Student in a physics class in front of a whiteboard

Studying Physics at Regis

The physics program educates the next generation of scientific and technology leaders within a moral, ethical, and intellectually stimulating framework. Our students are prepared not just for the technological challenges of the workplace but also for the exciting science that will drive the next generation of solutions.
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B.S. in Physics

Degree Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Physics degree provides a traditional introduction to the fundamental principles of the natural world, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum phenomena, and statistical thermodynamics.  Students gain experience in mathematical problem solving and experimental laboratory methods.

Physics and astronomy address fundamental questions about the nature of the universe. How do conservation principles guide physical interactions? What is the structure of matter, space, energy, and time? Physicists and astronomers develop and test models that describe the behavior of matter and energy at scales ranging from the subatomic to the galactic. Students in our program can take a variety of courses in classical and modern physics that prepare them to understand phenomena at many points along this continuum, as well as exciting topics at the boundaries between physics and other scientific disciplines. Students develop hands-on experimental and computational abilities while also sharpening their mathematical reasoning skills.

Program Requirements

Listed below are the required courses for completion of this degree at Regis University. Please note that recent course requirement updates may not be reflected in the list below and you should contact the Office of Enrollment Services at 303.458.4126 for recent changes and updates.

No program requirements found.

Course Descriptions

Listed below are the available courses offered at Regis University within this respective degree program. The courses below include the degree program requirements as well as subject related courses. Please contact the Office of Enrollment Services at 303.458.4126 for recent changes and updates. No course descriptions found.

CH 210 Principles of Chemistry I (4.00)

Introduces chemical and physical properties of matter, atomic structure, stoichiometry, periodicity, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, thermodynamics and aqueous chemistry.

CH 211 Principles of Chemistry I Lab (1.00)

Introduces fundamental laboratory techniques including chromatography, chemical synthesis, spectroscopy and acid/base chemistry.

CH 230 Principles of Chemistry II (4.00)

Continuation of CH 210. Examines the following fundamental chemical principles: equilibrium theory; acid-based chemistry; chemical kinetics; thermodynamics; and electrochemistry. Additional special topics may include transition metal chemistry, the chemistry of new materials, nuclear chemistry, and geochemistry.

Pre-requisite: CH*210

CH 231 Principles of Chemistry II Lab (1.00)

A continuation of fundamental lab techniques including chromatography, chemical synthesis, spectroscopy, and acid/base chemistry.

Pre-requisite: CH*211

CS 308 Introduction to Programming (3.00)

Introduces the fundamental constructs that are common to all modern computer languages. Emphasizes basic programming skills with loops, conditionals, methods and arrays.

MT 360A Calculus I (4.00)

Treats standard topics of single variable calculus including limits, continuity, derivatives, applications of derivatives, and elements of integration.

MT 360B Calculus II (4.00)

Continues treatment of single variable calculus including definite and indefinite integrals, applications of integrals, transcendental functions, techniques of integration and infinite series.

Pre-requisite: MT*360A

MT 360C Calculus III (4.00)

Presents topics of multivariable calculus including calculus of vector functions, multivariable functions, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, applications and other topics as time permits.

Pre-requisite: MT*360B

MT 463 Differential Equations (3.00)

Studies solutions first and second order different equations, applications, linear differential equations, series solutions, laplace transforms, numerical solutions, and systems of linear differential equations with constant coefficients.

Pre-requisite: MT*360B

PH 304A General Physics with Calculus I (3.00)

Discusses fundamental concepts of motion, including Newton's Laws and the conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum. Focuses on the development of quantitative and qualitative problem-solving skills.

Pre-requisite: MT*360A

PH 304B Gen Physics with Calculus II (3.00)

A continuation of PH 304A,focusing on electricity, magnetism, and waves. Includes an introduction to quantum mechanics.

Pre-requisite: PH*304A

PH 305A General Physics with Calculus I (1.00)

Compliments PH 304A, providing practical, hands-on experience primarily with experiments related to mechanics.

PH 305B General Physics Lab with Calculus II (1.00)

Compliments PH 304B, providing practical, hands-on experience primarily with experiments related to mechanics.

PH 408 Analytical Mechanics/Special Relativity (3.00)

Reviews Newtonian mechanics. Introduces calculus of variations and the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations. Describes collisions and oscillations, including normal modes of coupled systems. Introduces relativistic kinematics.

Pre-requisite: TAKE PH*304A MT*463;

PH 425 Optics With Laboratory (4.00)

Reviews geometric optics and simple interference and diffraction phenomena. Introduces aberrations, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, the Michelson interferometer, circular and elliptical polarization, birefringence, and nonlinear crystals. Examines coherence; students build a laser cavity.

Pre-requisite: TAKE PH*304B;

PH 451 Modern Physics Laboratory & Seminar (2.00)

Exploration of quantum and relativistic phenomena, application of statistical methods to experimental data, and discussion of ethical considerations in physics research.

Pre-requisite: TAKE PH*304B;

PH 465 Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics (3.00)

Application of statistical methods to explain the laws of thermodynamics. Includes discussion of temperature, multiplicity of states, entropy, Boltzmann factors, and the partition function, applied to systems including ideal gases, quantum gases, and solids.

Pre-requisite: TAKE PH*304B;

PH 475 Physics Capstone Seminar (1.00)

Review of and reflection on the physics curriculum, including extensions of selected assignments completed in previous courses. Discussion of the ethical considerations faced by practicing scientists.

PH 490E-W Independent Study/Physics: (1.00 - 4.00)

Offers an opportunity for advanced independent research.

PH 498E-W Internship in Physics (3.00)

Involves placement of advanced physics students in industry, government or other agencies. Faculty approval, supervision, and evaluation of students' work required.

Pre-requisite: TAKE PH*451;

How to Apply

Take the next step to receiving a values-based education at Regis by visiting our admissions page to learn more about application deadlines, checklists, and applying college credit (AP, IB) to your degree.

Apply Now by completing your online application free of cost.