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Interdisciplinary Physics

Bachelor of Science

Degree Type:
B.S.
College:
College of Arts & Sciences
Department:
Physics & Engineering

Become a well-rounded scientist, innovator, or entrepreneur.

Prepare for exciting careers where science and innovation intersect. The Interdisciplinary Physics major at John Carroll University allows you to combine the study of physics with other fields, from chemistry to biology to business.

With two exciting concentrations — entrepreneurial physics and biomedical physics — you can further customize your degree to align with your academic and professional goals. Whichever path you choose, you’ll leave JCU with an incredible breadth of knowledge and a solid foundation for both industry and advanced study.

  • 90% of JCU students complete two or more high-impact experiences, including research or internships

  • <20 students in upper-level physics classes, giving you plenty of personalized attention

  • 700+ biomedical companies in Cleveland, a world-renowned hub of innovation

  • 10 Cleveland is among the top 10 fastest-growing market for tech talent in the U.S. (Destination Cleveland)

Project-Based Learning

Experiment and discover in modern labs. Embark on a senior design or research project. Present your work on campus and at academic conferences.

Immersive Internships

Put learning into practice at an innovative company or healthcare facility in the Cleveland area or spend the summer as a research assistant right here on campus.

  • Project-Based Learning

    Experiment and discover in modern labs. Embark on a senior design or research project. Present your work on campus and at academic conferences.

  • Immersive Internships

    Put learning into practice at an innovative company or healthcare facility in the Cleveland area or spend the summer as a research assistant right here on campus.

  • Campus Involvement

    Join the JCU chapter of the Society of Physics Students. Get involved with other Blue Streak innovators at the Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship.

Program Overview & Outcomes

As an interdisciplinary physics major, you have the option of adding one of two concentrations:

  • Biomedical Physics - ideal for students interested in pursuing medical or other health professions school or want to find careers in biomedical engineering or medical physics.
  • Entrepreneurial Physics - ideal for students who want to build a strong background in physics to prepare for careers in high-tech business ventures or other entrepreneurial endeavors.

  • Physics

    Physics I

    3 Credits

    PH1510

    Build a strong foundation in classical mechanics, applying physics principles to real-world problems in science and engineering.

    Physics Workshop I

    1 Credits

    PH1511

    Experiments and simulations designed to aid assimilation of selected topics treated in PH 135 or PH 1510. Two hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: PH 1510. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.

    Physics II

    3 Credits

    PH1520

    Electrify your understanding of physics as you engage with electricity and magnetism, crucial for any aspiring scientist or engineer.

    Physics Workshop II

    1 Credits

    PH1521

    Experiments and simulations designed to aid assimilation of selected topics treated in PH 136 or PH 1520. Two hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: PH 1520. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.

    Modern Physics

    3 Credits

    PH2540

    Basic physical theories governing elementary particles, nuclei, atoms, molecules, and their interactions; relativity, quantum theory. Prerequisite: MT 136 or MT 1360 (minimum grade C-) and PH 136 or PH 1520 (minimum grade C-).

    Physics Seminar I

    0 Credits

    PH2710

    Engage with cutting-edge research at physics colloquia and enhance your career prospects through presentations and discussions.

    Physics Seminar II

    0 Credits

    PH3710

    Students must attend the monthly physics colloquium as described in PH 348 or PH 2710. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. Prerequisite: PH 348 or PH 2710 .

    Senior Research or Design Project

    2 Credits

    PH4910

    Four hours of laboratory per week. Participation in an independent research or design project under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

    Thermal Physics

    3 Credits

    PH3410

    Laws of thermodynamics, entropy, phase transitions, classical and quantum statistical mechanics. Application to ideal and non-ideal systems. Prerequisite: EP 217 or EP 2560 or MT 2340 (min grade C-) and PH 136 or PH 1520 (min grade C-).

    Classical Mechanics

    3 Credits

    PH3610

    Newtonian and Lagrangian formulation of classical mechanics. Oscillations, coupled oscillators, central forces, rigid body dynamics, rotating reference frames. Mathematical concepts that arise in mechanics. Prerequisite: EP 217 or EP 2560 or MT2340 (min grade C-), MT 233 or MT 2330 (min grade C-), and PH 136 or PH 1520 (min grade C-). Corequisite: PH 3512.

    Quantum Physics

    3 Credits

    PH4760

    Transform your understanding of the universe with foundational principles of quantum physics, applying theory to groundbreaking experiments and real-world applications.

  • Engineering Physics

    Engineering Physics Applications I

    3 Credits

    EP2510

    Design experiments that apply engineering physics to real-world problems, focusing on waves, thermodynamics, and optics to enhance health and safety.

    DC/Ac Circuits

    3 Credits

    EP2520

    Topics include DC/AC circuits and their analysis, and basic semiconductor devices. Prerequisites: PH1520 or PH 136 (min grade of C-), MT 1360 or MT 136 (min grade of C-). Corequisite: EP2521.

    DC/Ac Circuits Lab

    1 Credits

    EP2521

    Get hands-on with oscilloscopes and test instruments while measuring DC and AC circuits—experiment with diodes and transistors for real-world electrical insights.

    Computation in Engineering Physics

    3 Credits

    EP2540

    Program with MATLAB to solve engineering problems, focusing on algorithms, data analysis, and numerical methods.

    Mathematical Methods of Physics and Engineering

    3 Credits

    EP2560

    A survey of mathematical methods in physics and engineering with an emphasis on techniques and applications of ordinary differential equations. Includes qualitative and numerical solutions, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, systems of linear equations, matrices and determinants. Prerequisite: MT 136 or MT1360.

    Electromagnetic Fields

    4 Credits

    EP3520

    Harness the classical principles of electricity and magnetism, diving into electromagnetic waves, Maxwell's equations, and real-world applications.

    Biomedical Physics & Engineering

    3 Credits

    EP4410

    Apply engineering principles to biomedical challenges, from blood flow dynamics to imaging technologies like MRI and ultrasound.

  • Mathematics

    Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

    4 Credits

    MT1350

    Build a solid foundation in calculus, mastering limits, differentiation, and integrals to solve real-world problems with precision.

    Calculus and Analytic Geometry II

    4 Credits

    MT1360

    Conquer Calculus II with parametric curves, integrals, and differential equations to solidify your math mastery for advanced studies.

    Calculus and Analytic Geometry III

    4 Credits

    MT2330

    Calculus of vector-valued functions; partial differentiation; multiple, line, and surface integrals; higher order differentiation. Prerequisite: MT 136 or MT 1360. Offered: Fall.

    Introduction to Differential Equations

    3 Credits

    MT2340

    A first course in ordinary differential equations. First order equations and applications, linear equations with constant coefficients, linear systems, Laplace transforms, numerical methods of solution. Prerequisite: MT 136 or MT 1360. Offered: Spring.

  • Concentration: Biomedical Physics

    Principles of Biology I

    3 Credits

    BL1500

    For science majors. BL1500 is prerequisite to BL1600 and BL1700. Three hours of lecture per week. Basic chemical principles; cell structure and organization; metabolism of plants and animals. Corequisite: BL1505.

    Principles of Biology Laboratory I

    1 Credits

    BL1505

    Three of four hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory study of the scientific method as applied to biology, focusing on development of skills through inquiry-based learning. Corequisite: BL1500. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.

    Principles of Biology II

    3-4 Credits

    BL1600

    For science majors. Three hours of lecture per week. Plant and animal anatomy and physiology. Prerequisite: BL155 or BL 1500. Corequisite: BL1605.

    Principles of Biology Laboratory II

    1 Credits

    BL1605

    Three hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory study of plant and animal anatomy and physiology. Prerequisite: BL157 or BL1505. Corequisite: BL1600. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.

    General Chemistry I

    4 Credits

    CH1410

    Four hours of lecture per week. Stoichiometry, thermochemistry, states of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, oxidation-reduction, acid-base, solutions. Corequisite: CH 1430. Offered: Fall.

    General Chemistry II

    4 Credits

    CH1420

    Four hours of lecture per week. Homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, kinetics, chemistry of metals and non-metals, and other relevant topics. Offered: Spring. Prerequisites: (CH 1410 or CH 141) and (CH 1430 or CH 143). Corequisite: CH 1440.

    General Chemistry Lab I

    1 Credits

    CH1430

    Three hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory experiments illustrating principles developed in the corequisite lecture courses. Offered: Fall. Corequisite: CH 1410. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.

    General Chemistry Lab II

    1 Credits

    CH1440

    Three hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory experiments illustrating principles developed in the corequisite lecture courses. Offered: Spring, Prerequisites: (CH 1410 or CH 141) and (CH 1430 or CH 143). Corequisites: CH 1420. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.

    Organic Chemistry I

    3 Credits

    CH2210

    Write organic reactions like a pro, from alkanes to alkynes, while mastering stereochemistry and nucleophilic substitutions—perfect for future chemists!

    Organic Chemistry Ii

    3 Credits

    CH2220

    Engineer complex organic compounds with advanced studies in reactions, mechanisms, and spectroscopic analysis to elevate your chemistry expertise.

    Organic Chemistry I

    1 Credits

    CH2230

    Perform hands-on organic chemistry labs to synthesize, isolate, and analyze compounds while honing your lab techniques for real-world applications.

    Organic Chemistry Ii

    1 Credits

    CH2240

    Conduct hands-on organic chemistry experiments to master essential lab techniques and gain insight into the properties and reactions of organic compounds.

    General Biochemistry

    4 Credits

    CH4310

    Dive into the molecular world! Study proteins, enzymes, and metabolism, equipping yourself with biochemistry knowledge vital for advanced science careers.

  • Concentration: Entrepreneurship Physics

    Creativity, Innovation, and Development

    3 Credits

    ER2201

    Develop an entrepreneurial mindset to generate innovative solutions and communicate effectively with target audiences in diverse settings.

    LINK: Creativity, Innovation: Science and Innovation

    3 Credits

    ER2202

    Cultivate originality and entrepreneurial flair through teamwork, tackling real-world issues linked to physics, and presenting innovative solutions as a standout project.

    Introduction to Entrepreneurship

    3 Credits

    ER3301

    Cultivate your entrepreneurial spirit by engaging in human-centered design, product prototyping, and persuasive pitching, preparing you for real-world business challenges.

    Social Entrepreneurship

    3 Credits

    ER3304

    Launch a social entrepreneurial project that targets social justice, applying entrepreneurial skills to create meaningful change in communities.

    ER Course 3305

    3 Credits

    ER3305

    Course description pending.

    ER Course 3306

    3 Credits

    ER3306

    Course description pending.

    Entrepreneurship Field Experience

    3 Credits

    ER4480

    Launch your entrepreneurial vision from concept to reality, collaborating on a group project that culminates in pitching your innovative idea to industry experts.

    Entrepreneurship Field Experience: Internship

    3 Credits

    ER4481

    A capstone course that involves directed and supervised work experience in organization on entrepreneurial ventures. Students will complete a final project and presentation. Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Director, completion of at least 12 hours of course work in the entrepreneurship minor. Course may be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours. Offered: Fall and Spring.

Related Programs

Still deciding on your program of study at JCU or considering a second major? Here are some other academic areas to explore, including a few other physics options.

Your Path Forward Starts Here

Plan your future from day one. Finish faster with accelerated degrees or secure your spot with early assurance partnerships.

Interdisciplinary Physics

4 years

Bachelor of Science

Explore an interdisciplinary physics major at John Carroll University, blending science with business, offering concentrations in biomedical and entrepreneurial physics.

+

Engineering

CWRU

2 Years

BS Engineering

Combine JCU's broad-based science education with advanced engineering training at Case Western Reserve University.

MBA

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Combine your JCU bachelor's degree with a master's in business administration in just one additional year.

=

Two Degrees, Two Institutions

Future in Focus

Three years of JCU's liberal arts foundation, then two years of engineering at Case Western Reserve. You graduate with a bachelor's and a BS in engineering—and the kind of broad-based thinking most engineers never get.

Your MBA, Accelerated

Future in Focus

Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—building executive-level skills while completing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate with financial aid applied. An MBA for the cost of a few extra courses.

 
JCU's Distinct Promise

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Onward makes them happen.

From your first semester forward, Onward connects your goals with the people, experiences, and support that help you build momentum with purpose.

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Quincy's Story

Starting in his first semester at John Carroll, Quincy Unger '26 found a team who helped him shape his ideas, find the right opportunities, and launch his own business.

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Complementary Minors

  • “JCU gave me the kind of individual attention and support that made all the difference. It’s where I found my footing as a scientist.”

    Grant Donnelly ’19 Astrophysics Ph.D. student at University of Toledo

Where Our Alumni Go

Our physics alumni innovate, research, teach, build, and serve in a variety of fields, from biomedical to manufacturing. Many continue on to graduate and professional programs in medicine, biomedical engineering, or medical physics.

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