Physics

The program in physics is designed to meet the needs of those students who wish to major in physics, as well as those who wish to major in science and those who wish to enter pre-professional programs in health and pre-engineering.

Bachelor of Science in Physics

Required Physics Core (30 Hours):
Course Title Hours Required
PHYS 1301 General Physics Laboratory I 1
PHYS 1401 General Physics Laboratory II 1
PHYS 2114 General Physics I 4
PHYS 2124 General Physics II 4
PHYS 3104 Intermediate Laboratory 4
PHYS 3113 Physical Mechanics 3
PHYS 3213 Electricity and Magnetism -Field Theory 3
PHYS 4104 Advanced Laboratory 4
PHYS 4113 Waves and Physical Optics 3
PHYS 4313 Modern Physics 2

Supporting Courses
MATH 1145 Calculus I 5
MATH 2225 Calculus II 5
MATH 3233 Linear Algebra 3
MATH 3243 Calculus III 3

and

CHEM 1111 General Chemistry Laboratory I 1
CHEM 1121 General Chemistry Laboratory II 1
CHEM 1113 General Chemistry I 3
CHEM 1123 General Chemistry II 3

and

CSCI 2043 Programming in Basic 3

Recommended Mathematics and Science Electives:
CHEM 4411 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I 1
CHEM 4413 Physical Chemistry I 3
CHEM 4421 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II 1
CHEM 4433 Physical Chemistry II 3

and

MATH 3353 Differential Equations 3
MATH 4413 Numerical Analysis 3

Exit Requirement:

  1. The physics degree requires an exit portfolio completed in conjunction with enrollment in colloquium NSCI 2700 or NSCI 2701) each fall and spring trimester. 
  2. Completion of exam (see item "d" under general graduation requirements, pg. 49).

Minor in Physics

18 hours to be selected with approval of physics advisor.


COURSE LISTINGS in PHYSICS

1301 GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY I
Simple experiments concerning basic laws of physics. 1 hour.

1401 GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY II
Simple experiments concerning basic laws of physics with emphasis on electrical measurements. 1 hour.

2114 GENERAL PHYSICS I
Mechanics, heat, and wave motion. 4 hours. Prerequisites: MATH 1513 and MATH 1613.

2124 GENERAL PHYSICS II 
Continuation of PHYS 2114. Electricity and magnetism, physical optics, and modern physics. 4 hours. Prerequisite: PHYS 2114.

2214 GENERAL PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS I
Includes topics from mechanics, heat and wave motion. 4 hours. Co-requisite: MATH 1145.

2224 GENERAL PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS II
Continuation of PHYS 2214. Includes topics from electricity, magnetism and light. 4 hours. Co-requisite: MATH 2225. Prerequisite: PHYS 2214.

2880 SPECIAL TOPICS
Special topics in physics. 1-4 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours).

2900 WORKSHOP
Guided study in physics under faculty supervision; various topics and methods of instruction. 1-6 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in  title and topic.)

2990 TUTORIAL
Independent study in physics under faculty supervision. 1-3 hours (may be repeated for total of 9 hours with change in title and content).

3100 INTERMEDIATE LABORATORY
Junior level experiments in physics, and analog and digital electronics. 1-2 hours (may be repeated for total of 4 hours). Prerequisite: PHYS 2124 or PHYS 2224. 

3113 PHYSICAL MECHANICS
Statics and dynamics of a particle; potential theory; introduction to orbit theory and rigid body dynamics. 3 hours. Prerequisites: MATH 1145 and PHYS 2124 or PHYS 2224.

3213 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM-FIELD THEORY
Laws and principles of electrostatics, moving electric charges and electromagnetism. 3 hours. Prerequisite: MATH 1145 and PHYS 2124 or PHYS 2224.

3301 SEMINAR
1 hour. Prerequisite: approval of instructor.

4100 ADVANCED LABORATORY
Senior level experiments in physics and digital electronics. 1-2 hours (may be repeated for total of 4 hours). Prerequisite: PHYS 3100. 

4113 WAVE MOTION AND PHYSICAL OPTICS
Wave equations, wave propagation, coherence, interference, diffraction, polarization, interaction of light with matter, and radiation. 3 hours. Prerequisites: MATH 3243 and PHYS 3213.

4313 SELECTED TOPICS IN MODERN PHYSICS
Consideration of such topics as atomic and molecular structure, nuclear physics, or solid state physics. 3 hours (may be repeated for total of 9 hours with change in title and topic. Prerequisites: MATH 3243, PHYS 3113, and 3213. 

4880 SPECIAL TOPICS
Special topics in physics. 1-4 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in content and title).

4900 WORKSHOP
Related topics and problems in physics. 1-6 hours (may be repeated for total of  9 hours with change in content and title).

4990 TUTORIAL
Independent study in physics under faculty supervision. 1-3 hours (may be repeated for total of 9 hours with change in content and title).