Physics, B.S.

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Physics is to train and mentor students to become skilled scientists who will glorify God and be good stewards of His creation as they serve others in research, academia, and industry.

Degree Program

A Bachelor of Science degree in Physics is offered upon completion of the University baccalaureate requirements and the departmental specific requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Physics, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational principles of physics (ULO 1).
2. Demonstrate an ability to solve quantitative, qualitative, and technical problems related to physics. (ULO 1).
3. Demonstrate safe laboratory technique, proper use of appropriate equipment, and suitable results and data analysis (ULO 1).
4. Obtain and use appropriate physics-related literature and resource materials (ULO 1).
5. Summarize the key issues in science and faith and recognize the harmony possible while studying God's creation (ULO 1, 2, and 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

GPA Requirement

To continue in the program a student is required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in their first year of chemistry, physics and/or math courses taken at Biola. Depending on the major, these courses may include: CHEM 105, MATH 150, MATH 151, PHSC 132, PHSC 134, PHSC 233, PHSC 237.

Integration Seminar Requirement

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree program are required to take BBST 465 as "Christianity and the Natural Sciences," or another approved Integration Seminar topic (see advisor).

Curriculum Requirements

¹

The prerequisite for CHEM 105 is a passing score on the Chemistry Placement Exam or CHEM 107 with at least a “B-”.

²

The prerequisite for PHSC 132 is a passing score on the Physics Placement Exam or PHSC 092 with a grade of "B" or better or 4 or above on any Advanced Placement (AP) Physics.

³

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Physics, B.S.

¹

See catalog for electives in area of specialization. Twenty-eight upper-division credits in Physics or Math.

²

If you have taken 2 years of the same foreign language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions to fulfill the 4-credit requirement.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Physics, B.S.