De La Salle University - Manila

Physics Department

Bachelor of Science in Physics with specialization in Materials Science

Description and Aims of the Program:

The BS-Physics with specialization in Materials Science is an 11-trimester undergraduate program in physics with emphasis on the applications of physics to materials science. It aims to produce graduates who have concrete understanding of the fundamental physical principles and techniques, a capacity for quantitative and technical analysis, and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in physics to the study of materials.
Being primarily a physics program, it does not attempt to cut across the whole breadth of the multidisciplinary area of materials science.  Rather, it concentrates on the interface of physics with materials science, and seeks to produce practical physicists who can readily work with the semiconductor industry and other industries of materials. It is further hoped that the foundational skills and knowledge in physics will contribute to the research and development of new materials useful to the continuing upliftment of humankind.

Program Structure

The students spend their first year in preparatory studies, particularly on mathematics. Introductory-level physics and mathematical methods for physics courses are taken from the second to the sixth trimester of the program, preparing the students for the core physics courses (mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical physics), which are taken in the junior and senior years.
A good dose of chemistry, computer and electronics courses, essential in providing foundational and practical knowledge and skills for materials science application, are included mainly in introductory years of the program. Foundational courses in materials science are taken during the junior year, ensuring that the course material can be handled with sufficient breadth and depth. Applications of upper-level physics to the study of materials are covered during the final year (9th to 11th term) in such courses as solid-state physics, structural analysis of materials, failure analysis and introduction to photonics.