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.
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. William Madden at 248.204.3606 or Dr. Anthony Sky 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 2017 - 18 PDF
Your 127-credit-hour program consists of:
First Semester
| Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| COM 1001 | University Seminar | 1 |
| COM 1103 | English Composition | 3 |
| CHM 1213 | University Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHM 1221 | University Chemistry 1 Lab | 1 |
| MCS 1414 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MCS 1514 | Computer Science 1 | 4 |
| PSC 1161 | Physical Science Seminar | 1 |
| TOTAL | 17 | |
Second Semester
| Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| CHM 1223 | University Chemistry 2 | 3 |
| CHM 1232 | University Chemistry 2 Lab | 2 |
| PHY 1213 | Astronomy | 3 |
| PHY 1221 | Astronomy Lab | 1 |
| MCS 1424 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MCS 2514 | Computer Science 2 | 4 |
| TOTAL | 17 |
First Semester
| Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 2413 | University Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 2421 | University Physics 1 Lab | 1 |
| MCS 2414 | Calculus 3 | 4 |
| MCS 2523 | Discrete Math | 3 |
| SSC 2413 | Foundations of American Experience | 3 |
| LDR 2001 | Leadership Models and Practices | 1 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
Second Semester
| Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 2423 | University Physics 2 | 3 |
| PHY 2421 | University Physics 2 Lab | 1 |
| MCS 2423 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MCS 2534 | Data Structures | 4 |
| LLT 1213 | World Masterpieces 1 | 3 |
| SSC 2423 | Development of American Experience | 3 |
| TOTAL | 17 |
First Semester (Example)
| Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 3653 | Contemporary Physics | 3 |
| PHY 3661 | Contemporary Physics Lab | 1 |
| MCS 3723 | Advanced Calculus | 3 |
| MCS 3863 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| LLT 1223 | World Masterpieces 2 | 3 |
| COM 2103 | Technical and Prof. Communication | 3 |
| LDR 3000 | Leadership Seminar Series | 0 |
| TOTAL | 16 |
Second Semester (Example)
| Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 3574 (EEE 3414) | Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| PHY 4724* | Quantum Mechanics* | 4 |
| PSC 3001 | Intro. to Projects in Science | 1 |
| MCS 3403 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| SSC/PSY XXX3 | Elective | 3 |
| COM 3000 | Writing Proficiency Exam | 0 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
First Semester (Example)
| Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 3414* | Analytical Mechanics* | 4 |
| PHY 4912 | Senior Project 1 | 2 |
| MCS 4813 | Numerical Analysis 1 | 3 |
| MCS 3XX3/4XX3 | Junior/Senior Elective | 3 |
| SSC/PSY 3XX3/4XX3 | Junior/Senior Elective | 3 |
| LDR 4000 | Leadership Capstone | 0 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
Second Semester (Example)
| Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 4843* | Condensed Matter Physics* | 3 |
| PHY 4743* | Optics, Lasers, and Microscopy* | 3 |
| PHY 4781* | Optics, Lasers, and Microscopy Lab* | 1 |
| PHY 4922 | Senior Project 2 | 2 |
| MCS 3532 | Math Modeling | 3 |
| LLT 3XX3/4XX3 | Junior/Senior Elective | 3 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
*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.
CAREERS
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