Degrees & Programs Physics
When you study physics, you seek a fundamental understanding of the physical universe.
You’ll also take courses in mathematics, the language of science, and chemistry for scientific breadth. Test some of the theory you learn in laboratory classes and hands-on research and take advantage of opportunities to conduct research with you professors. State-of- the-art instrumentation enriches your experience. You may also pursue internships with high-tech firms in Santa Barbara. Such practical training prepares you for graduate school and professional work in science, engineering and related fields. Interested in a double major? Take the B.A. track for greater breadth and flexibility.
Sample Schedule
FALL (17 credits)
- PHY 21: General Physics I (4)
- PHY 22: General Physics Lab I (1)
- MA 9: Calculus I (4)
- CS 10: Design and Implementation of Solutions to Computational Problems (4)
- GE Elective (4)
SPRING (18)
- PHY 23: General Physics II (4)
- PHY 24: General Physics Lab II (1)
- MA 10: Calculus II (4)
- GE Electives (8)
- PEA 32: Fitness for Life (1)
FALL (17)
- PHY 25: Modern Physics (4)
- MA 19: Multivariable Calculus (4)
- CHM 5: General Chemistry (4)
- RS 1: Old Testament (4)
- PEA elective (1)
SPRING (18)
- PHY 26: Modern Physics Lab. (1)
- PHY 40: Differential Equations (4)
- CHM 6: General Chemistry (4)
- PHI 6: Philosophy (4)
- HIS 10: Perspectives World Hist. (4)
- PEA Elective (1)
Fall (16)
- PHY 115: Mathematical Physics (4)
- PHY 150: Electricity and Magnetism (4)
- General Education (8)
Spring (16)
- PHY 130 Mechanics (4)
- PHY 151: Optics (4)
- General Education (8)
Fall (16)
- PHY 121: Quantum Mechanics (4)
- PHY 160: Thermodynamics (4)
- General Education (8)
Spring (14)
- PHY 122: Quantum Mechanics (4)
- PHY 195: Senior Seminar (1)
- PHY 170/198 Adv. Lab/Research (1)
- General Education (8)
Faculty Highlights
Smashes atoms together at large-scale particle accelerator laboratories
Demonstrates physics by lying on a bed of nails and walking on hot coals
A mechanical design engineer with extensive experience in CAD and prototyping
Meet the Staff
Assistant to the Mathematics/Computer Science and Physics/Engineering Physics departments
Email: sleyva@westmont.edu
Tel: (805) 565-6174
Office: Winter Hall 300
Career Paths
- Research Physicist
- Science Writing
- Patent Law
- Software Development
- Materials Research
- Nuclear Medical Science
- Forensic Science
- Museum Education
- Engineering (mechanical, electrical, process, civil, aeronautical, etc.)
- Medicine
- Technician
- Teaching (high school or college)
See career paths for graduates who majored or minored in physics at Westmont.
Physics Alumni Highlights
Daniel Staples ('21) came to Westmont as an avid lover of art, science, and the outdoors. While at the college Daniel pursued his passion for the former two fields by double-majoring in Art and Physics. His contribution to the Westmont Graduate Exhibition, The Dark Ages, connected imagery from plague doctors of the past to the current feelings of frustration and confusion felt during the current COVID-19 pandemic. He was also actively involved in a research project in nuclear physics during his senior year under the direction of professor Robert Haring-Kaye, presenting a poster of his work at the 2021 Westmont College Student Research Symposium. His results are expected to contribute to a peer-reviewed publication in an internationally-recognized journal. Daniel currently enjoys hunting and working at an IT company with his father near his home in Montana.
Chisondi Warioba ('21), originally from Tanzania, moved to California when he was seven years old where he lived with his father and adoptive mother. Fueled by a passion for medicine, Chisondi initially chose Westmont to pursue a degree that would lead to medical school. By the time he graduated, Chisondi was one of only four students in his class who completed a triple major (Chemistry, Biology, and Physics). Not only did he excel at academics and research while at Westmont, he also assumed a leadership role in advancing racial justice and reconciliation, leading the Black Student Union his junior year and organizing discussion panels for Residence Life events centered around these and other social issues. At the 2021 Commencement exercises, Chisondi received the Dave Dolan Award in recognition of his leadership in responding to the social and spiritual needs of the college. Chisondi is currently pursuing a PhD in Medical Physics at the University of Chicago.
Aria Hamann ’16 received a prestigious graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation to support her doctoral studies in engineering and applied science at Harvard University in the fall. In 2016, she also earned a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct hydrology research at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. She worked on an independent research project to simulate Managed Aquifer Recharge, a promising method of securing a consistent freshwater supply for subsequent recovery or environmental benefits.
Jesse Cozean ’07 majored in physics at Westmont and works for medical device companies his mother, Colette Day Cozean ’80, has started. He is vice president of research and development at Innovative BioDefense Inc. and Abela Pharmaceuticals, and he spends much of his time in the lab. At Westmont, he learned to think through problems and persist until he solved them, which helps in developing new products. He has also written a book “My Grandfather’s War: A Young Man’s Lessons from the Greatest Generation,” which documents Robert Cozean’s ordeal in a German camp.