Physics

Overview

The Physics department provides an education in the fundamental processes of the physical world with thorough study in both the classroom and laboratory. After completion of the program, a physics student will have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills in addition to ample hands-on laboratory experience. The Physics major is excellent preparation for professional or graduate work in physics, engineering, and related fields. In addition, a physics major finds that he or she is an attractive applicant for medical, business, or law school, as well as having an excellent foundation for science teaching.

In addition to the full spectrum of undergraduate coursework, the department offers many opportunities to participate in research projects both on and off campus. Qualified students may begin research projects as early as their first year. Current research activities in the department include experimental efforts in Particle Astrophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Plasma Physics, and theoretical efforts in Cosmology, Particle Physics, and Complex Systems. Departmental resources include well-equipped research and instructional laboratories, as well as laboratory space for qualified students to carry out independent investigations of their own. Many students have also participated in projects at nearby institutions such as the California Institute of Technology and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Students who wish to do advanced work in physics or engineering should complete the introductory physics sequence (PHYS 110, PHYS 117, PHYS 230, and PHYS 240) as early as possible. These courses provide a foundation in both classical and modern physics. Fundamental understanding and procedures in analytical physics are stressed throughout. This sequence is recommended to all students who have an aptitude for scientific work and who are acquiring a strong background in mathematics, including an introduction to differential and integral calculus.

Physics majors typically begin taking courses at the intermediate level by the end of the sophomore year, and are encouraged to complete required 300-level courses by the end of junior year. This schedule prepares a student for the widest array of 260- and 360-series courses.

Of special interest are the three series of physics courses numbered PHYS 160- PHYS 169, PHYS 260- PHYS 269, and PHYS 360- PHYS 369. These courses cover special topics as well as subjects of active research interest within the Physics department. The 160 series is designed for non-science students interested in varying aspects of physical science. These courses have few prerequisites beyond algebra and trigonometry and many are open only to students who have not taken PHYS 110/ PHYS 115, PHYS 117, PHYS 230/ PHYS 125, or their equivalent. The 260 series is open to anyone who has completed PHYS 230 or PHYS 125. The prerequisites for 360-series courses vary, but generally require physics beyond PHYS 230 or PHYS 125.

Requirements

Major

The program for physics majors is composed of the Physics Foundation and one of seven concentrations (Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geology, Education, Computer Science, or Renewable Energy.)  Details for each concentration are listed below.

Students can also supplement their programs by taking courses at the California Institute of Technology under the exchange program.

In addition to the Physics Foundation, all physics majors must complete one of the following Physics concentrations. Upon graduation, the student's transcript will list both the major (Physics) and the chosen concentration.

Foundation

All physics majors must complete a core of four physics courses called the Foundation. Accompanying these physics courses must be work in mathematics including Multivariable Calculus and Linear Systems.

Concentration in Physics (28 units):

Recommended for students who wish a thorough background in physics and for those who wish to pursue professional or graduate work in physics or engineering.

Concentration in Mathematics (32 units):

Recommended for students who wish a broader mathematics or computer science background.

Concentration in Chemistry (32 units):

Recommended for students who wish a broader physical science background.

Concentration in Geology (28 units):

Recommended for students who wish to pursue careers in geology or geophysics.

Concentration in Education (28 units):

This concentration is recommended for students who wish to pursue careers in secondary science education. EDUC 314 is highly recommended.

Concentration in Computer Science (32 units):

Concentration in Renewable Energy (32 units):

Physics "Capstone":

All physics majors must complete the Senior Seminar sequence:

Honors in the Major

Senior physics majors with an overall grade point average of 3.25 are permitted to present an oral and written thesis on their research for College Honors consideration at graduation. Consult the department chair for details.

Minor

Introductory sequence

Mathematics Component

Physics Selectives

Eight units of additional electives.

Second-Stage Writing

The Second-Stage Writing Requirement in Physics can be satisfied with a passing evaluation of a student portfolio. The portfolio will consist of three items: two laboratory reports from Modern Physics (PHYS 240) and/or Advanced Laboratory (PHYS 315/PHYS 316), and one research report from Senior Physics Seminar (PHYS 490/PHYS 491). Students are encouraged to revise these reports before submitting the portfolio. Typical formats for the required writings will be presented in the related courses. The writing is expected to be clear, precise, and intelligible to someone who has completed the Physics Foundation. Proper spelling, grammar, and organization are essential. The portfolio will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis by a departmental committee.

A student may submit a portfolio only once. The portfolio is normally submitted at the end of the semester when the student completes the first semester of PHYS 490/PHYS 491. The final deadline for submission of a passing portfolio is the last day of classes in a student’s penultimate semester. Students who fail to pass the writing portfolio or those that do not wish to submit a portfolio can also satisfy the Second-Stage Writing Requirement by taking a CWP 201 course that has been approved by the Physics Department Chair in consultation with the CWP Chair. A grade of C or better will satisfy the Second-Stage Writing Requirement.

Comprehensive Requirement

The comprehensive requirement for majors is met by completion of the year-long Senior Seminar (PHYS 490/PHYS 491) with a grade of C or better and by passing a comprehensive examination on the material covered in the Physics Foundation.

Transfer Credit Policies

Transfer courses taken online may not be used to substitute for an Oxy physics course. Students should reference the Transfer Credit section for details.

Advising Information

First-year students interested in majoring in physics should start with Physics 110 in the fall of their first year. Next they should take Physics 117 in the spring of their first year. In addition, students should have completed at least Calculus I (MATH 110 or 114) and Calculus II (MATH 120 or 129) by the end of their first year. Students who come to the college with a more advanced background in physics should consult the department’s Course Exemption page. Physics majors typically begin taking courses at the intermediate level by the end of the sophomore year, and are encouraged to complete required 300-level courses by the end of junior year.

Placement Information

No placement exam is required in order to take the introductory-level physics courses. Students who received a 5 on the AP Mechanics C exam or who have previously taken college-level physics courses should see the department  Course Exemption page for more information. 

Most students who are interested in majoring in Physics should take the Calculus Placement Assessment (ALEKS) during the summer prior to their first year. You do not need to take the Calculus Placement Assessment if you any of the following are true:

• You received a score of 4 or 5 on either the AP Calculus AB or BC exam;
• You receive an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above;
• You have already taken a Calculus 1 course at another accredited college or university. 

Sample 4-Year Plans

Physics Concentration

Mathematics Concentration

Geology Concentration

Education Concentration

Computer Science Concentration

Renewable Energy Concentration

Chemistry Concentration

Physics Transfer Student Advice

Transfer Course Limit for Transfer Students: No Limit

Designated Transfer Adviser

Expected preparation for transfer students wanting to major in Physics:

• Junior transfer students 

  • Must have completed PHYS 110 (Mechanics), PHYS 117 (Waves and Thermal Physics), PHYS 230 (Electricity and Magnetism) and PHYS 240 (Foundation of Modern Physics).  All with in-person labs. Must also have completed Calculus I, Calculus II, MATH 214 (Linear Algebra), and MATH 212 (Multivariable Calculus)

  • Should have completed most of their Core requirements prior to transferring. It will be possible to get at most one or two more core requirements while at Occidental.

• Transfer students starting midway through their sophomore year:

  • PHYS110 (Mechanics), PHYS 117 (Waves and Thermal Physics) and PHYS 230 (Electricity and Magnetism).  All with in-person labs. Must also have completed Calculus I, Calculus II, MATH 214 (Linear Algebra), and MATH 212 (Multivariable Calculus)

  • Should have completed as many of their Core requirements as possible prior to transferring with the expectation that all will be complete by the end of their first semester.

• Sophomore transfer students

  • PHYS 110 (Mechanics) and PHYS 117 (Waves and Thermal Physics).  Both with in-person labs. Must also have completed Calculus I and Calculus II

  • Should have completed as many of their Core requirements as possible prior to transferring.

General advice for transfer students wanting to major Physics:

• The following courses must be taken at Occidental: PHYS 490 and PHYS 491

What courses should a transfer student take during their first semester at Occidental?

• Junior transfers must take PHYS 310 (Math Methods) and PHYS 320 (Analytical Dynamics)

• Transfer students starting midway through their sophomore year must take PHYS 240 (Foundation of Modern Physics), and should take any remaining Core requirements in order to complete all of their Core requirements by the end of their first semester at Occidental

• Sophomore students must take PHYS 230 (Electricity and Magnetism) and should enroll in Core requirements with a plan to complete them during their first two semesters at Occidental.

Courses

Physics Courses

Faculty

Tenure and Tenure Track Faculty 

Janet Scheel, chair; designated transfer adviser 

Professor

B.S., University of Illinois, Urbana; M.A., M.S., Cornell University; Ph.D., California Institute of Technology 

Alec Schramm

Professor

B.A., Cornell University; M.A., Ph.D., Duke University

Daniel Snowden-Ifft

Ezra Frederick Scattergood Professor

B.A., Swarthmore College M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley

Sabrina Stierwalt

Assistant Professor

B.A., University of California, Berkeley; Ph.D., Cornell University

Non-Tenure Track Faculty

Resident Associate Professor

B.S., Universite Laval, Ste-Foy, Quebec, Canada; Ph.D., University of Maryland College Park

Paul Haitkin

Karapet Karapetyan
Visiting Assistant Professor

Justin Lancaster
Visiting Assistant Professor

Igor Umanskiy

Laboratory Coordinator

M.S., Ph.D., Saratov State University, Russia