Program Requirements

Courses

Faculty and Staff

Special Programs:

• 3-2 Program in Engineering
• Teacher Education

Complete Catalog Listing

Program Requirements

Students required to take a one-year course in General Physics as part of their academic program have two options: the traditional General Physics (lecture course with laboratory) or General Physics in Daily Life (with interactive experiments integrated into the lecture). General Physics in Daily Life emphasizes the applications of physics to natural phenomena and devices of everyday life. Both sequences are calculus-based and satisfy the requirements for science majors, the premedical program, and ROTC.

The requirements for a major in physics consist of both physics and mathematics courses. Physics majors must take three semesters of calculus (Math 131, 132, and 241) or the equivalent. The required physics courses (see the recommended course schedule for physics majors) are General Physics 1, 2 (Physics 111, 112) or General Physics in Daily Life 1, 2 (Physics 115, 116), Methods of Physics (Physics 221), Modern Physics with the laboratory (Physics 223, 225), Classical Mechanics (Physics 342), Thermal Physics (Physics 344), Electromagnetic Theory (Physics 351), and Quantum Mechanics (Physics 353). In consultation with their advisors, physics majors must choose at least two additional lecture courses and one advanced laboratory above the 200 level. A laboratory course is taken as a fifth course in any given semester. A minimum grade of C in General Physics 1, 2 or General Physics in Daily Life 1, 2 is required to continue in the major. Mathematics majors are not required to take Methods of Physics.

Advanced electives offered by the Department include Optics with the laboratory (Physics 231, 233), Electronics with the laboratory (Physics 234, 236), Introduction to Astrophysics (Physics 355), and Experimental Solid State Physics (Physics 356). A course on Advanced Topics in Physics is also planned. General Physics 1, 2 or General Physics in Daily Life 1, 2 are prerequisites for all physics courses above the 200 level; Multivariable Calculus (Math 241) and Methods of Physics (Physics 221) are prerequisites for all physics courses above the 300 level.

Programs of supervised research in theoretical or experimental physics (Physics 471, 472) are available for qualified physics majors. Students may also take Independent Study (Physics 461, 462) under faculty guidance to pursue topics of interest that fall outside the curriculum.

Two special academic programs may be of interest to Physics majors. The 3-2 Program in Engineering provides the opportunity to combine the study of physics with training in engineering. The Teacher Education Program leads to state licensure as a secondary school teacher of physics. Students interested in one of these programs should consult with the Department Chair and either the 3-2 Program Advisor or the Director of the Teacher Education Program.

A minor in physics is also offered for interested students. Physics minors must take two semesters of calculus (Math 131, 132) or the equivalent. The required physics courses are General Physics 1, 2 (Physics 111, 112) or General Physics in Daily Life 1, 2 (Physics 115, 116), and Modern Physics (Physics 223). In consultation with their physics advisors, minors are required to choose three additional physics courses, two of which must be lecture courses above the 200 level.

All students are expected to uphold the College standards of academic honesty as stated in the College Catalog. The Department Policy explicitly states how academic honesty is interpreted with respect to homework and take-home exams.

Advanced Placement Credit: Students with AP credit in Physics do not receive credit toward the minimum number of courses required in the major or advanced standing in the Physics curriculum.

Note: The final authority on college and departmental policy is the College Catalog. The Catalog should always be consulted when planning your curriculum.

Back to top of page