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Physics – Computer Science

With computer science transforming the world of physics every day, a degree in Physics - Computer Science from McDaniel College will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your academic career and beyond.

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Degree Types
Major , Specialization
Institution
Complementary Programs
Physics
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Capstone
Document
Research
Pursue an independent study or summer research

Why McDaniel for your Physics - Computer Science degree?

When you're exploring degree options in STEM, you may be asking yourself, "Does Computer Science require Physics?" or vice versa, "Does Physics require Computer Science?" The fact is, the fields of computer science and physics are often intertwined in an increasingly digitized world. Technology has led to advances in physics and computers, and what professionals can accomplish by combining both. Physics programmer jobs are becoming ever more common, and the typical physicist spends time using or creating computer software to model data.

The Physics - Computer Science major will focus your studies on the fundamentals of scientific endeavors, critical thinking, and everything you need to know to pursue your dream career. 

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$139,220

Annual median salary for physicists in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Special Opportunities

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Student-Faculty Research in Physics Maximize your summers

The annual Student-Faculty Collaborative Summer Research Program gives students an opportunity to work on a unique project with peers and faculty mentors. Previous Physics and Computer Science research projects include:

  • On the Dynamics of Droplets on Superheated Porous Surfaces with Assistant Professor Farzad Ahmadi

  • Sign Language Recognition and Translation using Machine Learning with Associate Professor Paul Lin

  • Integrating Object Recognition in Video Classification to Improve Accuracy with Associate Professor Ting Zhang

 

Distinctive Courses

PHY 1000 - Bosons to Bridges to Black Holes

Drawing examples from astronomy, physics, and engineering, this course will introduce students to fundamental conservation laws and the principles of statics and dynamics. In-class activities will help reinforce those concepts while improving students’ understanding of experimental design, measurement uncertainty, estimation, and data analysis. This course also will connect basic mathematics concepts to the physical sciences, while also introducing students to more advanced topics such as complex numbers and linear algebra.

PHY 3313 - Computer Modeling of Physical Systems

This course is an introduction to modeling complex systems through application of computational numerical methods and graphing techniques using the software package Mathematica. Specific topics include: numerical techniques of integration and differentiation, analytical and numerical solutions of systems of differential equations, iterative procedures, symbolic manipulation of equations, use and manipulation of lists, procedural and functional programming, the use of rules in Mathematica, structured programming using loops and lists, and development of computer animations. Students will model systems from a wide range of areas such as Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics.

ENR 2201 - Analog and Digital Circuits

This course is an introduction to circuit design and computer interfacing. Specific topics include resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuits; DC and AC circuits and their analysis; RLC  circuits and resonance; filters; Kirchoff’s laws; operational amplifiers; theory and applications of logical gates; integrated circuits and their applications; digital counters and timers; and principles of computer interfacing. The laboratory component of the course (ENR-2001) will focus on  designing and constructing analog and digital circuits, employing diagnostic  equipment, and using computer interfaces. 

CSC 1106 - The Art of Programming

An introduction to the use of algorithms for problem solving. The course will focus on finding algorithmic solutions for a given problem and expressing these solutions in a programming language. This course includes a laboratory.

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McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

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Study Abroad

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Internships

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Research

Professor Farzad Ahmadi stands with student Tania Mendez-Perez in the lab.

Physics major makes a splash in thermodynamics summer research

Assistant Professor of Physics and Engineering Farzad Ahmadi and Tania Mendez-Perez, a senior Physics major specializing in Engineering, are studying how water droplets react to superheated surfaces, particularly those exhibiting porosity. Their project is a part of the Student-Faculty Collaborative Summer Research Program.

Read "Physics major makes a splash in thermodynamics summer research"

Related Programs

Physics Physics - Engineering Computer Science
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Keep in Touch
mapsearch Created with Sketch.

See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel
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