Physics, B.S.

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Physics is to train and mentor students to become skilled scientists who will glorify God and be good stewards of His creation as they serve others in research, academia, and industry.

Degree Program

A Bachelor of Science degree in Physics is offered upon completion of the University baccalaureate requirements and the departmental specific requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Physics, students will be able to:

1. Articulate and apply the foundational principles of physics (ULO 1).
2. Solve quantitative, qualitative, and technical problems related to physics (ULO 1).
3. Generate accurate results and conduct data analysis using appropriate equipment and safe laboratory techniques (ULO 1 & 3).
4. Obtain and use applicable physics-related literature and resource materials (ULO 1).
5. Summarize the key issues in science and faith and recognize the harmony possible while studying God's creation (ULO 1, 2, and 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

GPA Requirement

To continue in the program a student is required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in their first year of chemistry, physics and/or math courses taken at Biola. These courses may include: CHEM 102 or CHEM 105, CHEM 115 or CHEM 1155, MATH 150, MATH 151, PHSC 132, and PHSC 134.

Integration Seminar Requirement

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree program are required to take BBST 4653 Integration Seminar: Christianity and the Natural Sciences, or another approved Integration Seminar topic (see advisor).

Curriculum Requirements

¹

CHEM 107 is waived for students who meet the qualifications to enter CHEM 102 or CHEM 105. See the current Placement Options for CHEM 105 for more information.

²

CHEM 107 must be passed with a C- or higher.

³

Fulfills the BBST 465 Biblical and Theological Studies Integration Seminar requirement.

Concentrations 

Biophysics

Quantum Computing 

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

• Biophysics
• Quantum Computing

Physics, B.S. Biophysics (PHBP)

¹

If you have taken 2 years of the same foreign language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions to fulfill the 4-credit requirement.

Physics, B.S. Quantum Computing (PHQC)

¹

If you have taken 2 years of the same foreign language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions to fulfill the 4-credit requirement.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

• Biophysics
• Quantum Computing

Physics, B.S. Biophysics (PHBP)

¹

If you have taken 2 years of the same foreign language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions to fulfill the 4-credit requirement.

Physics, B.S. Quantum Computing (PHQC) 

¹

If you have taken 2 years of the same foreign language in high school, you have fulfilled your foreign language requirement. Otherwise, contact the Modern Languages Department for placement test instructions to fulfill the 4-credit requirement.