Physics Program Requirements

Faculty

• Julia Kamenetzky (Chair)
• Daniel Young

View Physics Courses

Program Goals

• Students should develop a good functional understanding of physics, including mechanics, electricity & magnetism, quantum physics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, and relativity.
• Students should develop expert-like problem solving skills.
• Students should develop critical thinking and reasoning skills.
• Students should develop laboratory skills.
• Students should develop technology skills.
• Students should improve their communication, interpersonal, and questioning skills.
• Students should develop and/or retain student cognitive attitudes and beliefs (expectations) that are favorable for learning physics with deep understanding.

Objectives

The Physics Program offers an academic major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. In addition, the program offers an academic minor in physics. The program is designed to meet the needs of (1) students intending to specialize in physics and pursue graduate work in physics, engineering, material science, or biophysics; (2) students preparing for a professional career in science and engineering; (3) students desiring to broaden their knowledge of the natural world; and (4) students who wish to teach at the secondary level.

Program Requirements

Students choosing a double major or minor within the science program may not apply electives to more than one major or minor. Only classes listed under “required courses” that coincide between both majors/minors may be applied to both.

Students must maintain a cumulative 2.3 GPA or better in courses required in the academic majors.

Students must meet the university-wide graduation requirements in addition to the Physics major:

• 124 total hours
• 30 upper division hours
• WCore or Honors College requirements

Physics Major

To fulfill the requirements for a major in Physics, students must complete the following as well as demonstrate competency in MATH 144 and CMPT 190:

*Note: MATH 311 and 363 are highly recommended.

Recommended Plan of Study for Physics

Listed below is a suggested plan of study for completing the physics requirements. Students should check with their advisors at least once a year as course offerings may change from what is listed. Students must also meet university wide requirements for graduation.

*Assumes student already has credit for MATH 144. Student may also begin in a higher level calculus course their first year if appropriate.

**Student may also begin in the CHEM111/112 sequence first year and complete the PHYS211/212 sequence in the second year. Students interested in the Engineering 3+2 program should complete both sequences the first year.

†Courses offered every other year. Students completing all pre-requisites in the first year may be able to take Years 3 or 4 upper-level courses in Year 2.

Physics Minor