You might be surprised to learn that the difference emphases of the physics program are pretty similar. While five options might feel a lot, they only differ by the addition of a handful of courses. The core program is the same. Physics deals with advanced math, scientific principles, and the study of energy and matter.
If you're curious as to what physics is, and if it is right for you, start by engaging with the basics. This overview will explore the physics program at BYU-Idaho. You will be able to make an informed decision and begin preparing.
Science and Revelation
When studying at BYU-Idaho, your education is matched with a curriculum founded in the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a physics major, you will learn to describe the role, requirements, and application of revelation and science as a pathway to truth.
You learn physics as a secular science according to standard practice. You will learn how science applies to secular matters, how religion applies to spiritual matters, and how the two help you on the pathway to truth.
Scientific Communication
Modern science isn’t just a guy locked away in a laboratory, running numbers and doing experiments. Scientists are communicators. You learn how to share your findings with others through mathematical, oral, and written communication.
While the primary language you learn is math, you also learn how to conduct advanced research and writing. Scientific communication allows data, discoveries, and observation to be shared with professional and public audiences.
Mathematics in Physics
Physical laws are expressed as mathematical equations.
You will apply mathematical reasoning to describe and understand the behavior of physical systems. Physics relies heavily on both calculus and algebra, the extent depending upon depth and area of focus.
- Calculus is a branch of mathematics that studies rates of change and accumulation of quantities. It is used to calculate problems where the variables of the equation change with time.
- Algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses symbols within formulas to represent the relationship of quantities. It is used to calculate problems systematically.
Physics requires exact definitions for abstract properties. For instance, energy isn’t something you can hold in your hand, but you see its effects every day.
- Deterministic Relations: Newton's second law, F = ma, states that force is directly proportional to the product of mass and acceleration.
- Field Theories: Maxwell’s equations use vector calculus to describe how electric and magnetic fields interact and propagate through space.
These laws show how different physical properties are constrained by each other. Mathematics is the most precise language we have to show how these forces interact.
Foundations of Physics
The core of physics balances modeling, analysis, theory, and testing. The program offers a comprehensive education built of four pillars:
- Principles of Physics: This pillar establishes the rules governing the universe at large. It relies on calculus to model cause and effect.
- Scientific Computing: Modern physics rarely relies on pen-and-paper alone because real-world systems (like weather patterns or chaotic orbits) are too complex.
- Modern Physics: Modern physics handles the incredibly small (atoms) and the incredibly fast (the speed of light). It goes beyond classical physics.
- Laboratory: Physics is fundamentally an experimental science. The laboratory foundation is where mathematical theories face empirical testing to prove or disprove hypotheses.
Advanced Physics
Classical Mechanics
You move beyond introductory physics and learn how to reformulate Newton’s laws into more powerful analytical frameworks to solve complex systems.
- Rewrite physical systems in terms of energy (kinetic and potential) rather than vector forces.
- Mathematically model orbital mechanics, planetary motion, and scattering processes.
Electricity and Magnetism
Study advanced E&M deals with the behavior of electric and magnetic fields in vacuum and within various material media.
- Apply advanced vector calculus to solve boundary-value problems for electrostatic and magnetostatic fields.
- Analyze how light and radiation propagate, reflect, and refract through different media.
Thermal and Statistical Physics
Bridge the microscopic behavior of individual atoms with the macroscopic properties of matter.
- Analyze classical macroscopic variables like temperature, internal energy, entropy, and heat capacities.
- Use probability theory to show how the microstates of quantum particles average to create macroscopic thermodynamic laws.
Quantum Mechanics
You study the probabilistic framework for the subatomic universe.
- You study wave-particle duality, and how matter exhibits properties of particles and waves.
- Analyze Superposition: how particles exist in multiple potential states simultaneously.
Branching Out
These pathways represent the final, specialized phase of an undergraduate physics degree, where you align your coursework with specific career or research trajectories.
- History and Philosophy of Science: Examines the conceptual foundations, evolutionary shifts, and societal impacts of scientific paradigms over time.
- Solid State / Condensed Matter Physics: Explores the macroscopic and microscopic properties of matter, particularly solids and liquids, forming the basis of modern semiconductor technology.
- Nuclear and Particle Physics: Studies the fundamental constituents of matter (quarks, leptons) and the forces governing the atomic nucleus.
- Astrophysics & Astronomy: Applies physical laws to celestial bodies, cosmic structures, and the evolution of the universe.
- Principles of Optics & Atomic Physics: Focuses on light-matter interactions, laser physics, and the quantum states of electron clouds.
The Physics Emphasis Areas
You select a specific track to tailor their skill-set toward industry, medicine, or advanced graduate research:
- Astronomy: Observational techniques, data collection from telescopes, and cosmological modeling.
- Computational: Advanced algorithm design, complex simulations, and high-performance computing for physical systems.
- Engineering: Applied physics, materials science, and structural or electrical design principles.
- Mathematical: Rigorous mathematical proofs, advanced differential equations, and theoretical framework modeling.
- Medical and Health: Radiation of biophysics, medical imaging technologies, and health physics safety.
Graduation Preparation
The final requirement transitions you from classroom learning to professional execution:
- Physics Career Development & Internship: Focuses on resume building, interview preparation, and gaining practical, hands-on experience within an industry or corporate setting.
- Senior Research & Senior Thesis: An academic capstone involving independent, faculty-guided research culminating in a peer-reviewed style thesis paper, standard for students targeting graduate school.
Conclusion
The physics program might seem intimidating at first, but the learning curve comes gradually semester by semester. While you might feel like you're biting off more than you can chew, you can rest assured knowing that BYU-Idaho offers all the support you need. Start the physics major today.
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Physics - Wikipedia
Physics Majors and Degrees - BigFuture
What You Need to Know About Becoming a Physics Major
Field of degree: Physical science : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Relationship between mathematics and physics - Wikipedia
Physics & Maths Tutor
Journal of Mathematical Physics | AIP Publishing
Physics | Science News
What Is Physics? | Simple Guide to Basic Concepts, Daily Uses & Future of Physics – We Love Physics
Classical mechanics - Wikipedia
Quantum mechanics - Wikipedia
Electromechanics - Wikipedia
Astronomy - Wikipedia