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.

Major Requirements

Physics Option Requirements:

PHYS 101Freshman Physics Seminar

1

PHYS 151General Physics: Mechanics

4

PHYS 152General Phys: Electric & Magne

4

PHYS 208

4

PHYS 250RI

2

PHYS 300Intermediate Modern Physics

4

PHYS 305Classical Mechanics

3

PHYS 310

3

PHYS 311Electromagnetic Theory II

3

PHYS 410WSSenior Physics Seminar

1

PHYS 413

3

CHEM 103General Chemistry I

4

CHEM 104General Chemistry (II)

4

CS 170Intro to Scientific & Eng Prog

3

Or

CS xxxOther approved programming language course

3

MATH 140Calculus I

4

MATH 141Calculus II

4

MATH 300Calculus III

4

MATH 331Differential Equations

3

MATH xxxOne (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 230WSTechnical Communication

3

Total Credit Hours:64

Engineering Physics Option Requirements:

ME 100Engineering Orientation

2

Or

EE 100Engineering Orientation

2

Or

PHYS 101Freshman Physics Seminar

1

PHYS 151General Physics: Mechanics

4

PHYS 152General Phys: Electric & Magne

4

PHYS 250RI

2

PHYS 300Intermediate Modern Physics

4

PHYS 410WSSenior Physics Seminar

1

CHEM 103General Chemistry I

4

CS 170Intro to Scientific & Eng Prog

3

Or

CS xxxOther approved programming language course

3

MATH 140Calculus I

4

MATH 141Calculus II

4

MATH 300Calculus III

4

MATH 331Differential Equations

3

MATH xxxOne (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 230WSTechnical Communication

3

Total Credit Hours:44-45

And any two (2) of the following PHYS courses:

PHYS 208

4

PHYS 305Classical Mechanics

3

PHYS 310

3

PHYS 311Electromagnetic Theory II

3

PHYS 413

3

Total Credit Hours:6-7

And any two (2) ME or EE courses numbered between 199 and 299

totaling between 6 and 8 credit hours

Total Credit Hours:6-8

And any two (2) ME or EE courses numbered above 300

totaling between 6 and 8 credit hours

Total Credit Hours:6-8

Total Credit Hours: 62-68

Minor Requirements

A minor in Physics consists of 17 credit hours in physics courses, which must include the following:

PHYS 101Freshman Physics Seminar

1

PHYS 151General Physics: Mechanics

4

PHYS 152General Phys: Electric & Magne

4

PHYS 250RI

2

PHYS xxxAdditional six (6) credit hours of physics courses numbered 200 or higher for a minimum of 17 credit hours

6

Total Credit Hours: 17

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.