Department of Physics and Astronomy (PHY)
Curriculum
Majoring in Physics
The Physics Major is a firm basis for a career in medicine, law, business, sales, engineering, teaching, computing, biophysics, environmental science, or physics.
Students who elect physics as a major need to complete PHY 291 and PHY 292 and MAT 293 no later than the end of their sophomore year. Freshmen who declare physics as a major are strongly advised to take PHY 291 and MAT 292 their first year. If not prepared to take calculus during first semester the student is advised to take MAT 150 or 151 (depending upon his/her background) and CHE 111 and 114 instead of PHY 291, 292. Any student who desires to major in physics should contact the head of the department as soon as possible so a proper schedule can be planned.
Courses required for the physics major:
1. PHY 291, 292 (or 211, 212), 321, 321L, 323, 323L, 325, 325L, 401 and
either 425 or 412 or 413
2. Required courses in related subjects: CHE 111, 112, 114, 115; CSC 130; MAT 191, 292, 293, 390, 394
| Hours | ||
| Phy 291 (or 211) | Introductory Physics & Lab | 4 |
| Phy 291L | 0 | |
| Phy 292 (or 212) | Introductory Physics & Lab | 4 |
| Phy 292L | 0 | |
| Phy 321 | Modern Physics & Lab | 3 |
| Phy 321L | 1 | |
| Phy 323 | Mechanics & Lab | 3 |
| Phy 323L | 1 | |
| Phy 325 | Electricity/Magnetism & Lab | 3 |
| Phy 325L | 1 | |
| Phy 425 or 412 or 413 | Thermal or Electronics For Scientists or Computer Interfacing | 6 |
| Phy 401 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 28 |
Electives
Electives sufficient to complete the 122 semester hours required for the degree
Bachelor of Science
Minimum 36 semester hours in physics above the 100 level. Students may take a maximum of 60 semester hours in the major and related areas, including courses at the 100 level. Students must have at least a 2.0 grade point average for the required physics and mathematics courses. Requirements are the same as for the BA degree with the following additional requirements, 3 courses from among:
| Hours | ||
| Phy 330 | Astrophysics | 3 |
| Phy 421 | Modern Physics with Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Phy 423 | Analytical Mechanics | 3 |
| Phy 426 | Electricity/Magnetism II | 3 |
| Phy 543 | Biophysics | 3 |
Minoring in Physics
A minimum of 15 semester hours in physics courses is to be planned in consultation with a physics faculty member. The usual physics minor program will consist of PHY 291, 292, and at least 7 semester hours of additional courses (excluding PHY 203, 209, 235, 205, 333, and 334). Other, quite different programs may be fitted to the individual student's interests and objectives.
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