Department of Physics

Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

NCF Science Annex 233 - (504) 520-7643 - https://www.xula.edu/department/department-of-physics-and-computer-science.html

Programs in Physics

Students electing physics as a major have the option of pursuing a program leading to either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The B.S. Program is designed for the student who plans a career as a physicist or as an engineer. The B.A. Program is pursued by students as preparation for further study and work in such fields as medicine, law, physical chemistry, biophysics, business administration, psychology, education, and many others.

The objective of the B.S. curriculum in physics is to equip the student with those skills (logical reasoning, problem analysis and solution, techniques in experimentation) and knowledge (fundamental concepts) necessary for entry into either graduate study in physics or the work force. The B.S. curriculum requires the student to take a total of 120 semester hours, with at least 51 in physics and 22 in mathematics.

The objective of the B.A. curriculum in physics is to enable the student to develop patterns of analytical reasoning and problem-solving which would be useful in the student’s chosen area outside of physics - medicine, law, etc. It is also intended that this curriculum will enable the student to acquire experiences that will serve as a foundation for later study in the chosen area of specialization. The student in the B.A. curriculum takes a total of 120 semester hours, with at least 24 in physics, 19 in mathematics and 24 in the area of specialization.

Xavier also has a Physics with Dual Degree in Civil, Electrical, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering Program. This 3+2 program requires students to complete the core curriculum and the physics courses and then transfer to an engineering school to complete their engineering degree requirements. Upon completion of the degree requirements, students will earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree in Physics from Xavier and a bachelor’s degree in Civil, Electrical, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering from their engineering school.

All majors must take a written comprehensive examination during the senior year dealing with the fundamentals of the various fields of physics and attend all departmental meetings. All Dual Degree Engineering Program students need to take a written examination in their junior year to receive a physics degree after completing the engineering degree requirements. In order for a physics or mathematics course to be counted for degree credit, a student must have a “C” or better in it.

All programs require taking the CHEM 1110/1110D -CHEM 1120/1120D  sequence, however the CHEM 1010/1010D -CHEM 1020/1020D  sequence may be substituted if a scheduling conflict does not permit taking the recommended 1110-1120 sequence. Note that a student’s chemistry courses must all be in one of the sequences.

Program in Robotic and Mechatronics Engineering

The program in Robotics and Mechatronics is designed to address the need for modern engineers to be educated in an area that is multi-disciplinary in nature. This program fits in very well with our student-centered mission for excellence in undergraduate education. Most of the current applications of robotic and mechatronic systems include areas that serve humankind such as assistive and medical devices, protection from attacks by terrorists, replacing human workers in hazardous environments, making cars safer through mechanisms for accident avoidance, etc. Training students, who will serve humanity by working in some of these areas, fits very well with Xavier’s mission.

The Bachelor of Science in Robotics and Mechatronics is focused on the fundamentals necessary for the design of “intelligent” systems and products in which mechanization and control requiring sensing, actuation, and computation are combined to achieve improved product quality and performance. Some of these intelligent systems include robots, as well as modern intelligent automobiles, airplanes, defense systems, assistive devices, appliances, game and entertainment systems. The skills that students will acquire in this program will be valuable to employers from a variety of industrial sectors including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, communications, defense, electronics, and healthcare.

The specific objectives of this program are to:

• Develop a strong understanding of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, software engineering, and control systems in a synergistic framework.
• Develop strong teamwork and communication skills to solve complex problems across disciplinary boundaries.
• Design, develop and implement intelligent engineered products and processes to solve challenging technological problems or meet specific human needs effectively using a variety of innovation methods.
• Develop innovative approaches and an entrepreneurial mind set to problem solving.

Programs

• Physics with Dual Degree in Civil Engineering, B.A.
• Physics with Dual Degree in Electrical Engineering, B.A.
• Physics with Dual Degree in Environmental Engineering, B.A.
• Physics with Dual Degree in Mechanical Engineering, B.A.
• Physics, B.A.

• Physics with Dual Degree in Civil Engineering, B.S.
• Physics with Dual Degree in Electrical Engineering, B.S.
• Physics with Dual Degree in Environmental Engineering, B.S.
• Physics with Dual Degree in Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
• Physics, B.S.
• Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, B.S.

• Physics Minor