Physics
A major in Physics provides the student with an understanding of the basic laws of nature and physical phenomena at the macroscopic and microscopic levels. Students choose between two (2) program options:
- Physics – This option is intended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in physics, conduct research in physics, and/or teach physics.
- Engineering Physics – This option is intended for students who wish to teach physics or engineering and/or work in fields related to engineering and physics that do not require a complete set of advanced engineering or physics training (e.g., engineering technologist, lab technician, sustainability). Particularly, an Engineering Physics major is typically not considered sufficient preparation for graduate study in Engineering or Physics.
In both options, the student acquires knowledge of the fundamental laws of the physical universe, mathematical methods in physics, and great familiarity with research and laboratory techniques.
Minor Requirements
A minor in Physics consists of 17 credit hours in physics courses, which must include the following:
| PHYS 101 | Freshman Physics Seminar | 1 |
| PHYS 151 | General Physics: Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 152 | General Phys: Electric & Magne | 4 |
PHYS 250RI
| | 2 |
PHYS xxx
| Additional six (6) credit hours of physics courses numbered 200 or higher for a minimum of 17 credit hours | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 17
Physics Option Major Requirements
Physics Option Requirements:
| PHYS 101 | Freshman Physics Seminar | 1 |
| PHYS 151 | General Physics: Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 152 | General Phys: Electric & Magne | 4 |
PHYS 208
| | 4 |
PHYS 250RI
| | 2 |
| PHYS 300 | Intermediate Modern Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 305 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
PHYS 310
| | 3 |
| PHYS 311 | Electromagnetic Theory II | 3 |
| PHYS 410WS | Senior Physics Seminar | 1 |
PHYS 413
| | 3 |
| CHEM 103 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 104 | General Chemistry (II) | 4 |
| | |
| CS 170 | Intro to Scientific & Eng Prog | 3 |
| Or | |
CS xxx
| Other approved programming language course | 3 |
| | |
| MATH 140 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 141 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 300 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 331 | Differential Equations | 3 |
MATH xxx
| One (1) MATH elective course chosen from: MATH 315, 3 MATH 316, MATH 320, MATH 351, MATH 354, MATH 411, MATH 412, or MATH 423 | 3 |
| ME 230WS | Technical Communication | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 64 |
One (1) MATH elective course chosen from the following:
Two (2) PHYS courses chosen from the following:
| AND any additional minimum 6 credit hours of PHYS courses numbered 200 or above | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 59-67
Engineering Physics Option Major Requirements
Requirements List
AND any two (2) of
| PHYS 251RI | Computational Research Methods in Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 252RI | Experimental Research Methods in Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 253RI | Theoretical Research Methods in Physics | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
AND any one (1) of
Must take two (2) semesters of
PHYS-481RI if
PHYS-481RI is the chosen way to fulfill this requirement.
AND any one (1) of
| BIOL 180 | Biological Diversity | 4 |
| Or | |
| CHEM 103 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| Or | |
| CHEM 204 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| And | |
| CHEM 204L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| Or | |
| MSC 111 | Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| And | |
| MSC 112 | Introduction Oceanography Lab | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4-6 |
MATH xxx
One (1) MATH elective course chosen from:
Two 2 PHYS courses chosen from the following
| AND any additional minimum 6 credit hours of PHYS courses numbered 200 or above | 6 |
And any two (2) ME or EE courses numbered between 199 and 299
totaling between 6 and 8 credit hours
And any two (2) ME or EE courses numbered above 300
totaling between 6 and 8 credit hours
Total Credit Hours: 62-68
Physics Education - Secondary Level
Students who plan to teach Physics on the secondary level should consult with the School of Education early in their academic careers to determine the specific requirements.