Physics, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Program Objectives
Upon completion of this program the graduate will:
- be able to apply mathematics to analyze problems in Physics;
- be able to use fundamental physical results, such as conservation laws, to study physical systems;
- be able to analyze important processes occurring in physical systems.
- be prepared for employment in Physics or a related field in the public or private sector;
- be prepared for admission to a graduate program in Physics or a related field;
- be prepared to take and pass the Praxis exam in Physics; and physics teaching majors will be prepared to teach Physics in a secondary school.
Program Requirements
CIP Code: 40.0801
Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Graduation Requirements | ||
| General Education | 36 | |
| Foundations of Learning | ||
| GSD 101 | Foundations of Learning | 3 |
| Upper division courses (42 hrs. distributed throughout Major/Supporting/Gen Ed/Free Electives categories) | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| PHY 201 | University Physics I 1 | 5 |
| or PHY 131 | College Physics I | |
| PHY 202 | University Physics II 2 | 5 |
| or PHY 132 | College Physics II | |
| PHY 211 | Intermediate Physics | 4 |
| PHY 302 | Modern Physics | 4 |
| PHY 315 | Electrical Circuits | 4 |
| PHY 406 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 4 |
| MAT 244 | Calculus II | 4 |
| CHE 112 & 112L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab | 4 |
| CSC 174 | Introduction to Programming for Science & Engineering | 3 |
| Concentrations | ||
| Students must select one of the following Concentrations: | 28-47 | |
Physics (General) | ||
Engineering Physics | ||
Physics Teaching | ||
| Free Electives 3 | 13-15 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
At the discretion of the chair, PHY 131 College Physics I may be substituted for PHY 201 University Physics I.
- 2
For teaching majors PHY 132 College Physics II may be substituted for PHY 202 University Physics II.
- 3
Students who are interested in Medical Physics graduate programs are encouraged to take EHS 510 Radiological Health and Safety as a free elective.
Engineering Physics Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| PHY 221 | Statics | 3 |
| PHY 310 | Theoretical Methods in Physics | 3 |
| PHY 360 | Engineering Dynamics | 3-4 |
| or PHY 460 | Classical Mechanics | |
| PHY 375 | Engineering Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHY 380 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| Choose from three hours of the following: | 3 | |
| Discrete Structures I | ||
| Electronic Devices and Circuits | ||
| Programmable Logic Controllers | ||
| Introduction to Laser Physics | ||
| Modern Optics | ||
| Independent Study in Physics:___ | ||
| Special Topics in Physics: | ||
| Directed Research in Physics: | ||
| Applied Statistics | ||
| Supporting Course Requirements | ||
| General Chemistry and General Chemistry Lab I (Element 4) G | ||
| EET 252 | Digital Electronics | 3 |
| Calculus I (Element 2) G,1 | ||
| MAT 254 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MAT 353 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 28-29 | |
- G
Course also satisfies a General Education element. Hours are included within the 36 hr. General Education requirement above. Note that a max of 3 credit hours from one course may be applied each to any Gen. Ed. element.
- 1
A preparatory course (MAT 122 Precalculus Mathematics) in mathematics may be required before admission to MAT 234 Calculus I.
Physics (General) Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| PHY 310 | Theoretical Methods in Physics | 3 |
| PHY 421 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHY 422 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHY 456 | Statistical and Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHY 460 | Classical Mechanics | 4 |
| PHY 470 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Choose from three hours of any PHY course numbered 300 and above 1 | 3 | |
| Supporting Course Requirements | ||
| General Chemistry and General Chemistry Lab I (Element 4) G | ||
| Calculus I (Element 2) G,2 | ||
| MAT 254 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MAT 353 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 29 | |
- 1
Except PHY 506 Physics for High School Teachers
- 2
A preparatory course (MAT 122 Precalculus Mathematics) in mathematics may be required before admission to MAT 234 Calculus I.
- G
Course also satisfies a General Education element. Hours are included within the 36 hr. General Education requirement above. Note that a max of 3 credit hours from one course may be applied each to any Gen. Ed. element.
Physics Teaching Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| AST 135 | Introductory Astronomy | 3 |
| AST 335 | Stars, Galaxies, & Cosmology | 3 |
| Choose from three hours of PHY courses numbered 300 and above | 3 | |
| Supporting Course Requirements | ||
| Introductory Biology (Element 4) G | ||
or BIO 102 | Inquiry Biology for Teachers | |
| General Chemistry and General Chemistry Lab I (Element 4) G | ||
| Calculus I (Element 2) G,1 | ||
| Professional Education Requirements | ||
| EDC 300 | Differentiation in Inclusive Classrooms | 3 |
| EDF 203 | Educational Foundations | 3 |
| EDF 204 | Emerging Instructional Technologies | 2 |
| EDF 219 | Human Development and Learning | 3 |
| EDF 413 | Assessment in Education | 3 |
| EMS 300 | Curriculum and Instructional Design | 3 |
| EMS 474 | Disciplinary Literacy | 3 |
| EMS 490 | Classroom & Behavior Management | 3 |
| ESE 561 | Teaching Science in Secondary School | 3 |
| Special Education Introduction (Element 6) G | ||
| Clinical Experiences: | ||
| CED 100 | Clinical I: Introduction to the Education Profession | 0.5 |
| CED 200 | Clinical II: Understanding the Learner | 0.5 |
| CED 300 | Clinical III: Curriculum and Instructional Design | 0.5 |
| CED 400 | Clinical IV: Diagnosis and Prescription | 0.5 |
| CED 450 | Clinical V: Practicing Teaching | 1 |
| CED 499 | Clinical VI: The Professional Semester | 9 |
| Exit Requirements | ||
| PRAXIS Examination | ||
| Students must register for and take the PRAXIS exam which correlates to their degree program, per College of Education requirements. Refer to Degree Works for exam details. The PRAXIS exam must be taken prior to student teaching. | ||
| Total Hours | 47 | |
- G
Course also satisfies a General Education element. Hours are included within the 36 hr. General Education requirement above. Note that a max of 3 credit hours from one course may be applied each to any Gen. Ed. element.
- 1
A preparatory course (MAT 122 Precalculus Mathematics) in mathematics may be required before admission to MAT 234 Calculus I.