Program Educational Objectives
The physics department educates students with a program characterized by curricular flexibility, student project work, and active involvement of students in their learning. Through a balanced, integrated curriculum stressing the widely applicable skills and knowledge of physics, we provide an education that is strong both in fundamentals and in applied knowledge, appropriate for immediate use in a variety of fields as well as graduate study and lifelong learning.
Program Outcomes
We expect that physics graduates:
- Know, understand, and use a broad range of basic physical principles.
- Have an understanding of appropriate mathematical methods, and an ability to apply them to physics.
- Have demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
- Can find, read, and critically evaluate selected original scientific literature.
- Have an ability to learn independently.
- Understand options for careers and further education, and have the necessary educational preparation to pursue those options.
- Have acquired the broad education envisioned by the WPI Plan.
- Are prepared for entry level careers in a variety of fields, and are aware of the technical, professional, and ethical components.
- Are prepared for graduate study in physics and/or other fields.
Program Distribution Requirements for the Physics Bachelor of Science
The normal period of residency at WPI is 16 terms. In addition to the WPI requirements applicable to all students of 4 units, completion of a minimum of 10 units of study is required for physics and applied physics in the areas of mathematics, physics, and related fields as follows:
Mathematics (Minimum 9/3 Units)
Physics (including the MQP) (Minimum 15/3 Units)
Physics must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the five principal areas of physics: mechanics, experimental physics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermal/statistical physics. This core distribution requirement is satisfied by successfully completing at least one course from each of the following five areas:
Other courses or ISUs may satisfy one or more of these areas but must be approved by the department Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. For substitutions, the student must submit a petition with a substitution proposal prior to the activity and the activity outcome must be approved by a physics faculty who has taught in the particular area.
ES 3001 and CH 3510 count as physics courses
Other subjects to be selected from mathematics, science, engineering, computer science, and business (Minimum 9/3 Units)
Either the Physics or Other Subjects requirement must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the five principal areas of physics: mechanics, experimental physics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermal/statistical physics. This core distribution requirement is satisfied by successfully completing at least one course from each of the following five areas: Mechanics (PH 2201 or 2202); Experimental Physics (PH 2651 or 2601); Electromagnetism (PH 2301 or PH 3301); Quantum Mechanics (PH 3401 or 3402); and Thermal/Statistical Physics (ES 3001, CH3510, PH 2101, or PH 3206). Other courses or ISUs may satisfy one or more of these areas but must be approved by the department Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. For substitutions, the student must submit a petition with a substitution proposal prior to the activity and the activity outcome must be approved by a physics faculty who has taught in the particular area.