Like all fields of endeavor in today’s technology-driven world, physics relies more and more on computers. As research scientists, physicists use computers for data collection and manipulation, while a growing area of application is computational physics, which includes electronic structure calculation, statistical physics, atomic theory, and computer simulation of physical phenomena.
Individuals with a sound foundation in both physics and computer science can pursue a wide variety of careers in these exciting and competitive fields.
Get Started
Contact Lawrence Tech's Office of Admissions at 800.CALL.LTU, or admissions@ltu.edu.
For additional information about the physics and computer science program, contact Dr. Changgong (Joe) Zhou at 248.204.3657 or Dr. Jeffery Morrissette at 248.204.3603, or send an email to nschair@ltu.edu.
The physics laboratories at Lawrence Tech are housed on the second floor, near the offices of chemistry faculty members. The university supports two major teaching laboratories:
- College/University 1 Physics, Technical Physics, Masters of Science Education, Science 203
- College/University 2 Physics, Technical 2 Physics, Masters of Science Education, Science 211
Computer Use
All undergraduates at Lawrence Tech are provided with their own laptops, packed with the specialized software they will need in their education. Introductory chemistry laboratories are fully computerized, as are many of those in more advanced courses. Many of the instruments listed below include dedicated computers that drive them and analyze the output. Others interface directly with student laptops.
Offering extensive course work in contemporary physics, math, and computer science, the Bachelor of Science in Physics and Computer Science program at Lawrence Technological University focuses on the use of computers and sensor technology to tackle real-world problems and find creative solutions. This unique program allows you to combine your interests in the natural world and computers by giving you strong preparation in both disciplines, a grasp of the overlap between them, and knowledge of computer applications in a scientific environment.
Extensive laboratory work combined with the depth of the curriculum can prepare you for immediate entry into industry, scientific study, research and development, or graduate school. The program provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced study in physics, computer science, computer engineering, law, or medicine.
Lawrence Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Physics and Computer Science program incorporates computer technology throughout the range of courses and state-of-the-art computerized labs allow analysis of data gathered with interfaced sensors. Electives in lasers and holography, nuclear physics, biomedical engineering, geophysics, health physics and nuclear medicine, science education, patent law, and astronomy allow you to further pursue your individual interests.
As a student in the physics and computer science program, you will be given ample opportunities for hands-on experiences. You can choose to participate in internships at such well-known national facilities as the Argonne, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Fermilab, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
In addition, you will complete an individualized research project during your senior year. Throughout your university experience, you will work with an outstanding faculty dedicated to your success, who will give you the one-on-one advising and encouragement needed to help you reach your individual goals.
The University’s signature “theory and practice” approach enables you to understand how the real world works, and the program’s emphasis on critical thinking, logic, and problem-solving skills provides the competitive edge you need to stay at the forefront of any fast-moving field.
Bachelor of Science in Physics + Computer Science Flowchart PDF
Your 127-credit-hour program consists of:
| Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| COM 1001 | Pathways to Research Careers | 1 |
| COM 1103 | College Composition (Placement) | 3 |
| CHM 1213 | University Chemistry 1 (Placement) | 3 |
| CHM 1221 | University Chemistry 1 Lab | 1 |
| MCS 1414 | Calculus 1 (Placement) | 4 |
| MCS 1514 | Computer Science 1 | 4 |
| PSC 1161 | Physical Science Seminar | 1 |
| TOTAL | 17 | |
*These courses are offered every two years. An individual plan of work will be developed in consultation with the student's advisor.
For more information or to speak with an advisor, contact the Department of Natural Sciences at 248.204.3600, email nschair@ltu.edu, or visit room 5322 in the Science Building.
Graduates with a degree in Physics + Computer Science have many career options:
Acoustics
Applied scientific computing
Advanced devices
Computational physics
Geophysics/seismology
Health physics/nuclear medicine
Lasers/holograms
Meteorology/weather science
Optical science
Patent law
Research and development
Science education
Sensor technology
Space science/astronomy