Physics B.A./B.S.
This program is recommended for students who wish to obtain industrial employment or who wish to continue their studies for an advanced degree in physics, engineering, science or applied mathematics. Students who successfully complete this program will have a good understanding of the role of physics within the sciences and within society. Graduates of this program will have a solid understanding of the principles and foundations of classical and modern theories of physics. They will have practiced the methods and techniques of experimental physics; they will have practical experience in utilizing the analytical and modeling tools of physics. This rigorous program of study develops analytical, problem solving and communication skills which are valuable in a wide range of employment areas. This program requires a second major or minor.
Physics is commonly held as the most fundamental science. Physicists work to understand the dynamics of our universe from the smallest scales to the largest, and to express this understanding using the smallest possible number of laws and principles. Physics students develop a facility with mathematics and an intuition for solving complicated physical problems using fundamental principles. The curriculum for physics majors includes core courses in physics, mathematics and related sciences, plus a selection of core curriculum requirements. Physics prepares students for careers in industry, education, and advanced study in nearly any technical or engineering field. Physics is also an excellent choice of major for pre-medical or pre-law students.
The faculty of the Department of Physics and Astronomy are active researchers in nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, organic semi conducter physics, astronomy and astrophysics, and physics education research. Participation in research programs by undergraduates is strongly encouraged. Facilities include our Organic Semiconductor Physics Laboratory, Surface Physics Laboratory, Campus Observatory, and research grade telescopes (located in Arizona, Chile, and on the island of La Palma) available via our membership in the SARA Telescope Consortium.
| Core Curriculum Courses | ||
| See the Core Curriculum Requirements | 42 | |
| Required courses in the major | ||
| PHYS 101 | Physics and Astronomy Seminar | 1 |
| University Physics I * | ||
| PHYS 2426 | University Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 317 | Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering | 3 |
| PHYS 319 | Computational Physics with Python | 3 |
| PHYS 321 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 332 | Digital Electronics | 4 |
| PHYS 333 | Wave Motion, Acoustics, and Optics | 4 |
| PHYS 335 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 3 |
| PHYS 401 | Current Topics in Physics and Astronomy (1 sh, must be repeated for total of 2 sh) | 2 |
| PHYS 411 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 412 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| PHYS 414 | Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory | 3 |
| PHYS 420 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS or ASTR or MATH (Adv) | 10 | |
| Required support courses | ||
| Calculus I * | ||
| Calculus II * | ||
| MATH 2415 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 2320 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 2318 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| General and Quantitative Chemistry I * | ||
| CHEM 1111 | General and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| Second Major or Minor or Electives Required | ||
| 18- 23 semester hours required in second major or minor or electives | 18-23 | |
| Total Hours | 120-125 | |
| * | This course should be taken to fulfill Core Curriculum Requirements. |
| ** | These courses may apply on the second major or minor. A grade of “C” or higher must be earned in all courses in this Major. |
- Suggested second majors include mathematics, chemistry, computer science, and biology. Other choices are possible.
- Planning for a second major should not be delayed beyond the middle of the sophomore year. A minor in a second subject may be chosen instead of a second major. The choice of mathematics as second major allows for four additional courses to be elective. Many students select minors in both mathematics and computer science.