Majors, minors & more
Continuum Physics and Acoustics
- Offered as:
Overview
Continuum physics and acoustics, an option within the physics major, provides majors with an understanding of matter as a continuous medium and the waves that propagate it.
While the primary thrust of recent research in physics has focused on a “particle” understanding of matter, there has also been significant development of ideas related to an understanding of matter as a continuous medium. Since radiation fields and waves are also continuous phenomena, the interplay of continuous media and the waves that propagate within them create a fascinating and challenging field of endeavor.
Physics is the most basic natural science and considers physical systems ranging in size from nuclei, to atoms, to the cosmos. It is an extremely broad field, with many sub-fields. Understanding the forces and laws that underpin the interactions of matter and energy form a major part of the discipline. Applying this understanding to other sciences and technology offers numerous opportunities for the well-trained physicist.
- Strengths of the program
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- Pursue a variety of attractive research opportunities through the college internship program.
- You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
- Interact with other departments through our interdisciplinary research centers.
- Study with internationally recognized researchers in engineering and physics.
- Earn a highly marketable degree. Physics majors have a strong record of employment.
- Study in the computer-equipped lounge available solely for physics majors.
- Interact with other departments through our interdisciplinary research centers.
- Prepare for a rewarding, well-paid career in high technology: sonar, sonograms, and more.
- Requirements and Courses
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Bachelor of science in physics degree
In addition to the core and option classes listed below, students must complete general education, college, and department requirements as well as approved science and degree electives as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate. Students should consult the catalog and their advisor for course planning.
PHYSICS CORE (First and Second Year) COURSES
-Math 171, 172 & 273
-Calculus I & II & III
-Phys 201 & 202—Physics for Scientists and Engineers I & II or 205 & 206—Honors Physics
Chem 105 & 106—Principles of Chemistry I & II or 115 & 116—Honors Chemistry
Math 220—Introductory Linear Algebra
Phys 303—Modern Physics I
Biological Science courses
Cpt S 121—Program Design and Development
Math 315—Differential Equations
Phys 330—Thermal Physics
Engl402—Technical/Professional Writing
CONTINUUM PHYSICS AND ACOUSTICS OPTION
Phys 304—Modern Physics II
M E 303—Fluid Dynamics
M E 424—Flow of Compressible Fluids
Phys 320—Mechanics
Phys 341 & 342—Electricity and Magnetism I & II
Approved Math courses
Phys 415—Quantum Physics Laboratory
E E 417—Numerical Solutions to EM Problems
Phys 410—Electronics
Phys 450—Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Phys 490—Undergraduate Thesis
M E 449—Vibrations and Noise Control
MSE 413—Mechanics of Solids
Phys 463—Introduction to Solid State Physics
M E 499 or Phys 499—Special Problems
(UI) M E 413—Mechanics of Solids (taken at University of Idaho)
- Scholarships and financial aid
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For physics students
Physics scholarships include the Paul and Dian Bender Freshman Physics Scholarship, the Claire May Band Freshman Physics Scholarship (for women), the Physics Transfer Student Scholarship, the Paul Anderson Award for Excellence in Physics, the Edward E. Donaldson Surface Science Scholarship, the George Duvall Scholarship in Shock Compression Science, and the Physics Textbook Scholarship.
For information contact the physics department at 509-335-1698.
For all students
A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.
For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.
- Facilities and technology
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The physics department operates the Jewett Observatory, with the second largest refracting telescope in the state of Washington, and the WSU planetarium. A computer laboratory with a wide variety of computers and terminals is available to all physics majors.
The research and teaching facilities at WSU include a wide variety of lasers, which produce nanosecond to femtosecond pulses at a variety of wavelengths. Ultrahigh vacuum systems equipped with mass spectrometers, particle detectors, and spectrometers are available for the study of surfaces. Gas guns are employed to study shock waves in liquids and solids.
Many atomic-scale surface structures are probed with scanning tunneling microscopes. Nanometer scale structures are produced and studied with scanning force microscopes. Available elsewhere on campus are Auger and photoelectron spectrometers, ESR and NMR spectrometers, transmission and scanning electron microscopes, and a nuclear reactor.
- Careers in continuum physics and acoustics
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Careers open to those with the continuum physics and acoustics option include design engineer, test engineer, and instrumentation engineer in industry and government laboratories. The acquisition and interpretation of acoustic signals plays a vital role in characterizing oil deposits in the petroleum industry, the development and testing of sonar in naval applications, and in the design of electronic filters in the communications industry. The continuum physics and acoustic option is good preparation for jobs related to vibration and noise control in the aerospace and other industries.