PHYSICS

Bachelor of Science
in Physics

Computational Physics
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering

Minor
Courses
Faculty

Curriculum Maps

• Major
• Non-Teaching 
• Teaching
• Area of Concentration
  • Computational Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Physics
  • Astrophysics
• Pre-Engineering
  

Students planning to do graduate work in physics should follow requirements for the Major.
Students desiring careers as professional physicists in industry, or in eventually pursuing graduate work in engineering or related fields, should follow requirements listed under one of the options under Area of Concentration in Applied Physics. Students interested in a career in secondary science teaching with a major in physics will find the requirements listed in the catalog under "Physical Science Teaching."

Competencies Required in the Program

The student will:
1. Have an understanding of the core concepts of physics.
2. Develop analytical skills and learning techniques to enable learning new areas of physics.
3. Read and understand technical literature and present oral reports.
4. Be able to function in a laboratory setting to both analyze data and write reports.
5. Be able to apply basic principles of physics in a problem solving situation such as carrying out a technical project.

Assessment Procedures

Performance of graduates on entrance examinations
Performance of graduate in professional schools
Survey of graduates
Survey of employers
Exit Exam

 

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Supplemental Requirements

Supplemental Requirements for both the Major and all Options in the Area of Concentration.

SCI 110	Introduction to Scientific Computing	3
CHEM 111	Principles of Chemistry I	4
CHEM 112	Principles of Chemistry II	4
MATH 175	Calculus I	4
MATH 275	Calculus II	4
MATH 276	Calculus III	4
MATH 363	Differential Equations	3
		26

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Major*

PHYS 231	Engineering Physics I	4
PHYS 231A	Engineering Physics I Lab	1
PHYS 232	Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS 232A	Engineering Physics II Lab	1
PHYS 353	Concepts of Modern Physics	4
PHYS 332	Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS 391	Dynamics	3
PHYS 340	Experimental Physics	3
PHYS 491	Quantum Mechanics	3
PHYS	electives 300-level or above approved by advisor	6
SCI 498	Senior Thesis I	2
SCI 499C	Senior Thesis II	1
		36

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Area of Concentration:

* Core Courses for all Options

PHYS 231	Engineering Physics I	4
PHYS 231A	Engineering Physics I Lab	1
PHYS 232	Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS 232A	Engineering Physics II Lab	1
PHYS 353	Concepts of Modern Physics	4
PHYS 340	Experimental Physics	3
PHYS 381	Computer Solutions to Engineering and Science Problems	3
PHYS 481	Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists	3
SCI 498	Senior Thesis I	2
SCI 499C	Senior Thesis II	1
		26

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Area of Concentration Options

OPTION 1 Computational Physics

CIS 200	Logic and Structure Design of Computer	3
CIS 205	C/C++ Programming	3
MATH 303	Data Structure	3
CIS 305	Advanced C/C++	3
MATH 301	Linear Algebra or
MATH 312	Numerical Methods	3
PHYS 391	Dynamics	3
CIS, MATH, or PHYS	Electives (Electives should be at 300 level or above or approved by the advisor	6
		24

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OPTION 2 Engineering Physics (Mechanical)

MFT 186	Manufacturing and Fabrication	3
IET 260	Hydraulics and Pneumatics	3
PHYS 221	Statics	3
CON 303	Material Properties and Testing	3
PHYS 391	Dynamics	3
PHYS 410	Thermodynamics	3
Electives 300-level or above approved by the advisor		6
		24

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OPTION 3 Engineering Physics (Electrical)

EET 141	Direct Current Circuits	3
EET 241	Alternating Current Circuits	3
or
PHYS 211	Circuits	4
EET 242	Analog Devices and Circuits	3
EET 342	Electronic Devices and Circuits	3
EET 344	Communications Circuits	3
EET 345	Microprocessors	3
PHYS 332	Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS 361	Fundamentals of Electronics	3
EET, MATH or PHYS	Elective 300 or 400 level approved by the advisor	3
		25-26

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Minor*

PHYS 231	Engineering Physics I	4
PHYS 231A	Engineering Physics I Laboratory	1
PHYS 232	Engineering Physics II	4
PHYS 232A	Engineering Physics II Laboratory	1
and
PHYS 350	Nuclear Science	4
PHYS	electives, approved by advisor	7
		21

*At least 50% of the course work in the major, area, or minor in physics must be taken in residency.

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