The laws of physics govern the universe from the formation of stars
and galaxies to the processes in the Earth's atmosphere that determine
our climate, to the elementary particles and their interactions that
hold together atomic nuclei. Physics also drives many
rapidly-advancing technologies such as information technology,
telecommunication, microelectronics and medical technology including
MRI imaging and laser surgery.
The physics program at Stevens combines classroom instruction with
hands-on research experience in one of several state-of-the-art
research laboratories (Photonics Science and Technology, Optical
Communication and Nanodevices, Quantum Electron Science and
Technology, Electron-Driven Processes and Plasmas, Light and Life,
Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Communication). Perhaps the most
differentiating feature of the Stevens physics curriculum is SKIL
(Science Knowledge Integration Ladder), a six-semester sequence of
project-centered courses. This course sequence lets students work on
projects that foster independent learning, innovative problem solving,
collaboration and team work, and knowledge integration under the
guidance of a faculty advisor. The SKIL sequence starts in the
sophomore year with projects that integrate basic scientific knowledge
and simple concepts. In the junior and senior years, the projects
become more challenging and the level of independence increases.
Our B.S. degree in Applied Physics is accredited by the Middle States
Accreditation Board. Our graduates have a wide range of career
opportunities beyond the pursuit of a traditional graduate degree in
physics, including employment in a variety of other disciplines such
as chemistry, life science, engineering or environmental science.
Those who choose to further their physics education are accepted into
graduate program at some of the best schools.
Recommended Course Sequence
Freshman Year
TERM I
Hours
Class
Lab
Cred
Hu
Humanities
3
0
3
Ma 115
Calculus I
3
0
3
PEP 111
Mechanics
3
0
3
Ch 115
General Chemistry I
3
0
3
Ch 117
General Chemistry Lab I
0
3
1
CS 105
Intro. to Scientific Computing
2
2
3
OR
CS 115
Intro. to Computer Science
3
2
4
PE 200
Physical Education I
0
2
1
TOTALS
14(15)
7
17(18)
TERM II
Hours
Class
Lab
Cred
Hu
Humanities
3
0
3
Ma 116
Calculus II
3
0
3
PEP 112
Electricity and Magnetism
3
0
3
Ch 116
General Chemistry II
3
0
3
Ch 118
General Chemistry Lab II
0
3
1
Ch 281
Biology and Biotechnology
3
0
3
PE 200
Physical Education II
0
2
1
TOTALS
15
5
17
Sophomore Year
TERM III
Hours
Class
Lab
Cred
Hu
Humanities
3
0
3
Ma 221
Differential Equations
4
0
4
PEP 209
Modern Optics
3
0
3
PEP 221
Physics Lab I
0
3
1
Thermodynamics1,3
or Technical Elective
3
0
3
PEP 297
SKIL I
1
3
2
PE 200
Physical Education III
0
2
1
TOTALS
14
8
17
TERM IV
Hours
Class
Lab
Cred
Hu
Humanities
3
0
3
Ma 227
Multivariable Calculus
3
0
3
Technical Elective1,3
or Thermodynamics
3
0
3
PEP 222
Physics Lab II
0
3
1
PEP 242
Modern Physics
3
0
3
PEP 298
SKIL II
1
3
2
PE 200
Physical Education IV
0
2
1
TOTALS
13
8
16
Junior Year
TERM V
Hours
Class
Lab
Cred
Hu
Humanities
3
0
3
Ma 232
Linear Algebra1
3
0
3
PEP 527
Math Methods I of Sci. & Eng.1
3
0
3
PEP 538
Intro. to Mechanics1
3
0
3
PEP 397
SKIL III
1
6
3
PE 200
Physical Education V
0
2
1
TOTALS
13
8
16
TERM VI
Hours
Class
Lab
Cred
Hu
Humanities
3
0
3
PEP 542
Electromagnetism 1
3
0
3
PEP 528
Math Methods of Sci. & Eng. II 1
3
0
3
Ma 222
Probability and Statistics
3
0
3
PEP 398
SKIL IV
1
6
3
PE 200
Physical Education VI
0
2
1
TOTALS
13
8
16
Senior Year
TERM VII
Hours
Class
Lab
Cred
Hu
Humanities
3
0
3
PEP 553
Intro. to Quantum Mechanics1
3
0
3
Free Elective
3
0
3
Free Elective
3
0
3
PEP 497
SKIL V 1,2
1
6
3
TOTALS
13
6
15
TERM VIII
Hours
Class
Lab
Cred
Hu
Humanities
3
0
3
PEP 554
Quantum Mechanics I 1
3
0
3
Free Elective
3
0
3
Mgt
Economics
3
0
3
PEP 498
SKIL VI 1,2
1
6
3
TOTALS
13
6
15
1.
Indicates Technical Electives. Other physics courses to
pursue other concentrations may be substituted with the
consent of your advisor.
2.
SKIL V and SKIL VI can be a year-long Senior Project
resulting in a final report or a thesis.
3.
Thermodynamics may be CH 321 or E 234.
Qualified students may participate
in faculty-supervised projects in terms IV, V and
VI.
Total number of credits: 129
(130)
Possible overloads during the later
semesters to ensure a complete undergraduate curriculum:
