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The Bachelor of Science in Physics at the University of Notre Dame provides a comprehensive understanding of the physical universe, from the behaviour of subatomic particles to the properties of stars and galaxies. Students build strong foundations in mathematics, theoretical physics and experimental investigation, with optional concentrations in Advanced Physics, Astrophysics and Applied Physics that support interests in scientific research, technology and postgraduate study.
Curriculum Structure
First Year: Students establish a foundation in physics, mathematics and chemistry through Physics A: Mechanics (PHYS 10411), Physics B: Electricity & Magnetism (PHYS 10422), Calculus I (MATH 10550) and Calculus II (MATH 10560). Laboratory courses complement the physics subjects, while introductory chemistry develops an understanding of the scientific principles shared across the physical sciences.
Second Year: Students explore more complex physical systems through Physics C: Thermo & Relativity (PHYS 20433), Physics D: Modern (PHYS 20444) and Intermediate Classical Mechanics (PHYS 20454). Courses such as Mathematical Methods in Physics I and II (PHYS 20451 and PHYS 20452) strengthen their mathematical problem-solving skills, while Intro Circuitry & Electronics (PHYS 20430) introduces practical electronic systems.
Third Year: Students advance into Thermal Physics (PHYS 30461), Electricity & Magnetism (PHYS 30471) and Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I (PHYS 40453). They can also explore specialist subjects depending on their selected concentration, developing a deeper understanding of theoretical physics and preparing for more advanced research or technical applications.
Fourth Year: Students complete upper-level subjects such as Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics (PHYS 50501), Particle Physics and Cosmology (PHYS 50602) or Introduction to Nuclear Physics (PHYS 50701), alongside Modern Physics I Laboratory (PHYS 41441). Students pursuing additional specialisation may study Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II (PHYS 40454), Electromagnetic Waves (PHYS 30472) or Physics of Astrophysics (PHYS 50201), depending on their chosen concentration and degree plan.
Focus Areas
Classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermal physics, relativity, mathematical physics, experimental physics, condensed matter physics, particle physics, cosmology, astrophysics and applied physics.
Learning Outcomes
Scientific Knowledge: Explain fundamental physical principles and apply them to natural phenomena.
Mathematical Reasoning: Use calculus and mathematical methods to formulate and solve complex physics problems.
Experimental Skills: Conduct laboratory investigations, analyse measurements and evaluate scientific evidence.
Critical Thinking: Apply quantitative reasoning and systematic problem-solving to theoretical and practical challenges.
Research Preparation: Develop scientific communication, analytical skills and research experience through laboratory work and supervised projects.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The degree develops scientific, mathematical and experimental skills relevant to research, technology and other quantitative professions. The university's published program information does not specify a separate professional accreditation for the Physics major.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Notre Dame provides undergraduate access to research in astrophysics, nuclear physics, elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics, biophysics and atomic physics. Students may have opportunities to work with faculty in campus laboratories and international research environments, including major national laboratories and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). A specific employability ranking or verified graduate employment rate for the Physics major is not stated in the program information.
The University of Notre Dame combines classroom learning with laboratory experiments, faculty-guided research and opportunities to engage with major scientific research facilities. Students can strengthen practical skills through experimental physics courses, research seminars and independent investigations, while optional concentrations allow them to explore specialised areas of physics.
Key experiential learning opportunities include:
Physics A and B Laboratories: Develop experimental skills through investigations into mechanics, electricity and magnetism.
Modern Physics I Laboratory (PHYS 41441): Apply experimental methods to modern physics concepts and develop skills in measurement and scientific data analysis.
Intro Circuitry & Electronics (PHYS 20430): Explore electronic systems and their applications in physical experiments.
Undergraduate Research (PHYS 48480): Students in the Advanced Physics concentration can complete undergraduate research as part of their specialist coursework.
Physics Honors Track: Eligible students can undertake extended independent research, typically involving at least three semesters and one summer of research at Notre Dame or another university or research laboratory.
International Research Facilities: Undergraduate researchers may have opportunities to work at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory and CERN, depending on project availability and selection.
Large Binocular Telescope: Notre Dame participates in the international consortium supporting the Large Binocular Telescope in Arizona, offering a research connection relevant to astrophysics and observational astronomy.
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU): The department provides information about summer research positions and undergraduate research opportunities, helping students explore scientific projects beyond regular coursework.
Specialised Research Groups: Explore faculty research in astrophysics, nuclear physics, particle physics, condensed matter physics, biophysics and atomic physics.
The B.S. in Physics at Notre Dame develops the analytical, mathematical and experimental skills needed for scientific research and technology-focused careers. Depending on their concentration and experience, graduates may pursue roles such as research assistant, laboratory scientist, computational analyst and physics research associate.
Students can strengthen their career preparation through the following opportunities:
Career Services: Notre Dame's Center for Career Development supports students through career counselling, resume preparation, interview guidance, internship searches and employer networking.
Research Experience: Faculty-supervised projects, summer research positions and the Physics Honors Track can help students build research experience and prepare for graduate applications.
Research and Industry Connections: Access to research environments such as Fermilab, Argonne National Laboratory, CERN and the Large Binocular Telescope consortium can expose students to scientific collaborations and advanced research.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: Approximately 75% of employed physics bachelor's graduates work in STEM fields, with median starting salaries of $75,000 per year for private-sector STEM positions in the U.S. (national data, not Notre Dame-specific).
Professional Accreditation: The degree provides a foundation for scientific and technical careers, but a separate professional accreditation is not specified in the official program information.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can pursue scientific employment, technology-related roles or postgraduate education. The Advanced Physics and Astrophysics concentrations are particularly relevant to students preparing for further study in physics, astronomy or astrophysics.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue an M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Astrophysics, Applied Physics or related fields, depending on their academic interests and the admission requirements of their chosen institution. Other options include postgraduate study in materials science, computational science, biophysics and engineering-related disciplines. Students interested in medical physics or medicine can investigate relevant specialised programs and professional-school prerequisites, while those considering research-intensive careers may benefit from doctoral study.
US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Science applicants are generally assessed on the rigour of their Mathematics and laboratory-science coursework. Relevant preparation may include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus or Statistics, depending on the intended field. Research, science fairs, Olympiads, laboratory exposure, independent investigation and environmental or community-science projects can demonstrate scientific curiosity and analytical thinking.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.PhysicistResearch ScientistData AnalystAerospace EngineerMedical PhysicistLaboratory TechnicianOptical EngineerNuclear EngineerAstronomerMaterials ScientistElectronics EngineerScience Educator
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