Apply physics and mathematics to experimental systems
Degree Program
Physics & Astronomy
Physics & AstronomyDegree Program · Physical Sciences & Engineering
Applied Physics & Instrumentation
Builds foundations in physics, mathematics, experiment, electronics, optics, sensing, and scientific instrumentation.
Program purpose
Bachelor of Science
Students learn physical principles through measurement and then apply them to instruments, observational systems, materials, imaging, sensing, and experimental research.
Learning outcomes
What graduates are prepared to do
Program outcomes connect disciplinary knowledge to methods, judgment, communication, and independently evaluated work.
Design measurements with calibration and uncertainty analysis
Integrate electronics, optics, sensors, and computation
Build and validate an instrument or applied physics project
Curriculum architecture
How the pathway is organized
Coursework progresses from foundations to methods, integration, and a culminating demonstration of capability.
Foundations
Build the knowledge, skills, and mindset for inquiry.
Application
Apply methods and tools to real-world questions.
Integration
Synthesize across disciplines and perspectives.
Demonstration
Produce and present work that creates impact.
- 01
Mathematics and foundational physics
- 02
Experimental methods and measurement
- 03
Electronics, optics, sensing, and data acquisition
- 04
Advanced physics or instrumentation electives
- 05
Applied physics capstone
Course sequence
Selected curriculum
PHY-110
Physics of Measurement
Introduces mechanics, energy, waves, electricity, measurement, units, uncertainty, and experimental reasoning through practical systems.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Observational Astronomy
Develops astronomical observation, coordinate systems, imaging, spectroscopy, data reduction, and interpretation of celestial phenomena.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Photonics & Optical Sensing
Examines light, optical systems, detectors, spectroscopy, imaging, and photonic sensing for scientific and engineering applications.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Electronics, Sensors & Data Acquisition
Builds practical foundations in circuits, analog and digital sensing, embedded systems, signal conditioning, and reliable data acquisition.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Data Management & Reproducible Research
Develops durable data structures, metadata, versioning, cleaning, provenance, documentation, and reproducible analysis workflows.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Engineering Systems Capstone
Guides an engineering project from requirements and risk through design, prototype, test, documentation, and demonstration.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 4.0
Learning environments
Field, laboratory & studio work
- Physics and measurement laboratory
- Electronics and sensing laboratory
- Optics and photonics systems
- Astronomical or field instrumentation
Professional directions
Where the capability can lead
- Scientific instrumentation
- Laboratory and test engineering
- Optical and sensing systems
- Technical research
- Graduate study in physics or engineering
Culminating work
Capstone, thesis, dissertation, or professional demonstration
A senior capstone designs, builds, validates, or applies an instrument or experimental system and documents performance against requirements.
Admissions preparation
Materials and background
Admissions review considers preparation, purpose, prior work, and the fit between the applicant’s goals and the program.
Secondary-school completion or recognized equivalent
Academic records demonstrating preparation for college-level work
Statement connecting the applicant’s interests to the program
Writing or project sample when relevant to the pathway
Faculty & academic leadership
Program relationships
Next step
Connect this pathway to your academic goals.
Request information for a focused conversation or begin an application through the Stella Nova Student Information System.