Department of Physics
Undergraduate Program
The goal of the BS Premed Physics program is to prepare students for careers in medicine, medical physics and other doctoral health professions. As advances in knowledge and technology become increasingly multi-disciplinary in nature, the BS Premed Physics program offers its students a different perspective to preparation for medical school by concentrating on the applications of physics in medicine.
Students take physics, biology and chemistry courses that satisfy the requirements for a pre-med course, enabling them to proceed to medical school. The training gained from the interdisciplinary and collaborative electives, specialization courses, projects and theses provide students excellent preparation to the graduate-level medical physics program. Students are also encouraged to develop and/or work on materials and devices that will make medical practice easier and efficient for medical practitioners, effective for patients, and cheaper for the whole healthcare system.
Program Requirements
- 5 academic units and 9 non-academic units
- Completion of a practicum program
- Completion of a thesis
Summary of Units
| General Education | 53 units |
| Disciplinal Courses | 83 units |
| Electives/ Specialization Courses | 23 units |
| Thesis | 5.5 units |
| Practicum | 3 units |
| Lasallian Studies | 3 units (non-academic) |
| NSTP/CWTS | 6 units (non-academic) |
| Total number of units | 167.5 (9) |
Detailed Curriculum
| Units | |||
| Elective/
Specialization Courses |
RADPY01 | Radiation Physics 1 | 3 |
| LBYPH0P | Radiation Physics 1 Lab | 1 | |
| RDTHE01 | Radiation Therapy | 3 | |
| RDBIO01 | Radiation Biology | 3 | |
| NUCMD01 | Nuclear Medicine | 3 | |
| IMAGM01 | Medical Imaging | 3 | |
| LBYPH0T | Medical Imaging Lab | 1 | |
| HLTHP01 | Health Physics | 3 | |
| PSYNTRO | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| Physics Courses | BASPHYS | Foundation Course in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS102 | Physics Fundamentals – Elasticity, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics | 3 | |
| PHYS103 | Physics Fundamentals – Waves & Optics | 3 | |
| LBYPH02 | Physics Fundamentals Lab – Elasticity, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics | 1 | |
| LBYPH03 | Physics Fundamentals Lab –
Waves & Optics |
1 | |
| LBYPH04 | Physics Fundamentals Lab –
Modern Physics |
1 | |
| PHYS104 | Modern Physics | 3 | |
| PHYS001/B/C/D | Physics Problems 1/2/3/4 for
Premed Physics |
4 | |
| ELECP01 | Electronics 1 | 3 | |
| LBYPH0K | Electronics Laboratory 1 | 1 | |
| COMPY01 | Computer for Physics 1 | 3 | |
| Biology Courses | BASBIOL | Foundation Course in Biology | 3 |
| ANATOMY | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy | 3 | |
| LBYBI11 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab | 2 | |
| EMBRYPH | Vertebrate Embryology | 3 | |
| LBYBI34 | Vertebrate Embryology Lab | 1 | |
| PHYSIOPH | Fundamentals of Physiology | 3 | |
| LBYBI34 | Fundamentals of Physiology Lab | 1 | |
| CELLBIO | Cell Biology | 3 | |
| LBYBI37 | Cell Biology Lab | 1 | |
| MICROPH | Microbiology | 3 | |
| LBYBI35 | Microbiology Lab | 1 | |
| Chemistry Courses | BASCHEM | Foundation Course in Chemistry | 3 |
| KMPHOR1 | Organic Chemistry 1 | 3 | |
| KMPHOR2 | Organic Chemistry 2 | 3 | |
| LBYORGP | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 | |
| KMBIOKP | Biochemistry | 3 | |
| LBYBIOP | Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 | |
| KMANAP | Analytical Chemistry | 3 | |
| LBYANAP | Analytical Chemistry Lab | 1 | |
| Mathematics & Statistics Courses | MTH101A | Foundation Course in Mathematics | 5 |
| STT101A | Foundation Course in Statistics | 3 | |
| STT151A | Statistics for Research | 3 | |
| MATPY00 | Calculus for Premed Physics | 4 | |
| Thesis and Practicum | PYSEM01 | Physics Seminar | 1 |
| PRCPHYS | Practicum for Physics Students | 3 | |
| THSPY01 | Physics Research 1 | 1 | |
| THSPY02 | Physics Research 2 | 1 | |
| THSPY03 | Physics Research 3 | 1 | |
| RESAP01 | Research Apprenticeship 1 | 0.5 | |
| RESAP02 | Research Apprenticeship 2 | 0.5 | |
| RESAP03 | Research Apprenticeship 3 | 0.5 | |
| General Education Courses | 53 | ||
| Lasallian Studies | (3) | ||
| NSTP/CWTS | (6) | ||
Course Descriptions
Radiation Physics 1 (3 units lecture)
An introductory course on radiation physics aimed at providing a working background on the different types of radiation, their sources and detection and their general application in medicine and biology. Topics include different interactions of radiation with matter, various sources of radiation (man-made and natural), nuclear reactions and radioisotope production, neutron sources, nuclear reactors and particle accelerators in and their general application in medicine and biology.
Radiation Physics 2 (3 units)
This course focuses on the various methods of radiation detection and dosimetric principles. This includes radiation detection using ionization chambers, scintillation detectors, and semiconductor detectors among others.
Radiation Physics Laboratory (1 unit)
This laboratory course is designed for medical physics and pre-med physics majors taking up radiation physics courses. It supplements the topics discussed in the lecture class. Specifically, experiments involving different types, properties and clinical applications of radiation will be performed to provide the students with the tangible and practical aspects of radiation physics concepts learned in the lecture class.
Radiation Biology (3 units)
An introduction to the principles and concepts underlying the effects of ionizing radiation at the molecular, cellular and whole-tissue level. Topics include radiation damage to DNA, DNA damage repair mechanisms, cell-cycle kinetics (repopulation effects), Linear Energy Transfer (LET) effects, oxygen effects, the Four R’s of radiation therapy, genomic instability, neoplastic transformation, apoptosis, and cancer. The course also covers examples and discussions related to radiation therapy treatment planning, including the biologically equivalent dose (BED) and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) concepts; and the human health effects relevant to radiation protection.
Radiation Therapy 1 (3 units)
The first of two courses in radiation therapy. This course covers topics on radiotherapy machines – their components and principles of operations, the various properties and mechanisms of x-ray and electron interaction with matter and the dosimetry of therapeutic x-rays.
Health Physics (3 units)
Topics include the physics of dose deposition, radiation dosimetry, elementary shielding and radiation protection devices, description and proper use (calibration and maintenance) of health physics instrumentation, and radiation regulatory issues. Legal, biological, and administrative aspects of radiation protection in nuclear medicine. Emphasis on practical means of minimizing radiation exposure to the patient, nuclear medicine staff, and the general public.
Nuclear Medicine (3 units)
An introductory course that will provide undergraduate physics majors with basic fundamentals in nuclear medicine, including radiation physics and radiation biology, in-vivo and in-vitro studies, and radionuclide therapy.
Medical Imaging Systems (3 units)
This course is a study of the basic concepts of medical imaging. Introductory course on medical imaging aims to provide knowledge on different types of medical imaging devices, their sources and their general applications in medicine and biology. It includes radioactivity, photon and charged particle interaction in matter, x-ray production and quality.
Laboratory for Medical Imaging Systems (1 unit)
This course is designed as a complimentary laboratory course for IMAGMED or IMAGSYS. It supplements the topics discussed in the lecture class. Specifically, experiments in X ray Film Analysis, ultrasound, and image processing will be performed to provide the students with the concrete applications of concepts learned in the lecture class.
Foundation Course in Physics (3 units)
This is a course on the conceptual foundations of Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism using flipped classroom as instructional strategy. In examining the concepts mentioned and its relevant consequences, vector methods, as well as the basic concepts of calculus will be used.
Fundamentals of Physics – Elasticity, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics (3 units)
This is a course on elasticity and the basics of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. It will discuss stress and strain, elastic modulus, Pascal’s Law, Archimedes Principle, Bernoulli’s equation and the laws of thermodynamics.
Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory (1 unit)
This is a laboratory course that covers experiments in stress, strain, elasticity, fluids, heat, and basic circuits. The course puts emphasis on basic experimental techniques and data analysis, and written report of experimental results.
Fundamentals of Physics – Waves and Optics (3 units)
This is a course covering oscillations, the basic properties of mechanical and electromagnetic waves, optical phenomena, and optical instruments.
Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory – Waves and Optics (1 unit)
This is a laboratory course designed for students taking Fundamentals of Physics: Waves & Optics (lecture). The course supplements the topics discussed in the lecture class. Specifically, experiments in waves and optics are performed to provide the student concrete applications of concepts learned in the lecture class.
Modern Physics (3 units)
It is an introduction to the concepts and methods of modern physics: Einstein’s special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. Although the ideas to be encountered are barely 100years old, yet the students will realize their importance since these have dictated the scientific and technological development of the 20th century.
Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory – Modern Physics (1 unit)
Selected experiments will be performed to provide the students with hands-on experience with some of the experimental basis of modern physics. This course utilizes the student’s imagination, intuition, and creativity in analyzing and discovering the various laws and principles that govern the physical world.
Computer for Physics 1 (3 units)
This is an introductory course in computer programming in FORTRAN/Python/MATLAB. The students will learn how to construct logical formulations or algorithms in arriving at finite numerical solution/s to various scientific problems. Rudiments of computer programming in FORTRAN/Python/MATLAB with hands-on training will be incorporated in the course.
Electronics for Physics 1 (3 units)
This course introduces the fundamental principles and applications of electrical and electronic devices, circuits, and systems in particular; resistors, capacitors, inductors, and semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers. Digital logic and the design of combinational and sequential circuits are also discussed.
Electronics Laboratory for Physics 1 (1 unit)
Experiments involving analog circuits (resistive, inductive, and capacitive circuits), three-phase circuits, diodes, transistors, op-amp, and basic logic gates will be performed as well as introductory experiments in microcontrollers.
BS PHYSICS with specialization in MATERIALS SCIENCE
The goal of the BS PHYSICS with specialization in MATERIALS SCIENCE program is to prepare students for careers in physics and engineering, industry, teaching, research and development, health, and IT; in government or in the private sector. Our students acquire quantitative and problem solving skills, the capability to design experiments, analyze and interpret data through course work and the conduct of an independent research.
The specialization courses, projects and thesis are designed to be interdisciplinary. In particular, the materials science courses have emphasis on nanotechnology, sensors, power and energy, and biomaterials; fields that are seeing fast advancement and have great impact on technology, energy resources and health management in the future. Students have the opportunity to engage in basic research for their thesis, and are encouraged to work on materials that will provide solutions to technology and society’s needs, and that go beyond physics disciplines.
Program Requirements
- 5 academic units and 9 non-academic units
- Completion of a practicum program
- Completion of a thesis
Summary of Units
| General Education | 53 units |
| Core Courses | 88 units |
| Professional/
Specialization Courses |
36 units |
| Thesis | 5.5 units |
| Practicum | 3 units |
| Lasallian Studies | 3 units (non-academic) |
| NSTP/CWTS | 6 units (non-academic) |
| Total number of units | 185.5 (9) |
Detailed Curriculum
| Units | |||
| Elective/
Specialization Courses |
MTSCI01/02 | Introduction to Materials Science 1 & 2 | 6 |
| MTSCI03 | Materials Fabrication and Characterization | 3 | |
| MTSCI04 | Failure Analysis | 3 | |
| LBYPH05/06 | Materials Science Laboratory 1 & 2 | 3 | |
| SEMPY01 | Semiconductor Physics and Devices | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | ||
| Analytical Chemistry (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | ||
| Physics Problems 2, 3, 4 | 3 | ||
| COMPY03 | Data Analytics for Physics | 3 | |
| LBYPH0L | Electronics Laboratory 2 | 1 | |
| QUAME02 | Quantum Mechanics 2 | 3 | |
| Electronics & Computer Courses | ELECP01/2 | Electronics 1 & 2 | 6 |
| LBYPH0K | Electronics Laboratory 1 | 1 | |
| COMPY01 | Computer for Physics 1 (Python, MATLAB©) | 3 | |
| COMPY02 | Computer for Physics 2 (MATLAB©) | 3 | |
| COMET01 | Computational Methods in Physics | 3 | |
| Core Courses | BASPHYS | Foundation Course in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS102/ LBYPH02 | Physics Fundamentals – Elasticity, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | |
| PHYS103/ LBYPH03 | Physics Fundamentals – Waves & Optics (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | |
| PHYS104/ LBYPH04 | Modern Physics (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | |
| PHYS001 | Physics Problems 1 | 1 | |
| CLAME01 | Classical Mechanics 1 & 2 | 6 | |
| ELEMA01/2 | Electricity and Magnetism 1 & 2 | 6 | |
| QUAME01 | Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 | |
| STAME01 | Statistical Mechanics | 3 | |
| SOLST01 | Solid State Physics | 3 | |
| MATPY01,2,3,4 | Mathematical Methods in Physics 1,2,3,4 | 13 | |
| BASCHEM | Foundation Course in Chemistry | 3 | |
| Mathematics & Statistics Courses | MTH101A | Foundation Course in Mathematics | 5 |
| STT101A | Foundation Course in Statistics | 3 | |
| MTH131A | Calculus for Physics 1 | 4 | |
| MTH132A | Calculus for Physics 2 | 3 | |
| Thesis and Practicum | PYSEM01 | Physics Seminar | 1 |
| PRCPHYS | Practicum for Physics Students | 3 | |
| THSPY01 | Physics Research 1 | 1 | |
| THSPY02 | Physics Research 2 | 1 | |
| THSPY03 | Physics Research 3 | 1 | |
| RESAP01 | Research Apprenticeship 1 | 0.5 | |
| RESAP02 | Research Apprenticeship 2 | 0.5 | |
| RESAP03 | Research Apprenticeship 3 | 0.5 | |
Course Descriptions
SPECIALIZATION COURSES
Materials Science 1 (3 units lecture)
Introduction to the structure, properties, and applications of materials. Crystal structure and defects, imperfections in solids, diffusion, mechanical properties, deforming and strengthening mechanisms, failure, phase diagrams, phase transformations. Examples from applications such as in electronics, energy, and emerging technologies. Includes nanomaterials, superconductors, magnetic materials, semiconductors, as well as biomaterials, ecomaterials, high-temperature materials for jet engines and gas turbines, metals, ceramics, composites, and polymers.
Materials Science 2 (3 units)
Electrical, thermal and magnetic properties of materials; applications of polymers, ceramics, metal alloys; synthesis, fabrication and processing of materials; composites; corrosion and degradation of materials; material selection and design considerations. Examples from applications such as in electronics, energy, and emerging technologies. Includes nanomaterials, superconductors, magnetic materials, semiconductors, as well as biomaterials, ecomaterials, high-temperature materials, metals, ceramics, composites, and polymers.
Materials Science 3 – Materials Fabrication & Characterization (3 units)
This is an introduction on the theory and technology of micro/nano fabrication. It covers basic processing techniques such as diffusion, oxidation, photolithography, chemical vapor deposition, among others; characterization of micro/nano-materials and devices.
Failure Analysis (3 units)
Modes and causes of failure in materials, devices, and other products; non-destructive evaluation; failure analysis and methods employed in certain industries; analysis illustrated through student projects requiring integration of knowledge from several courses.
Materials Science Laboratory 1 (2 units)
Experiments involving crystallography, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray and infrared spectroscopic analysis of microstructures, tensile strength, yielding, creep, and fracture; plasticity, damping, shape memory, and thermal activation are performed to provide the student concrete applications of concepts learned in the lecture class.
Materials Science Laboratory 2 (1 unit)
This is a laboratory course that covers experiments on thermal analysis; electrical, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of materials. The course puts emphasis on basic experimental techniques and data analysis, and writing scientific reports of experimental results.
Semiconductor Physics (3 units)
The course deals with the physics of semiconductors and semiconductor devices. It includes behavior of electrons moving in a periodic potential and the features of the energy band structure that distinguish semiconductors from metals and insulators; the statistics of electrons and holes in semiconductors in equilibrium, behavior of excess carriers in semiconductors; properties of a pn junction, the transistor, LEDs, semiconductor lasers, and other semiconductor devices.
COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS COURSES
Computer for Physics 1 (3 units)
This is an introductory course in computer programming in MATLAB for Physics majors. The students will learn how to construct logical formulations or algorithms in arriving at finite numerical solution/s to various scientific problems. Rudiments of computer programming in MATLAB with hands-on training will be incorporated in the course.
Data Analytics for Physics (3 units)
The introductory course on data analytics for physicists aims to give the students an overview of the different aspects of data science. Physicists can use these tools to understand the trends and patterns from contemporary large data sets and to develop predictive models for decision-making. Topics to be covered include data collection and management, data visualization, and data analysis using statistical inference, machine learning and other predictive models. Students are expected to work on hands-on projects for collecting, analyzing, and modelling the observed data, and present their findings through effective communication and data visualizations.
Computer for Physics 2 (3 units)
This is an intermediate course in computer programming in MATLAB for B.S. Physics majors with introduction to computational methods. The students will learn how to construct logical formulations or algorithms in arriving at finite numerical solution/s to various scientific problems. Rudiments of computer programming in MATLAB with hands-on training will be incorporated in the course.
Computational Methods in Physics (3 units)
This is an undergraduate course on computational methods applied to problems in physics. The emphasis is on the application of numerical methods to physics rather than on the numerical methods. Students will learn how to build logical constructs in arriving at finite numerical solution/s to different physics problems.
Electronics for Physics 1 (3 units)
This course introduces the fundamental principles and applications of electrical and electronic devices, circuits, and systems in particular; resistors, capacitors, inductors, and semiconductor devices, e.g., diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers. Digital logic and the design of combinational and sequential circuits are also discussed.
Electronics for Physics 2 (3 units)
This course discusses the basic principles of instrumentation, the various blocks that comprise the entire instrumentation set-up, various sensors and transducers, data acquisition systems and platforms.
Electronics Laboratory for Physics 1 (1 unit)
Experiments involving analog circuits (resistive, inductive, and capacitive circuits), three-phase circuits, diodes, transistors, op-amp, and basic logic gates will be performed as well as introductory experiments in microcontrollers.
Electronics Laboratory for Physics 2 (1 unit)
This is hands-on laboratory course on instrumentation design. As a final product of the course, the student will design at least three instrumentation systems/projects that will satisfy a given data acquisition problem.
CORE COURSES
Foundation Course in Physics (3 units)
This is a course on the conceptual foundations of Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism using flipped classroom as instructional strategy. In examining the concepts mentioned and its relevant consequences, vector methods, as well as the basic concepts of calculus will be used.
Fundamentals of Physics – Elasticity, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics (3 units)
This is a course on elasticity and the basics of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. It will discuss stress and strain, elastic modulus, Pascal’s Law, Archimedes Principle, Bernoulli’s equation and the laws of thermodynamics.
Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory (1 unit)
This is a laboratory course that covers experiments in stress, strain, elasticity, fluids, heat, and basic circuits. The course puts emphasis on basic experimental techniques and data analysis, and written report of experimental results.
Fundamentals of Physics – Waves and Optics (3 units)
This is a course covering oscillations, the basic properties of mechanical and electromagnetic waves, optical phenomena, and optical instruments.
Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory – Waves and Optics (1 unit)
This is a laboratory course designed for students taking Fundamentals of Physics: Waves & Optics (lecture). The course supplements the topics discussed in the lecture class. Specifically, experiments in waves and optics are performed to provide the student concrete applications of concepts learned in the lecture class.
Modern Physics (3 units)
It is an introduction to the concepts and methods of modern physics: Einstein’s special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. Although the ideas to be encountered are barely 100 years old, yet the students will realize their importance since these have dictated the scientific and technological development of the 20th century.
Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory – Modern Physics (1 unit)
Selected experiments will be performed to provide the students with hands-on experience with some of the experimental basis of modern physics. This course utilizes the student’s imagination, intuition, and creativity in analyzing and discovering the various laws and principles that govern the physical world.
Classical Mechanics 1 (3 units)
The first part of a two-trimester course in intermediate classical mechanics for physics majors. It deals mainly with the Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics. Applications to central forces and harmonic oscillators are discussed.
Classical Mechanics 2 (3 units)
This is the second of a two-part intermediate-level course in classical mechanics for physics majors. It covers mechanics in non-inertial frames, rotational motion of rigid bodies, coupled oscillations, Hamiltonian mechanics, collision theory, special relativity, nonlinear mechanics and chaos, and continuum mechanics.
Electricity and Magnetism 1 (3 units)
First of a two-part intermediate-level course in electromagnetism for physics majors. It covers the fundamentals of electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electrodynamics.
Electricity and Magnetism 2 (3 units)
Second of a two-part intermediate-level course in electromagnetism for physics majors. It covers the fundamentals of magnetostatics, and electrodynamics.
Quantum Mechanics 1 (3 units)
A first course in quantum mechanics with a short introduction to its historical development. Topics include the Schrodinger equation, eigenfunctions, and eigenvalues, one-dimensional potentials, the general structure of wave mechanics, operator methods.
Quantum Mechanics 2 (3 units)
This is the second part of an introductory course in quantum mechanics. It covers matrix mechanics, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom and other central potential systems, and approximation methods.
Statistical Mechanics (3 units)
This is an intermediate course on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The course covers probability theory, fundamental principles of equilibrium statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, kinetic theory, diffusion, probability distributions for classical and quantum systems.
Introduction to Photonics (3 units)
This is an introductory course on optical and optoelectronic phenomena and devices. Topics include lasers and its applications, second harmonic generation using lasers, electro-opto and acousto-optic modulators, detectors such as the photodiode, avalanche photodiode and photomultiplier, optical fibers, non-linear optics.
Introduction to Photonics Laboratory (1 unit)
This is a full-online, hands-on laboratory course that covers experiments on introductory photonics, laser physics, and optoelectronics. The course puts emphasis on basic experimental techniques, data analysis, use of Arduino-based sensors, and writing scientific reports.
Solid State Physics (3 units)
This involves a study of the structures of different crystalline solids, the many properties that give rise to these structures, and the different forces that hold crystals together; crystal vibrations, free electron model that describes many physical properties of metals, quantum theory of solids, energy bands and band gaps, semiconductor crystal, and Fermi surfaces.
Mathematical Methods for Physics 1 (3 units)
The course covers vector algebra, vector calculus, curvilinear coordinates, linear algebra, and matrices. In introducing the students to the related calculus of functions of several variables, computational skills and intuitive understanding are emphasized rather than theoretical proofs. Illustrative examples will come mainly from the fields of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and electromagnetic theory to motivate the students, as well as to prepare them when they take formal courses in these areas.
Mathematical Methods for Physics 2 (4 units)
This is the second of a series of four courses in mathematical methods in physics intended for physics majors. It deals with differential equations and linear algebra, including linear transformations, determinants, eigenvectors, eigenvalues, inner products and linear spaces. Physical applications will come mainly from the fields of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics and electromagnetic theory.
Mathematical Methods for Physics 3 (3 units)
This is a course on complex analysis, Sturm-Liouville Theory and Fourier series. It covers complex algebra, contour integrals and calculus of residues in the first part. The second part is a discussion of Sturm-Liouville Theory where the concepts of Hermitian operators, eigenfunctions, eigenvalues and their applications in quantum mechanics are presented. In the third part, the properties and applications of Fourier series are covered.
Mathematical Methods for Physics 4 (3 units)
This is a course on the solutions of advanced mathematical equation arising from the analysis of physical systems. These would involve the use of calculus of variations, operator methods in Fourier transforms, integral equations, and Green’s functions. Modern algebraic and geometrical techniques will be emphasized for further theoretical work.
Physics Problems 1,2,3,4
The course requires the students to apply the skills and knowledge of core physics and mathematics to develop their solutions to various synthesis physics problems.
Research Apprenticeship 1, 2, 3
Enables the student to work as apprentice in one of the research groups of the department. Apprenticeship may involve assisting in the researches of the laboratory and/or starting one’s research work. The student learns the physical principles utilized in the research, along with the methodology and setup needed, and safety procedures, if any.
Physics Seminar
This course enables the students to prepare for their thesis proposal. In writing the thesis proposal, the students get a feel of the requirements of the research study they will undertake along with its theoretical background.
BS PHYSICS with specialization in MEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION
The goal of the BS PHYSICS with specialization in MEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION program is to prepare students for careers in medical physics, health physics, medicine, research and development, teaching, and industry; in the government and private sector. Our graduates have solid grounding in physical concepts and principles, and a basic understanding of radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, medical imaging and medical instrumentation. Graduates of the program can immediately work as associate medical physicists. At the same time, they can readily go to graduate programs in medical physics, preparing themselves for careers as full-fledged medical physicists or health physicists.
Our students acquire quantitative and problem solving skills, the capability to design experiments, analyze and interpret data through course work and the conduct of an independent research. The electives, specialization courses, projects and thesis are designed to be interdisciplinary as well. Students have the opportunity to engage in basic research for their thesis, and are encouraged to develop and/or work on materials and devices that will make medical practice easier and efficient for medical practitioners, effective for patients, and cheaper for the whole healthcare system.
Program Requirements
- 5 academic units and 9 non-academic units
- Completion of a practicum program
- Completion of a thesis
Summary of Units
| General Education | 53 units |
| Core Courses | 88 units |
| Professional /
Specialization Courses |
36 units |
| Thesis | 5.5 units |
| Practicum | 3 units |
| Lasallian Studies | 3 units (non-academic) |
| NSTP/CWTS | 6 units (non-academic) |
| Total number of units | 185.5 (9) |
Detailed Curriculum
| Units | |||
| Specialization / Elective
Courses |
RADPY01/2 | Radiation Physics 1 & 2 | 6 |
| LBYPH0P | Radiation Physics Lab | 1 | |
| RDTHE01 | Radiation Therapy | 3 | |
| RDBIO01 | Radiation Biology | 3 | |
| NUCMD01 | Nuclear Medicine | 3 | |
| IMAGM01 | Medical Imaging | 3 | |
| LBYPH0T | Medical Imaging Lab | 1 | |
| HLTHP01 | Health Physics | 3 | |
| SENSR01 | Sensors and Biomedical Instrumentation | 3 | |
| LBYPH0S | Sensors and Biomedical Instrumentation Lab | 1 | |
| Organic Chemistry | 3 | ||
| Quantum Mechanics 2 | 3 | ||
| Data Analytics for Physics | 3 | ||
| Electronics & Computer Courses | ELECP01/2 | Electronics 1 & 2 | 6 |
| LBYPH0K/L | Electronics Laboratory 1 & 2 | 2 | |
| COMPY01/2 | Computer for Physics 1 & 2
(Python, MATLAB©) |
6 | |
| COMET01 | Computational Methods in Physics | 3 | |
| Core Courses | BASPHYS | Foundation Course in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS102/ LBYPH02 | Physics Fundamentals – Elasticity, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | |
| PHYS103/ LBYPH03 | Physics Fundamentals – Waves & Optics (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | |
| PHYS104/ LBYPH04 | Modern Physics (Lecture & Lab) | 4 | |
| PHYS001/2/3/4 | Physics Problems 1, 2, 3, 4 | 4 | |
| CLAME01 | Classical Mechanics 1 & 2 | 6 | |
| ELEMA01/2 | Electricity and Magnetism 1 & 2 | 6 | |
| QUAME01/2 | Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 | |
| STAME01 | Statistical Mechanics | 3 | |
| SOLST01 | Solid State Physics | 3 | |
| MATPY01,2,3,4 | Mathematical Methods in Physics 1,2,3,4 | 13 | |
| BASCHEM | Foundation Course in Chemistry | 3 | |
| Mathematics & Statistics Courses | MTH101A | Foundation Course in Mathematics | 5 |
| STT101A | Foundation Course in Statistics | 3 | |
| MTH131A | Calculus for Physics 1 | 4 | |
| MTH132A | Calculus for Physics 2 | 3 | |
| Thesis and Practicum | PYSEM01 | Physics Seminar | 1 |
| PRCPHYS | Practicum for Physics Students | 3 | |
| THSPY01 | Physics Research 1 | 1 | |
| THSPY02 | Physics Research 2 | 1 | |
| THSPY03 | Physics Research 3 | 1 | |
| RESAP01 | Research Apprenticeship 1 | 0.5 | |
| RESAP02 | Research Apprenticeship 2 | 0.5 | |
| RESAP03 | Research Apprenticeship 3 | 0.5 | |
| General Education Courses | 53 | ||
| Lasallian Studies | (3) | ||
| NSTP/CWTS | (6) | ||
Course Descriptions
SPECIALIZATION COURSES
Radiation Physics 1 (3 units lecture)
An introductory course on radiation physics aimed at providing a working background on the different types of radiation, their sources and detection and their general application in medicine and biology. Topics include different interactions of radiation with matter, various sources of radiation (man-made and natural), nuclear reactions and radioisotope production, neutron sources, nuclear reactors and particle accelerators in and their general application in medicine and biology.
Radiation Physics 2 (3 units)
This course focuses on the various methods of radiation detection and dosimetric principles. This includes radiation detection using ionization chambers, scintillation detectors, and semiconductor detectors among others.
Radiation Physics Laboratory (1 unit)
This laboratory course is designed for medical physics and pre-med physics majors taking up radiation physics courses. It supplements the topics discussed in the lecture class. Specifically, experiments involving different types, properties and clinical applications of radiation will be performed to provide the students with the tangible and practical aspects of radiation physics concepts learned in the lecture class.
Radiation Biology (3 units)
An introduction to the principles and concepts underlying the effects of ionizing radiation at the molecular, cellular and whole-tissue level. Topics include radiation damage to DNA, DNA damage repair mechanisms, cell-cycle kinetics (repopulation effects), Linear Energy Transfer (LET) effects, oxygen effects, the Four R’s of radiation therapy, genomic instability, neoplastic transformation, apoptosis, and cancer. The course also covers examples and discussions related to radiation therapy treatment planning, including the biologically equivalent dose (BED) and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) concepts; and the human health effects relevant to radiation protection.
Radiation Therapy 1 (3 units)
The first of two courses in radiation therapy. This course covers topics on radiotherapy machines – their components and principles of operations, the various properties and mechanisms of x-ray and electron interaction with matter and the dosimetry of therapeutic x-rays.
Health Physics (3 units)
The purpose of this comprehensive course is to explore the effects of ionizing radiation to humans and to investigate the principles techniques used to maintain the principles of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) in all radiation work-related settings. The learner will be exposed to the principles of radiation protection and the calculations that are used to quantify radiation exposure and dose from different radiation sources. The learner will also be exposed to different radiation detection devices used in the industry with the end goal of preparing them to real-life situations in the field where radiation could be present.
Nuclear Medicine (3 units)
An introductory course that will provide undergraduate physics majors with basic fundamentals in nuclear medicine, including radiation physics and radiation biology, in-vivo and in-vitro studies, and radionuclide therapy.
Medical Imaging Systems (3 units)
This is an introductory course in medical imaging for undergraduate students. It aims to provide knowledge on the various types of medical imaging devices, their sources and their general applications in medicine, biology, and physics. It includes radioactivity, photon and charged particle interaction in matter, x-ray production, computed tomography (CT) scan imaging, ultrasonic imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Laboratory for Medical Imaging Systems (1 unit)
This course is designed as a complimentary laboratory course for IMAGMED or IMAGSYS. It supplements the topics discussed in the lecture class. Specifically, experiments in X ray Film Analysis, ultrasound, and image processing will be performed to provide the students with the concrete applications of concepts learned in the lecture class.
Sensors and Biomedical Instrumentation (3 units)
This course is a study of the conceptual foundations and applications of biomedical instrumentation. It covers biosensors, transducers, bioelectrodes, the fundamental principles of biomedical measurements, and sensor instrumentation electronics.
Sensors and Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory (1 unit)
Covers experiments on the basic principles of sensors and transducers, biomedical measurements, sensor instrumentation electronics, and standard electrical safety precautions required in medical applications. The course puts emphasis on basic experimental techniques, data analysis, and writing scientific reports.
COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS COURSES
Computer for Physics 1 (3 units)
This is an introductory course in computer programming in MATLAB for Physics majors. The students will learn how to construct logical formulations or algorithms in arriving at finite numerical solution/s to various scientific problems. Rudiments of computer programming in MATLAB with hands-on training will be incorporated in the course.
Data Analytics for Physics (3 units)
The introductory course on data analytics for physicists aims to give the students an overview of the different aspects of data science. Physicists can use these tools to understand the trends and patterns from contemporary large data sets and to develop predictive models for decision-making. Topics to be covered include data collection and management, data visualization, and data analysis using statistical inference, machine learning and other predictive models. Students are expected to work on hands-on projects for collecting, analyzing, and modelling the observed data, and present their findings through effective communication and data visualizations.
Computer for Physics 2 (3 units)
This is an intermediate course in computer programming in MATLAB for B.S. Physics majors with introduction to computational methods. The students will learn how to construct logical formulations or algorithms in arriving at finite numerical solution/s to various scientific problems. Rudiments of computer programming in MATLAB with hands-on training will be incorporated in the course.
Computational Methods in Physics (3 units)
This is an undergraduate course on computational methods applied to problems in physics. The emphasis is on the application of numerical methods to physics rather than on the numerical methods. Students will learn how to build logical constructs in arriving at finite numerical solution/s to different physics problems.
Electronics for Physics 1 (3 units)
This course introduces the fundamental principles and applications of electrical and electronic devices, circuits, and systems in particular; resistors, capacitors, inductors, and semiconductor devices, e.g., diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers. Digital logic and the design of combinational and sequential circuits are also discussed.
Electronics Laboratory for Physics 1 (1 unit)
Experiments involving analog circuits (resistive, inductive, and capacitive circuits), three-phase circuits, diodes, transistors, op-amp, and basic logic gates will be performed as well as introductory experiments in microcontrollers.
Electronics for Physics 2 (3 units)
This course discusses the basic principles of instrumentation, the various blocks that comprise the entire instrumentation set-up, various sensors and transducers, data acquisition systems and platforms.
Electronics Laboratory for Physics 2 (1 unit)
This is hands-on laboratory course on instrumentation design. As a final product of the course, the student will design at least three instrumentation systems/projects that will satisfy a given data acquisition problem.
CORE COURSES
Foundation Course in Physics (3 units)
This is a course on the conceptual foundations of Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism using flipped classroom as instructional strategy. In examining the concepts mentioned and its relevant consequences, vector methods, as well as the basic concepts of calculus will be used.
Fundamentals of Physics – Elasticity, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics (3 units)
This is a course on elasticity and the basics of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. It will discuss stress and strain, elastic modulus, Pascal’s Law, Archimedes Principle, Bernoulli’s equation and the laws of thermodynamics.
Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory (1 unit)
This is a laboratory course that covers experiments in stress, strain, elasticity, fluids, heat, and basic circuits. The course puts emphasis on basic experimental techniques and data analysis, and written report of experimental results.
Fundamentals of Physics – Waves and Optics (3 units)
This is a course covering oscillations, the basic properties of mechanical and electromagnetic waves, optical phenomena, and optical instruments.
Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory – Waves and Optics (1 unit)
This is a laboratory course designed for students taking Fundamentals of Physics: Waves & Optics (lecture). The course supplements the topics discussed in the lecture class. Specifically, experiments in waves and optics are performed to provide the student concrete applications of concepts learned in the lecture class.
Modern Physics (3 units)
It is an introduction to the concepts and methods of modern physics: Einstein’s special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. Although the ideas to be encountered are barely 100 years old, yet the students will realize their importance since these have dictated the scientific and technological development of the 20th century.
Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory – Modern Physics (1 unit)
Selected experiments will be performed to provide the students with hands-on experience with some of the experimental basis of modern physics. This course utilizes the student’s imagination, intuition, and creativity in analyzing and discovering the various laws and principles that govern the physical world.
Classical Mechanics 1 (3 units)
The first part of a two-trimester course in intermediate classical mechanics for physics majors. It deals mainly with the Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics. Applications to central forces and harmonic oscillators are discussed.
Classical Mechanics 2 (3 units)
This is the second of a two-part intermediate-level course in classical mechanics for physics majors. It covers mechanics in non-inertial frames, rotational motion of rigid bodies, coupled oscillations, Hamiltonian mechanics, collision theory, special relativity, nonlinear mechanics and chaos, and continuum mechanics.
Electricity and Magnetism 1 (3 units)
First of a two-part intermediate-level course in electromagnetism for physics majors. It covers the fundamentals of electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electrodynamics.
Electricity and Magnetism 2 (3 units)
Second of a two-part intermediate-level course in electromagnetism for physics majors. It covers the fundamentals of magnetostatics, and electrodynamics.
Quantum Mechanics 1 (3 units)
A first course in quantum mechanics with a short introduction to its historical development. Topics include the Schrodinger equation, eigenfunctions, and eigenvalues, one-dimensional potentials, the general structure of wave mechanics, operator methods.
Quantum Mechanics 2 (3 units)
This is the second part of an introductory course in quantum mechanics. It covers matrix mechanics, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom and other central potential systems, and approximation methods.
Statistical Mechanics (3 units)
This is an intermediate course on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The course covers probability theory, fundamental principles of equilibrium statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, kinetic theory, diffusion, probability distributions for classical and quantum systems.
Introduction to Photonics (3 units)
This is an introductory course on optical and optoelectronic phenomena and devices. Topics include lasers and its applications, second harmonic generation using lasers, electro-opto and acousto-optic modulators, detectors such as the photodiode, avalanche photodiode and photomultiplier, optical fibers, non-linear optics.
Introduction to Photonics Laboratory (1 unit)
This is a full-online, hands-on laboratory course that covers experiments on introductory photonics, laser physics, and optoelectronics. The course puts emphasis on basic experimental techniques, data analysis, use of Arduino-based sensors, and writing scientific reports.
Solid State Physics (3 units)
This involves a study of the structures of different crystalline solids, the many properties that give rise to these structures, and the different forces that hold crystals together; crystal vibrations, free electron model that describes many physical properties of metals, quantum theory of solids, energy bands and band gaps, semiconductor crystal, and Fermi surfaces.
Mathematical Methods for Physics 1 (3 units)
The course covers vector algebra, vector calculus, curvilinear coordinates, linear algebra, and matrices. In introducing the students to the related calculus of functions of several variables, computational skills and intuitive understanding are emphasized rather than theoretical proofs. Illustrative examples will come mainly from the fields of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and electromagnetic theory to motivate the students, as well as to prepare them when they take formal courses in these areas.
Mathematical Methods for Physics 2 (4 units)
This is the second of a series of four courses in mathematical methods in physics intended for physics majors. It deals with differential equations and linear algebra, including linear transformations, determinants, eigenvectors, eigenvalues, inner products and linear spaces. Physical applications will come mainly from the fields of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics and electromagnetic theory.
Mathematical Methods for Physics 3 (3 units)
This is a course on complex analysis, Sturm-Liouville Theory and Fourier series. It covers complex algebra, contour integrals and calculus of residues in the first part. The second part is a discussion of Sturm-Liouville Theory where the concepts of Hermitian operators, eigenfunctions, eigenvalues and their applications in quantum mechanics are presented. In the third part, the properties and applications of Fourier series are covered.
Mathematical Methods for Physics 4 (3 units)
This is a course on the solutions of advanced mathematical equation arising from the analysis of physical systems. These would involve the use of calculus of variations, operator methods in Fourier transforms, integral equations, and Green’s functions. Modern algebraic and geometrical techniques will be emphasized for further theoretical work.
Physics Problems 1,2,3,4
The course requires the students to apply the skills and knowledge of core physics and mathematics to develop their solutions to various synthesis physics problems.
Research Apprenticeship 1, 2, 3
Enables the student to work as apprentice in one of the research groups of the department. Apprenticeship may involve assisting in the researches of the laboratory and/or starting one’s research work. The student learns the physical principles utilized in the research, along with the methodology and setup needed, and safety procedures, if any.
Physics Seminar
This course enables the students to prepare for their thesis proposal. In writing the thesis proposal, the students get a feel of the requirements of the research study they will undertake along with its theoretical background.