Physics Major
Description
Physics is the study of the physical properties of the universe and of the fundamental properties and interactions of matter and energy. Physics has applications in every field of pure and applied science, such as engineering, optics, materials science, space science, and medicine.
What can I do with a physics major?
Admission to the Program
Anyone can declare this major.
General Education Requirements (35 credits)
Major Departmental Requirements (38 credits)
Program Requirements
Students in the physics major pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, and must complete the corresponding degree's requirements.
Core Courses
- PHS235 Physics I
- PHS240 Physics II
- PHS307 Physics III
- PHS325 Optics and Electronics Laboratory
- PHS328 Modern Physics
- PHS332 Mathematical Methods of Physics
- PHS345 Advanced Physics Laboratory I
- PHS350 Advanced Physics Laboratory II
- PHS353 Classical Mechanics
- PHS361 Special Topics in Physics
- PHS368 Electricity and Magnetism
- PHS403 Physics Project Seminar I
- PHS404 Physics Project Seminar II
- PHS411 Quantum Mechanics
- PHS426 Advanced Theoretical Physics
Cognate or Additional Requirements (29-30 credits)
- MTH201 Calculus I
- MTH202 Calculus II
- MTH203 Calculus III
- MTH255 Differential Equations
- CHM205 College Chemistry I
- CHM206 College Chemistry II
- ESC251 Scientific Computing
- ONE of the following courses:
- ESC352 Advanced Scientific Computing and Modeling
- CSC203 Problem Solving with Objects
Total Number of Credits: 67-68
Prerequisites (3*-11* credits)
- ENG 112* is a pre-requisite for PHS 325
- CSC 120 (4 cr.) is a pre-requisite for CSC 203
- MTH 122 (4 cr.) may be required depending on student's high school record
Electives (6-15 credits)
Total Credits (120 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in all required major courses (Major Departmental Requirements).
- Completion of all college-wide degree requirements
*denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Apply the principles of Classical Mechanics in the analysis of physical problems.
- Apply the principles of Classical Electrodynamics in the analysis of physical problems.
- Apply the principles of Quantum Mechanics in the analysis of physical problems.
- Use scientific instruments to gather, analyze, and display data with the intention of identifying patterns.
- Communicate scientific concepts and the results of scientific research both orally and in writing.
- Apply conservation principles appropriately in the investigation of physical problems.