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 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. This major is not currently accepting applications.
- 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. This major is not currently accepting applications.
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 Physics minor consists of the following courses:
| PHYS 101 | Freshman Physics Seminar | 1 |
| PHYS 151 | General Physics: Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 152 | General Physics: Electricity & Magnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 250RI | Research Methods in Physics | 2 |
| PHYS xxx | Additional six credit hours of physics courses numbered 200 or higher for a minimum of 17 credit hours | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Total Credit Hours: 17
Physics Option Major Requirements
Physics Option Requirements:
MATH xxx
One MATH elective course chosen from:
And any two of the following PHYS courses:
| PHYS 251RI | Computational Research Methods in Physi | 2 |
| PHYS 252RI | Experimental Research Methods in Physic | 2 |
| PHYS 253RI | Theoretical Research Methods in Physics | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
AND two semesters of
AND any one of
| BIOL 180 | Biological Diversity | 4 |
| CHEM 103 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| MSC 111 | Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| | And | |
| MSC 112 | Introduction Oceanography Lab | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4-6 |
Total Credit Hours: 59-67
Engineering Physics Option Major Requirements
Requirements List
MATH xxx
One MATH elective course chosen from:
AND any two of
| PHYS 251RI | Computational Research Methods in Physi | 2 |
| PHYS 252RI | Experimental Research Methods in Physic | 2 |
| PHYS 253RI | Theoretical Research Methods in Physics | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
AND any one of
| BIOL 180 | Biological Diversity | 4 |
| CHEM 103 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| MSC 111 | Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| | And | |
| MSC 112 | Introduction Oceanography Lab | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4-6 |
AND any one of
Total Credit Hours: 59-67
And any two ME or EE courses numbered above 300
And any two ME or EE courses numbered between 199 and 299