Physics and Astronomy

Overview

The undergraduate program in physics is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of both experimental and theoretical physics. It provides a strong basis for either graduate study in physics or employment by industrial or governmental laboratories. By a suitable choice of electives, students will also be prepared for graduate study in the other sciences, mathematics, engineering, or medicine.

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Physics

1. General Education Requirements (43-54 hours)

The following courses fulfill some of the general education requirements and some cognates and must be completed for a major in physics: PHYS 206, 207, 208, 211L, 212L; MATH 141, 142, 241, and 242; and two math courses 500 level and above , selected with advisor; CHEM 111 and 112; CSCE 145. A grade of C or higher is required in all physics courses.

 

For an outline of other general education requirements, see "College of Arts and Sciences."

2. Major Requirements

General Major (25-26 hours)

Courses in physics, to include the following: PHYS 307, 308, 309, 501, 502, 503, 504, and 506 (22 hours)

One course in experimental physics (e.g., 509, 511, 514, 531, or 532) (3-4 hours)

Total (25-27 hours)

 

Intensive Major (34-36 hours)

Courses in Physics, to include the following: PHYS 307, 308, 309, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and 506 (25 hours)

Three physics electives numbered 500 or above, to include at least two courses in experimental physics (e.g., 509, 510, 511, 514, 531, or 532) (9-11 hours)

 

Applied Major (Engineering Physics)

 

Computer Option (48-49 hours)

 

PHYS 307, 308, 309, 311, 502, 503, 504, 506, 509, and one course chosen from PHYS 501, 505, 511, 512, 514.

CSCE 146, 212, either 211 and 313 or 245 and 311, and one course numbered 491 or higher.

ECON 421 (may be used for Group IV).

 

Electrical Option (52-54 hours)

 

PHYS 307, 308, 309, 311, 502, 503, 504, 506, and two courses chosen from PHYS 501, 505, 509, 511, 512, 514.

ELCT 102, 201, 221, 222, 371, 301.

CSCE 211.

ECON 421 (may be used for Group IV).

 

Mechanical Option (52-55 hours)

 

PHYS 307, 308, 309, 311, 502, 503, 504, and three courses chosen from PHYS 501, 505, 506, 509, 511, 512, 514.

EMCH 200, 260, 290, 360, 327, 507, 508.

ECON 421 (may be used for Group IV)

3. Cognates: The required mathematics courses satisfy the cognate requirement.

4. Electives, see "College of Arts and Sciences"

Course Descriptions

Astronomy (ASTR)