BS in Applied Physics
Program overview*
Physics is the foundation of all natural sciences, engineering and technology. Applied physics is a bridge between physics and other fields, such as medicine, engineering, astronomy, chemistry, biology and environmental sciences. A BS in Applied Physics prepares you to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions with real-life applications.
LAU is unique in its student centeredness. Physics classes are designed to nurture active and experiential learning, while using the latest technology and lab equipment. The curriculum includes courses in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, modern physics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and solid-state physics.
Research is at the core of LAU’s professional life. Through your senior-study projects, you will have the opportunity to participate in world class research conducted alongside faculty members. You will also have the chance to publish papers in refereed journals during your undergraduate research.
What is my career path?
With the discipline and training that goes with a physics degree, you will be able to follow various career paths:
- Graduate school (MS/PhD)
- Medicine (pre-med Physics)
- Astronomy and Space science
- Industry (sustainable energy, nanotechnology, materials development, petroleum industry, quantum information technology, medical instrumentation, electronics …)
- Teaching in schools
- Science and energy policies
- Intellectual property (patent law)
*This program is pending the formalities of registration with the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Curriculum
Students must complete 94 credits of the following requirements:
- Liberal Arts Curriculum Requirements (34 credits)
- Physics Requirements (33 credits)
- Mathematics Requirements (12 credits)
- Chemistry Requirement (3 credits)
- Computer Science Requirement (3 credits)
- Elective Courses (minimum 18 credits with at least 9 PHY credits)
- Computer Skills (1 credit)
Physics Requirements (33 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Cr. |
| PHY201 | Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| PHY202 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHY203 | Classical Mechanics Lab | 1 |
| PHY304 | Mathematical Methods for Physicists | 3 |
| PHY307 | Thermodynamics | 4 |
| PHY308 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHY309 | Thermodynamics and Quantum Lab | 2 |
| PHY321 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHY322 | Modern Physics Lab | 1 |
| PHY402 | Solid State Physics | 3 |
| PHY405 | Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHY499 | Senior Study | 3 |
Mathematics Requirements (12 credits)
| Course Number | Course Name | Cr. |
| MTH201 | Calculus III | 3 |
| MTH206 | Calculus IV | 3 |
| MTH303 | Numerical Methods | 3 |
| MTH305 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
Chemistry Requirements (3 credits)
| Course Name | Course Number | Cr. |
| CHM201 | Chemical Principles | 3 |
Computer Science Requirements
Choose one of the following (3 credits):
| Course Name | Course Number | Cr. |
| CSC243 | Intro. to Object-Oriented Programming | 3 |
| BIF244 | Intro. to Script Programming | 3 |
Elective Courses (minimum 18 credits with at least 9 PHY credits)
The program offers three areas of concentration: pre-med physics, materials science and electronics. Students may also design customized concentration areas in close consultation with their advisors and with departmental approval.
| Number | Course Name | Cr. |
| PHY311 | Organic Materials I | 3 |
| PHY312 | Organic Materials II | 3 |
| PHY391 | Instrumentation and Measurements | 3 |
| PHY401 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
| PHY403 | Polymer Science | 3 |
| PHY404 | Fluids Mechanics | 3 |
| PHY411 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHY413 | Electromagnetic Waves | 3 |
| PHY424 | Introduction to Nanotechnology | 3 |
| PHY450 | Medical Imaging and Instrumentation | 3 |
| CHM421 | Inorganic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM423 | Synthesis and Identification of Inorganic Compounds | 2 |
| CHM425 | Computational Chemistry | 2 |
| ELE201 | Electrical Circuits I | 3 |
| ELE302 | Electrical Circuits II | 3 |
| ELE303 | Electrical Circuits II Lab | 1 |
| ELE401 | Electronics I | 3 |
| ELE402 | Electronics Lab | 1 |
| CSC245 | Objects and Data Abstraction | 3 |
| MTH301 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MTH306 | Non-Linear Dynamics Chaos | 3 |
| BIO201 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIO202 | General Biology II | 4 |
| BIO321 | Genetics | 3 |
| BCH301 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 4 |
Computer Skills (1 credit)
| Number | Course Name | Cr. |
| CSC201 | Computer Application | 1 |
Duration
This program requires 94 credits, which can be completed in three years by those entering as sophomores. See suggested three-year study plan, See suggested three-year study plan (pre-med)
Location
This program is offered in Beirut and Byblos.
