Associate Professor Jeffrey E. Chamberlain, Chair home page
Assistant Professor J. Scott Steckenrider

Physics Home Page

The physics department provides courses dealing with the basic principles of behavior of matter and energy and their relationship to human society. They enhance critical thinking ability and train students in the techniques of quantitative reasoning and laboratory measurement in physical science. The complete physics major program provides the student with a high level of competence in all these skills, which are valued by employers in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, business, law, management, and a large variety of interdisciplinary fields, and for admission to and success in graduate school.

A major in Physics consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours in classroom and laboratory Physics courses and must include PHYS 201, 202 and 20 hours of course work in 300 and 400-level courses in Physics including at least three of the following courses: PHYS 301 Circuits, PHYS 302 Electricity and Magnetism, PHYS 303 Light, or PHYS 306 Modern Physics. Students interested in further study in physics should take additional courses in physics, chemistry, math, and computer science. It is strongly recommended that physics majors have at least one summer internship as PHYS 405 after completion of their Sophomore or Junior year in addition to the above.

A Physics minor shall consist of PHYS 201, 202 and 8 additional hours of Physics at the 300- or 400- level including at least one of the following courses: PHYS 301 Circuits, PHYS 302 Electricity and Magnetism, PHYS 303 Light, or PHYS 306 Modern Physics.

PHYS 202 and MATH 233 are prerequisite to all upper division courses unless waived by the Department Chair.

Prerequisites must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or above.

Physics with Engineering Major

The Physics Department offers a program in dual degree engineering through cooperative agreements with larger universities. Other names for this type of program include pre-engineering programs and 3-2 engineering (reflects the number of years spent at each institution). Dual degree refers to the fact that the student will receive degrees from two institutions. Students typically spend three years at Illinois College taking courses in physics, math, computer science and chemistry along with courses in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. Two years are then spent at the partner university concentrating on specific engineering discipline. Upon completion of the program, the student receives a bachelor of science degree in physics with engineering from Illinois College and a bachelor of science engineering from the partner university. The major requires a minimum of 24 hours in classroom and laboratory physics courses at Illinois College of which 14 hours must be at the 300 or 400-level. CHEM 111 and 112, CSC 160, 170 and MATH 332 are also required. PHYS 202 and MATH 233 are prerequisite to all upper division courses unless waived by the Department Chair. Prerequisites must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or above. The completion of a degree program in mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering or related discipline at an approved institution is required for the award of the Illinois College bachelor’s degree with a major in physics with engineering.

Because dual degree engineering students spend only thee years at Illinois College the general education program requirements are reduced by two courses. The dual degree student may omit one course from the following areas: Humanities, Modern Languages, or Social Sciences. In addition, the students may omit one course from the following areas: Religious and Philosophical Issues, Civic Issues and Responsibility, or Global Issues and Cultural Awareness. A student who elects not to continue the dual degree program will need to complete all general education requirements for graduation from Illinois College. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their advisors to verify that the general education requirements of the engineering institution are also fulfilled by the Illinois College studies.

The students must complete at least 87 hours of academic credit (Senior standing) before approval will be given for continuation of the program at the engineering institution. Most students will complete 98 hours or more.

The college’s senior residency requirement is waived for participants in this program.

 

   

 

Illinois College
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Jacksonville, IL 62650
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