Physics - California State University - Northridge

Physics from California State University - Northridge is a Campus Bachelor Physics degree that prepares you for a Science career. The Physics and Astrophysics Majors Quarks, black holes, and chaotic systems?discoveries like these make front-page news as physicists continue to learn about the universe's fundamental structure. Studying how matter and energy behave, beginning physics majors and senior physicists alike find challenges and excitement in solving problems and discovering new concepts. Physicists in business and industry work with revolutionary technology such as lasers, superconductors, and modern electronic and optical devices. Jobs in these fields are often in high demand and pay well. Perhaps the most fundamental of all sciences, physics provides a background for understanding other scientific disciplines as well as many aspects of everyday life. Physics principles are crucial to such diverse applications as home electrical wiring, the motion of a rocket or skydiver, solar energy, and an echocardiogram of the human heart. Thus, understanding physics helps us make sense of our world. Careers Many students go on to advanced degrees in physics or related fields. The department's majors have been accepted by the nation's best graduate schools, such as Cornell, Stanford, Caltech, and Berkeley. Other students go to work immediately. Graduates fill a variety of scientific and technical positions in business and industry, including research scientist, technical staff member or manager, technical salesperson, or business owner. Others teach in high schools, community colleges, or universities; some become medical physicists or physicians. Department Programs The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers two undergraduate degrees. The undergraduate degree programs are: the B.S. degree in Physics (with two options) and the B.A. degree in Physics . The B.S. Program in Physics is designed for students who desire to 1) pursue a career in physics-related research and development either in industry or government or 2) prepare for graduate work in physics or related subjects. The B.S. program in Physics has two options: Option I ?Physics and Option II ? Astrophysics. Option I is a balanced program in experimental and theoretical physics . This option can be specialized towards applications in engineering or a more mathematical approach to theoretical physics. This is accomplished by the appropriate choice of the elective courses via consultation with the department undergraduate advisor. Option II specializes in applications of physics to astrophysical problems and may be tailored to be more experimental or theoretical in nature. The B.A. Program in Physics is designed for students seeking a broad foundation in Physics as part of a liberal education in the arts and sciences. It is particularly appropriate for those students 1) seeking a secondary teaching career, or 2) planning to combine physics with other disciplines such as music, law, and business. Student Learning Outcomes of the Undergraduate Program Students earning a bachelor degree in the Department of Physics and Astronomy should: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of physical principles used to model natural phenomena. 2. Demonstrate ability to convey physical concepts with mathematical expressions, and effectively derive quantitative predictions from a model through mathematical analysis. 3. Demonstrate understanding of scientific methodology, including: 4. a. data collection from observations, setting up laboratory experiments and data collection from experiments, 5. b. analysis of data, 6. c. testing of a model or hypothesis by comparing with data. 7. Demonstrate competency in using computer tools, including: 8. a. use of software programs for data analysis and presentation, 9. b. numerical analysis, 10. c. computer simulations. 11. Demonstrate special knowledge of their subprogram. 12. Communicate clearly and articulately physical concepts, findings, and interpretations in oral presentations. 13. Acquire ability to write clear, organized and illustrated technical reports with proper references to previous work in the area. View more details on California State University - Northridge, CA . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Physics courses.