Seaver College of Science and Engineering > Departments > Physics > Academics

Academics

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A major in physics can lead not only to a possible career in research, but also law, medicine and many other diverse careers. The department has many courses that satisfy the University's core requirements. In addition to majoring and minoring in physics, students may want to consider majoring in applied physics. This program allows a student to combine the benefits of a strong physics foundation with the applied knowledge of other majors.

The B.S. in Applied Physics is an interdisciplinary program that integrates the core physics
curriculum with those of other majors. Students will choose the appropriate sequence of courses
that matches their career aspirations in consultation with their advisor. By combining different
perspectives, tools and ideas, Applied Physics majors will be prepared to address some of
today’s and tomorrow’s most challenging problems. In addition to regular coursework, all
Applied Physics majors must complete a senior thesis project as a graduation requirement. This
hands-on research experience with faculty from Physics and other disciplines exposes students to
the type of work encountered in graduate school and industry, and enhances their undergraduate
portfolio. Upon graduation, students are prepared to be successful in traditional physics careers
as well as in new and emerging fields.

View the curriculum requirements.
The B.S. in Physics provides a solid foundation in classical, quantum, and relativistic physics. By choosing appropriate physics electives in consultation with their faculty advisor, the student can study astrophysics, condensed matter systems, cosmology, particle physics, and space physics. In addition to regular coursework, all Physics majors must complete a senior thesis project as a graduation requirement. This hands-on research experience with Physics faculty exposes students to the type of work encountered in graduate school and industry, and enhances their undergraduate portfolio. Upon graduation, Physics students can pursue advanced studies in a variety of physics-related disciplines, as well as in fields such as medicine, business management, and law, where a physics major can utilize their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

View the curriculum requirements.
Minor Requirements

20 semester hours with at least 8 semester hours in upper division courses. These shall include:
either:
- PHYS 1100 Introduction to Mechanics 4 semester hours
- PHYS 2100 Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism 4 semester hours
- PHYS 2600 Foundations of Modern Physics 4 semester hours
or:
- PHYS 2500 General Physics I 4 semester hours
- PHYS 2550 General Physics II 4 semester hours
- PHYS 2600 Foundations of Modern Physics 4 semester hours
Notes:
1. A grade of C (2.0) is required for every course included in the minor.
2. PHYS 3740 Weapons of Mass Destruction cannot be taken for credit towards a physics minor.
Student learning outcomes for the physics majors

Physics majors will know:
1. The concepts of classical physics
2. The theories of modern physics
3. The discoveries and questions of contemporary physics
Physics majors will be able to:
1. Form new inferences about the physical world by carrying out scientific investigations
2. Solve problems, which includes formulating a strategy, estimating a solution, applying appropriate techniques, and evaluating the result
3. Design and conduct experiments, and well as analyze and interpret the resulting data
4. Employ computational methods to perform calculations and model physical systems
5. Communicate effectively their understanding of core physical principles, the results of experiments, and their analysis of physical problems
Physics majors will value:
1. Ethical and unbiased actions as cornerstones to the scientific method
2. The impact of physics on society
3. The role of elegance and beauty in the scientific process

Academics

Minor Requirements

either:

or:

Notes: