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Physics Major Flyer
Program Review

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.

Physics Main Page

Sample Schedule

First Year
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)
MAYTERM
  • Mayterm: GE Elective (4) on campus or abroad
SUMMER
  • Suggested research with Westmont faculty or REU
Second Year
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)
SUMMER
  • Suggested research with Westmont faculty or REU
 
Third Year
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)
SUMMER
  • Suggested research with Westmont faculty or REU
Fourth Year
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)
  • First Year
  • Second Year
  • Third Year
  • Fourth Year

Faculty Highlights

Robert Haring-Kaye, Ph.D.

Smashes atoms together at large-scale particle accelerator laboratories

Read more

Michael Sommermann, Ph.D.

A nuclear physicist who takes astronomical photos

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Ben Carlson, Ph.D.

Searches for new fundamental particles at the Large Hadron Collider

Read more

JENNIFER ITO, PH.D.

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Ken Kihlstrom, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Physics

Demonstrates physics by lying on a bed of nails and walking on hot coals

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Will Allison, M.S. Lab Manager, Instructor

A mechanical design engineer with extensive experience in CAD and prototyping

Read more

All Faculty

Adjunct Faculty

Meet the Staff


Susan Leyva

Academic Administrative Assistant

Assistant to the Mathematics/Computer Science and Physics/Engineering departments
Email: sleyva@westmont.edu
Tel: (805) 565-6174
Office: Winter Hall 300

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