2012 - 2013 Physics Program (PHYS)

Objectives | Program Requirements | Academic Major | Academic Minor | Teaching Minor | Course Descriptions

Faculty: Christopher Cline, Peter Conwell, Tricia Shepherd

Program Goals

• Students should develop a good functional understanding of physics, including mechanics, electricity & magnetism, quantum physics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, and relativity.
• Students should develop expert-like problem solving skills.
• Students should develop critical thinking and reasoning skills.
• Students should develop laboratory skills.
• Students should develop technology skills.
• Students should improve their communication, interpersonal, and questioning skills.
• Students should develop and/or retain student cognitive attitudes and beliefs (expectations) that are favorable for learning physics with deep understanding.

Objectives

The Physics Program offers an academic major leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree. In addition, the program offers an academic and a teaching minor in physics. A Physical Science composite major is offered for students seeking a physical science composite endorsement for secondary education. The program is designed to meet the need of (1) students intending to specialize in physics and pursue graduate work in physics, engineering, material science, or biophysics; (2) students preparing for a professional career in science and engineering; (3) students desiring to broaden their knowledge of the natural world; and (4) students who wish to teach at the secondary level.

Program Requirements

Students choosing a double major or minor within the science program may not apply electives to more than one major or minor. Only classes listed under "required courses" that coincide between both majors/minors may be applied to both.

Students must maintain a cumulative 2.3 GPA or better in courses required in the academic majors.

For course prerequisites, please refer to the course description.

Academic Major

To fulfill the requirements for a major in Physics, students must complete the following as well as demonstrate competency in MATH 141 and 142:

Recommended Plan of Study for Physics

Listed below is a suggested plan of study for completing the physics requirements. Students should check with their advisors at least once a year as course offerings may change from what is listed. Students must also meet college wide requirements for graduation.

* Assumes student already has credit for MATH 141 & MATH 142
** Courses offered every other year, so Junior and Senior year may be interchanged.
*** Physics 410 is recommended, but not required.

Academic Minor

The following courses are highly recommended: HON 221, 222; MATH 203, 311, 363; PHYS 431.

Teaching Minor