Program Requirements
B.A. Physics Requirements
| Core Requirements | (33) | |
| PHYS 131C | P4 General Physics I (4) | |
| PHYS 132C | P4 General Physics II (4) | |
| PHYS 211 PHYS 211L |
Modern Physics I (4) Modern Physics I Laboratory (1) |
|
| PHYS 212 PHYS 212L |
Modern Physics II (4) Modern Physics II Laboratory (1) |
|
| MATH 120C | P4 Calculus I (4) | |
| MATH 122C | P4 Calculus II (4) | |
| MATH 221C | Calculus III (4) | |
| MATH 222 | SQ Differential Equations (3) | |
| Additional Requirements | (12) | |
| 12 additional credits of Physics electives (at the 200 level or above) | ||
| Total | (45) | |
B.S. Physics Requirements
| Core Requirements | (33) | |
| PHYS 131C | P4 General Physics I (4) | |
| PHYS 132C | P4 General Physics II (4) | |
| PHYS 211 PHYS 211L |
Modern Physics I (4) Modern Physics I Laboratory (1) |
|
| PHYS 212 PHYS 212L |
Modern Physics II (4) Modern Physics II Laboratory (1) |
|
| MATH 120C | P4 Calculus I (4) | |
| MATH 122C | P4 Calculus II (4) | |
| MATH 221C | Calculus III (4) | |
| MATH 222 | SQ Differential Equations (3) | |
| Additional Requirements | (24) | |
| Choose one: | B.S. Option I: 24 additional credits to include: PHYS 301, 333, 334, 341, 342, 365, 451, and 452. | |
| B.S. Option II: 24 additional credits to include: 12 additional credits of Physics electives and 12 credits of science courses chosen from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. The courses in Biology or Chemistry must be chosen from those specifically named and numbered courses that satisfy the minor requirements in those disciplines or by electives at the 200 level. The courses in Physics must be those at the 200-400 level. The 12-hour science course combination can consist of courses entirely from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. | ||
| Total | (57) | |
For students majoring in Physics, only courses designated as Physics courses (PHYS) that may be applied to the major are included in the determination of the grade point average in the major.
Students Seeking Adolescence Teaching Certification in Physics
Students seeking Adolescence Teaching Certification in Physics dual major in Inclusive Adolescence Education and Physics. They complete the courses outlined for a B.S. Physics major (Option II) as these courses satisfy the content area requirements for teaching certification.
In addition to the physics content area requirements, students pursuing Adolescence Teaching Certification must also complete:
- Inclusive Adolescence Education Major (47)
The major includes Education courses, field experiences, student teaching, and courses for Certification in Students with Disabilities (7–12) and Middle School extension in the content area (5–6). See Inclusive Adolescence Education for details.
Note: As early as possible, students should consult with an Education advisor to set up a program leading to certification.
Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Goal #1 Students will have the scientific knowledge needed to begin their careers or graduate school.
- Know the foundations of physics, as evidenced by solving problems in elementary mechanics and electricity and magnetism.
- Know the main areas of physics at the intermediate/advanced undergraduate level, as evidenced through solving problems in:
- Modern Physics
- Classical Mechanics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Quantum Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Mathematical Physics
Goal #2 Students will have the analytical and problem solving skills needed to begin their careers or to enter graduate school.
- Demonstrate analytical and problem solving skills at the introductory level as evidenced in elementary mechanics and electricity and magnetism.
- Demonstrate analytical and problem solving skills at the introductory level as evidenced in:
- Modern Physics
- Classical Mechanics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Quantum Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Mathematical Physics
Goal #3 Students will have the laboratory skills needed to begin their careers or enter graduate school.
- Be able to carry out experiments in mechanics and electricity and magnetism at the introductory level.
- Know the roles of hypotheses, measurements and analysis in the development of scientific theory at the introductory level as evidenced by laboratory reports.
- Be able to carry out experiments at the intermediate/advanced level.
Goal #4 Students will have the communication skills necessary to begin their careers or enter graduate school.
- Be able to write a well-documented laboratory report that reflects high personal and ethical standards.
- Be able to make an oral presentation to a variety of audiences (e.g. professionals within the field, general audience, peers) that informs while still respecting the different backgrounds and needs of each audience member.