applications, integration of functions with applications, Taylor polynomials, and series. It is strongly recommended that students take PHY 2110 and PHY 2120 concurrently with MAT 1510 and MAT 1520, respectively.
Calculus II
MAT 1520
A study of Cartesian and polar coordinates, parametric equations, vectors and vector-valued functions in 2 and 3 dimensions, limits, differentiation of functions with applications, integration of functions with applications, Taylor polynomials, and series. It is strongly recommended that students take PHY 2110 and PHY 2120 concurrently with MAT 1510 and MAT 1520, respectively.
Calculus III
MAT 2510
A study of partial derivatives and multiple integrals and additional topics in vector-valued functions.
Electromagnetics II
PHY 4200/EEC 4200
This course covers electromagnetic wave propagation in free space and in dielectrics under various boundary and source conditions. Topics include Maxwell’s equations for time-varying fields, reflection and transmission, waveguides, radiation and antennas.
Quantum Mechanics
PHY 4400
An introduction to the foundations and applications of quantum mechanics. Topics include solutions to the time-independent Schrodinger equation, the Dirac formalism, the hydrogen atom, angular momentum and perturbation theory.
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
Digital Logic I
PHY 2030/EEC 2030/ITI 2030
Circuits I
PHY 2500/EEC 2500
Elements of AC/DC circuits with semiconductor devices as applied to computing and other systems. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
Projects in Physics or Engineering I
PHY 2560
During the first course in the research sequence, students will develop a research or design project in their area of interest. Activities may include conducting a literature review, designing a preliminary experiment or prototype, constructing apparatus, collecting data, and performing data analysis. A research or design project proposal will be developed which can be used to fulfill the requirements for the second course in the research sequence. May be repeated for credit.
Faculty-Led Academic Research Experiences (FLARE)
PHY 3333
Intensive participation as a team member in the completion of a scholarly research or creative project. A faculty member will lead each project and will mentor students throughout the project. Enrollment is limited; application is required, and students are selected by the faculty member leading the project. For more information, see the Quality Enhancement Plan section of the Catalog.
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
Special Projects in Physics
PHY 4330
Open to science majors and minors with advanced standing. Individual study in a chosen field under the supervision of a faculty member in Physics. Non-majors may take course by special permission.
Research Projects in Physics II
PHY 4340
During this second course in the research sequence, students will conduct experimental or theoretical research in a topic of their choice. A detailed research proposal and permission of the instructor is required as a prerequisite for this course. May be repeated for credit.
Senior Design Project
PHY 4350
An independent or team-based project using the skills and knowledge learned throughout the first three years of study in the physics or applied physics programs. Designs will be documented, implemented, and tested. Emphasis will be placed on project planning, resource allocation, and recovery from unexpected challenges. A detailed design proposal and permission of the instructor is required as a prerequisite for this course. May be repeated for credit.
Career Internship in Physics
PHY 4510
Work in off-campus physics lab under faculty supervision. Recommended for students planning a career in science. Maximum 6 hrs. Graded S/U.
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
Differential Equations
MAT 3020
An introduction to ordinary differential equations, including linear and nonlinear equations with applications, power series solutions, and Laplace transforms.
Linear and Matrix Algebra
MAT 3090
Linear equations, vector operations, matrices, determinants, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, singular values and singular vectors, canonical forms, polynomial functions of matrices, vector spaces, and related topics.
General Education — 42 or 43 hour
General Electives — 15-16 hours
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.
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