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Program Curriculum

Refer to the Courses of Study Bulletin for full program requirements. 

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Courses of Study Bulletin

Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must fulfill the requirements for a major as listed in the courses of study bulletin. The courses of study bulletin is the official source of information regarding degree requirements, academic policies, and academic majors and minors at Trinity University.

Pathways Curriculum

Students must complete the Pathways Curriculum in order to receive a baccalaureate degree. The Pathways Curriculum has six curricular requirements, and three optional elements that provide the foundation in the liberal arts and sciences for all the bachelor’s degrees awarded by Trinity University. Through these requirements, students acquire the necessary skills and disciplinary perspectives to navigate complex questions at Trinity and in their post-graduate lives.

Up close up image of students building electronics

Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics

An introduction to the subjects of statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, thermodynamics and heat.

Students in classroom building a small structure

Speaking Physics

Become an effective communicator of complex physics terminology by presenting technical research-style talks.

Student looking at yellow fluid in test tube

Physical Chemistry

Fundamental principles of chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics, as well as quantum theory applied to chemical systems and spectroscopy.

 

Student typing on a keyboard; code is displayed the computer screen.

Programming

Discover the cross-disciplinary nature of conservation biology, which is the applied science of maintaining the earth's biological diversity. Students will lead weekly discussions on the various sub-disciplines of conservation biology and their applications, including evolution, ecology, genetics, and economics.

Students writing on a whiteboard discussing a project

Engineering Analysis and Design 1

Introduces students to the engineering design process utilizing a competitive design project. Small groups of students conceive, design, build, and test a structure or device to best achieve specified performance criteria under realistic constraints.

View all courses

For more information and a description of each class please visit the COSB website.

Faculty

Making Waves

Our faculty blend the cutting-edge research programs you’d expect to find at a larger school with the personal mentorship of a small, liberal arts university. And with no graduate students competing for faculty attention, our commitment to undergraduate achievement is paramount.

Kwan Cheng
Kwan Cheng, Ph.D.
Professor
Nirav Mehta
Nirav Mehta, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
David Pooley
David Pooley, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Orrin Shindell
Orrin Shindell, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Niescja Turner
Niescja Turner, Ph.D.
Professor
Dennis Ugolini
Dennis Ugolini, Ph.D.
Professor
Jennifer Steele
Jennifer Steele, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Professor

Student Opportunities

Physics empowers students to embrace STEM.

 

Scholarships
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Semmes Scholarship

Trinity University selects two or three outstanding incoming first-year students to be Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science...

Research Opportunities
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Trinity students research computational and experimental biophysics, cellular membrane dynamics, theoretical quantum mechanics, nanotechnology...

Study Abroad
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Today, cross-cultural understanding is as much a practical necessity as an educational standard. More than 45 percent of Trinity students study abroad...

Service-Learning
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Through the Society of Physics Students, students often volunteer with local science fairs, major fairs, and STEM Fests.

Student Organizations
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Trinity houses an active chapter of the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma. The Physics Department is also active in both the Trinity...

Student Awards and Recognition
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Outstanding Graduating Senior Award
This award is given to a student based on their overall academic and research performance in physics and general...

When You Graduate

Lifelong momentum

The applied physics major equips students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical experience necessary to flourish in a wide array of graduate programs, research fields, and careers.

 

Careers

Trinity students with biology degrees are successful in a broad range of careers, including research and development and health professions.

Graduate Schools or Programs:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Astrophysics
  • Biophysics
  • Data Science
  • Cornell University
  • Material Physics and Science
  • Nanotechnology​​​​​​
  • Optical Engineering
  • Physics
  • Rice University
  • Stanford University

Career Areas:

  • Data Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Industrial Physics
  • Optical Engineering
  • Research
  • Teaching

Notable Companies who have Hired Trinity Graduates:

  • Advanced Micro Devices
  • BJN Technologies
  • Boeing
  • Columbia Industries
  • Dow Chemical
  • McDonnell Douglas
  • Research and teaching positions at schools and universities
  • Southwest Research Institute
  • Space X

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