Physics Minor
Description
Physics is the study of the physical properties of the universe and of the fundamental properties and interactions of matter and energy. Physicists work to understand why and how things work, addressing questions ranging from how the efficiency of a solar panel can be improved to why the expansion of the universe is accelerating. Physics underlies and has applications in the pure sciences – astronomy, chemistry, biology, earth science – and applied sciences, such as engineering, optics, and materials science.
A Physics minor is an excellent addition to many majors since it develops skills that employers are looking for: problem-solving, instrumentation, data analysis, teamwork and communicating results.
Admission to the Program
Any undergraduate student can declare this minor.
Required Physics Courses (19 credits)
- PHS 235 Physics I
- PHS 240 Physics II
- PHS 307 Physics III
- PHS 308 Electronics Laboratory
- PHS 328 Modern Physics
- PSH 329 Modern Physics & Optics Laboratory
- PHS 332 Intermediate Mechanics & Math Methods
Corequisites (15 credits)
- MTH 201 Calculus I
- MTH 202 Calculus II
- MTH 203 Calculus III
- MTH 255 Differential Equations
Total Number of Credits: 34
Student Learning Outcomes
- 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.