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We're a nationally-recognized leader in physics education and one of the largest undergraduate physics programs in Wisconsin.

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Undergraduate programs

Physics

Undergrad major Undergrad minor Teacher license Graduate degree Doctoral degree

Physicists study and uncover the fundamental rules of why and how things work, from quarks to galaxies. Physicists have uncovered some really weird and unexpected things about nature. But applying these principles of physics has transformed the way we interact with the world. Physics concepts are in action all around us — in computer chips, headphones, air bags, and many other everyday devices. It has also made a major impact in healthcare with medical diagnostics and treatments like MRIs and radiation therapy.

Areas of study

Applied Emphasis

The applied emphasis gives you theoretical background to focus on the experimental aspect of physics. While not an engineering degree, this emphasis requires the same basic classes as the Bachelor of Science in Physics & Bachelor of Science in Engineering Dual Degree Program. 

Undergrad major View a sample plan for Applied Catalogfor Applied

Astronomy Emphasis

The science of astronomy applies principles of physics to everything beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Students use what they learn in core classical and modern physics courses to study the properties of stars, planets and exoplanets, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, other galaxies, dark matter, dark energy, and cosmology.

Undergrad major Undergrad minor View a sample plan for Astronomy Catalogfor Astronomy

Biomedical Concentration

Do you like physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology? Are you struggling to choose just one for a major? You don’t have to with the biomedical concentration! This physics concentration combines all of these subjects by providing a set of core courses and allowing you to choose the advanced courses you will take to prepare for your future. Whether you are looking ahead to the rigors of medical school, a program in medical physics, a future in biomedical engineering or other options, a biomedical concentration could be the perfect path for you.

Undergrad major View a sample plan for Biomedical Catalogfor Biomedical

Business Concentration

Combine physics with business to grow your problem-solving skills while expanding your background in business including economics, accounting, finance and marketing. This concentration requires the physics core courses and provides the flexibility to choose from 12 additional physics classes from a catalog of classes. The rest of the classes are taught in the College of Business Administration.

Undergrad major View a sample plan for Business Catalogfor Business

Computational Physics Emphasis

Computational physics employs mathematics, computer science and physics to solve complex problems using computational methods.

Undergrad major View a sample plan for Computational Physics Catalogfor Computational Physics

Science Education

Completion of the physics: science education concentration program and associated benchmark assessments will lead to endorsement for the Wisconsin teaching license in middle and high school science, grades 4-12 (2600). Students in all teacher education programs must satisfy the School of Education (SOE) core requirements. 

Undergrad major Teacher license View a sample plan for Science Education Catalogfor Science Education

Optics Emphasis

From lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to fiberoptics, microscopes, spectrometers and telescopes, optical instruments play a key role in how we live and study the universe around us. In this emphasis, students take specialized optics courses where they learn about the fundamental properties of light and how modern optical instruments work.

Undergrad major View a sample plan for Optics Catalogfor Optics

Undergrad dual degree

This is special dual degree program enables students to receive both a Bachelor of Science degree (physics major) from UWL and a Bachelor of Science degree (engineering major) from UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Platteville, UW-Stout, the University of Minnesota Duluth, or Winona State University. The total length of time for both degrees is expected to be five years. 

Undergrad major Graduate degree View a sample plan for Undergrad dual degree Catalogfor Undergrad dual degree

Graduate dual degree

This dual degree program enables students to receive both a Bachelor of Science degree (physics major with biomedical concentration) and a graduate degree (physical therapy) from UWL. The total length of time for both degrees is expected to be six years. 

Undergrad major Graduate degree Doctoral degree View a sample plan for Graduate dual degree Catalogfor Graduate dual degree
Catalogfor Physics
Quick glancefor Physics

Engineering Physics

Undergrad major

Engineering Physics is a multidisciplinary field that integrates the fundamental principles of physics with core engineering concepts. Students will build a solid foundation in areas like mechanical, electrical, optical, and materials engineering, while also mastering key subjects such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, and electronics. The program emphasizes the practical application of these concepts to solve real-world problems.

Quick glancefor Engineering Physics

General Science for Teachers

Undergrad minor

The Science for Teachers Minor is specifically designed for education majors who want to enrich their ability to teach science in elementary and middle school settings. This minor provides foundational knowledge in four key areas of scientific inquiry. You will also have the opportunity to specialize in one area, enabling you to bring deeper expertise to your classroom.

As part of the program, you’ll take at least one course in the following areas:

  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Geology
  • Astronomy
Catalogfor General Science for Teachers
Quick glancefor General Science for Teachers

Featured courses

  • Fundamental Physics II
    PHY 104 | 4 credits
    Continuation of PHY 103. Topics covered are electric forces and fields, electric potential, electrical circuit theory and applications, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, alternating current circuits, electromagnetic waves and the nature of light, lenses, mirrors, optical instruments, interference and diffraction of light, Einstein's theory of relativity, and the photoelectric effect. Additional topics may be selected from the area of quantum physics. Wherever possible, applications to other fields of science such as chemistry, biology and medicine will be discussed. Lect. 3, Lab 2. Prerequisite: PHY 103 or PHY 203; MTH 150 recommended. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.
  • Physical Science for Educators
    PHY 106 | 4 credits
    A survey course focusing on applied physical science and the nature of scientific knowledge. Fundamental theories about the nature and interactions of matter and energy are developed using self-paced, small group, inquiry based teaching modules. The scientific knowledge developed is applied to issues of technology in society and everyday use situations. Emphasis is on modeling science teaching practices advocated by state and national science education standards using active learner practices. Lect. 3, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: elementary/middle level education major. Offered Fall, Spring.
  • Optics
    PHY 308 | 3 credits
    This course covers the mathematical treatment and modern applications of electromagnetic theory; propagation of light; geometrical optics, with emphasis on fiber optics and the formation of images in cameras, microscopes, and telescopes; physical optics, with emphasis on spectroscopy and the resolution limits of optical systems; and lasers. Topics in modern optics may also include holography. Prerequisite: PHY 305. Offered Occasionally.
  • Experimental Physics
    PHY 311 | 2 credits
    Basic techniques of measurement used in all areas of physics and engineering. Selected experiments may include thin lens systems, spectrometers, microwave optics, interference and diffraction, aberrations, interferometers, thin films, polarization, speed of light, charge-to-mass ratio of an electron, electron spin resonance, quantization of energy states, and radioactive decay. Computational techniques include error analysis, graphing and curve fitting. Lect. 1, Lab 3. Prerequisite: PHY 250 and PHY 302 or PHY 305 and PHY 306. Offered Fall.
  • Classical Mechanics
    PHY 321 | 3 credits
    Rigorous mathematical development of classical dynamics using vector calculus. Dynamics of a single particle, oscillations, noninertial frames, central potentials, energy/momentum methods, systems of particles, collisions and plane motion of rigid bodies. Prerequisite: PHY 306; MTH 310. Offered Fall.
  • Electrical Circuits
    PHY 334 | 3 credits
    Physical principles underlying modeling of circuit elements and fundamentals of analog electrical circuits are explored through lecture and laboratory. Topics will include the following: current and voltage sources, resistors, I-V characteristics, Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, capacitors, inductors; Thevenin and Norton theorems; circuits in sinusoidal steady state; diodes, transistors (bipolar junction and field-effect); op-amps; and elementary amplifier circuits. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: PHY 104 or PHY 204; MTH 208. Offered Spring.
  • Electronics
    PHY 335 | 4 credits
    This course expands upon the topics covered in PHY 334. Analog circuits are treated in greater detail, including circuit analysis, follower circuits, and operational and transistor amplifiers. Additional analog topics include transistor limitations, comparators, and oscillators. Lectures and laboratories are expanded to include digital electronics, electronic devices and applications. Digital topics include digital circuits, digital logic, flip flops, counter, memory, A/D and D/A conversion. Additional topics may include arithmetic units and microprocessors. Lect. 3, Lab 3. Prerequisite: PHY 334. Offered Fall.
  • Thermodynamics
    PHY 343 | 3 credits
    This course emphasizes basic concepts of thermodynamics, beginning with fundamentals such as temperature, thermal expansion, heat flow, and calorimetry. State equations, tables, and diagrams are used to describe the properties of pure substances. The First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics are investigated, with applications to energy, enthalpy and entropy. Gas, vapor, and combined power cycles are studied, along with refrigeration cycles. Gas mixtures and gas-vapor mixtures, with applications to air conditioning and psychrometrics also are studied. Additional topics may include the thermodynamics of chemical reactions, and statistical thermodynamics. Prerequisite: PHY 306. Offered Spring.
  • Astrophysics
    PHY 362 | 3 credits
    The application of principles studied in fundamental or general physics to various areas of astrophysical research. This course emphasizes topics like measuring star and exoplanet properties, stellar structure and evolution, the solar neutrino problem, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, the interstellar medium, and galaxies. Prerequisite: PHY 305, PHY 306; MTH 310 or concurrent enrollment. Offered Occasionally.
  • Computational Physics
    PHY 374 | 3 credits
    This course is an introduction to computational physics. Students will learn the fundamentals of applying numerical and graphical methods to a variety of physics topics ranging from mechanics, optics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: PHY 104 or PHY 204; MTH 308 or MTH 309 or concurrent enrollment in either. Offered Occasionally.
  • Introduction to Nuclear Science
    PHY 376 | 3 credits
    An introduction to the structure and properties of atomic nuclei. This course explores the production of ionizing radiation, its interactions with matter, and the instrumentation used to detect it. While all types of ionizing radiation are studied, particular emphasis will be placed on X- and gamma-rays. Lect. 2, Lab 2. Prerequisite: MTH 150; PHY 104 or PHY 134 or PHY 204. Students may not earn credit in both PHY 376 and PHY 386. Offered Fall.
  • Radiation Physics
    PHY 386 | 3 credits
    This course, building on knowledge of basic physics, explores the area of radiation physics. Characteristics of x and gamma rays are described as well as their interactions in air and matter. The principles involved in the production of radiation are investigated. Methods and instrumentation of measurement of radiation are also covered. Prerequisite: MTH 150; PHY 104 or PHY 134 or PHY 204. Students may not earn credit in both PHY 376 and PHY 386. Offered Fall.
  • Quantum Mechanics
    PHY 401 | 3 credits
    A comprehensive treatment of the modern theory of quantum mechanics, including Schroedinger equation, operators, free particles, particles in potentials, harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, and the hydrogen atom. The course includes the use of Fourier analysis and eigenvalue equations. Prerequisite: PHY 321; MTH 308 or MTH 309; MTH 310. Offered Fall.
  • Leadership for Elementary/Middle Science Education
    CI 461 | 3 credits
    This course is designed to augment teacher candidates' basic understanding of science curriculum planning, teaching practices, student thinking, and assessment procedures for elementary and middle level classrooms. Special emphasis will be given to demonstrating leadership by participating in a professional learning community, integrated science learning, differentiation, funding an inquiry science program, and special programs to enhance and extend classroom science experiences for students. Prerequisite: EDS 402 or concurrent enrollment. Offered Fall.
  • Earth Environments
    GEO 101 | 4 credits
    This course concentrates on understanding the earth's dynamic environments through the study of processes and physical and human interactions related to the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. A scientific approach is used to examine fundamental concepts in earth and environmental science related to topics such as plate tectonics, landform development, atmospheric processes, global climate, and water resources, in order to provide an understanding of how the earth system functions and the human role in these phenomena. Lect. 3, Lab 2. Offered Fall, Spring.
View all courses
Portrait of Leah Clark

Hear from an alum

Leah Clark

My time conducting nuclear physics research within the UWL Physics Department opened my eyes to exciting projects and career paths that physics can bring. I would not have made my commitment to pursue nuclear science had it not been for my undergraduate advisor, Dr. Shelly Lesher, and the rest of the faculty in the department.

Portrait of Laura Marschke

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Laura Marschke

UWL granted me the opportunity to do multiple years of undergraduate research and present at numerous conferences, putting me ahead of many of my peers entering graduate school.

Portrait of Xavier James

Hear from an alum

Xavier James

In the UW-L Physics program, the McNair Scholars Program and Dr. Shelly Lesher prepared me for graduate school. While the McNair Scholar program provided workshops to understanding the graduate school process, Dr. Lesher provided the experience I gained from working alongside her that assured my decision to become a nuclear physicist.

Portrait of Jojo, Cheuk Yin Lo

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Jojo, Cheuk Yin Lo

As an international student from Hong Kong, my experience in the Physics Department was amazing. I enjoyed doing undergraduate astronomy research with Dr. Sallmen. I appreciated all the mentorship, academic and work opportunities provided by faculty, as well as the clubs and events that widened my horizons.

Portrait of Elizabeth (Beth) Tennyson

Hear from an alum

Elizabeth (Beth) Tennyson

The Physics Department at UWL is a true gem. The warmth and support offered by the professors remains unmatched. The opportunity to perform research independently as an undergraduate was so valuable. It really helped me flourish in graduate school where I continued researching.

Portrait of Anja Clauson

Hear from an alum

Anja Clauson

This program has been helpful toward teacher preparation because I have been able to take my experiences in the courses and find ways to relate them to my education course discussions. I also have a love for science, so this program has let me to continue to learn!