Program Learning Objectives
As the most foundational of the natural sciences, physics underlies nearly every aspect of modern science and technology. Physicists study nature across all scales, from astronomically large, such as stellar systems, galaxies, and the observable universe, to the infinitesimally small, including atoms, nuclei, and fundamental particles, and everything in between, from biological systems to artificial materials. A major in Physics provides students with a rigorous and broad foundation in classical and modern physics, grounded in the universal principles that govern physical phenomena. This knowledge not only deepens our understanding of the universe, but also drives innovations in fields such as energy, computing, medicine, and communications.
Through a curriculum that integrates analytical reasoning, mathematical modeling, laboratory investigation, and computational approaches, students develop the tools to frame and solve complex problems and to communicate their work effectively. The program emphasizes broadly applicable principles over isolated facts, fostering deep conceptual understanding and the ability to synthesize ideas across diverse domains. These skills prepare students not only for advanced study in physics and astronomy, but also for success in a wide range of scientific, engineering, data-driven, and innovation-oriented careers.
After completing a major in Physics at Northwestern University, students will be able to:
Outcome 1: Demonstrate knowledge of core physical principles — including classical and quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, and potentially other subfields such as astronomy — and apply these concepts to explain, analyze, and predict physical phenomena. Synthesize knowledge across different areas of physics and astronomy to address complex or interdisciplinary problems.
Outcome 2: Translate physical concepts into appropriate mathematical form and apply analytical, numerical, and computational methods to solve physical problems. Identify essential features of a problem, use estimation techniques to develop physical intuition, and employ tools such as visualization, coding, simulation, and modeling to support analysis and prediction.
Outcome 3: Design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze physical measurements, and draw conclusions about physical systems with appropriate consideration of uncertainty and error.
Outcome 4: Evaluate the relationship between theory and experiment by formulating hypotheses, designing tests, and interpreting results to assess the validity and limitations of physical models.
Outcome 5*: Communicate technical concepts, reasoning, and findings clearly and effectively in oral and written formats, tailored to technical and non-technical audiences.
Outcome 6**: Formulate research questions, design and carry out investigations, and communicate findings in independent and collaborative settings, using the principles of scientific inquiry and appropriate research methodologies.
* Outcome 5 aligns with the Advanced Expression requirement in Weinberg College, typically fulfilled through one of the department’s advanced laboratory courses. These courses emphasize discipline-specific standards for communicating experimental work and data analysis. However, the Physics program’s expectations extend beyond this requirement. Upper-level physics courses routinely require students to clearly articulate problem solutions in both written and oral formats. Most majors take more than one advanced laboratory course, each reinforcing broader goals in scientific analysis and communication. In addition, many students participate in research projects — often for credit — that involve subfield-specific forms of scientific communication. A substantial number also complete a senior thesis, which provides the opportunity to present original research to a broader audience.
** Outcome 6 reflects our strong encouragement for students to engage in undergraduate research. While not formally required, research experience is one of the most meaningful ways to understand what it truly means to “do physics”, which can often be quite different from completing coursework. The necessary competencies for this outcome can also be developed through advanced classes and collaborative projects, but a capstone research experience and thesis often provide the most immersive and rewarding path. Northwestern’s world-class facilities and research groups offer students outstanding opportunities to explore this firsthand.