Physics

A major in Physics provides the student with an understanding of the basic laws of nature and physical phenomena at the macroscopic and microscopic levels. Students choose between two (2) program options:

  • Physics – This option is intended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in physics, conduct research in physics, and/or teach physics.
  • Engineering Physics – This option is intended for students who wish to teach physics or engineering and/or work in fields related to engineering and physics that do not require a complete set of advanced engineering or physics training (e.g., engineering technologist, lab technician, sustainability). Particularly, an Engineering Physics major is typically not considered sufficient preparation for graduate study in Engineering or Physics.

In both options, the student acquires knowledge of the fundamental laws of the physical universe, mathematical methods in physics, and great familiarity with research and laboratory techniques.

Minor Requirements

A minor in Physics consists of 17 credit hours in physics courses, which must include the following:

PHYS 101Freshman Physics Seminar

1

PHYS 151General Physics: Mechanics

4

PHYS 152General Phys: Electric & Magne

4

PHYS 250RI

2

PHYS xxx
Additional six (6) credit hours of physics courses numbered 200 or higher for a minimum of 17 credit hours

6

Total Credit Hours: 17

Physics Option Major Requirements

Physics Option Requirements:

PHYS 101Freshman Physics Seminar

1

PHYS 151General Physics: Mechanics

4

PHYS 152General Phys: Electric & Magne

4

PHYS 208

4

PHYS 250RI

2

PHYS 300Intermediate Modern Physics

4

PHYS 305Classical Mechanics

3

PHYS 310

3

PHYS 311Electromagnetic Theory II

3

PHYS 410WSSenior Physics Seminar

1

PHYS 413

3

CHEM 103General Chemistry I

4

CHEM 104General Chemistry (II)

4

CS 170Intro to Scientific & Eng Prog

3

Or

CS xxx
Other approved programming language course

3

MATH 140Calculus I

4

MATH 141Calculus II

4

MATH 300Calculus III

4

MATH 331Differential Equations

3

MATH xxx
One (1) MATH elective course chosen from: MATH 315, 3 MATH 316, MATH 320, MATH 351, MATH 354, MATH 411, MATH 412, or MATH 423

3

ME 230WSTechnical Communication

3

Total Credit Hours:64

One (1) MATH elective course chosen from the following:

 
MATH 315Probability

3

MATH 316
Applied Statistics

3

MATH 320Linear Algebra

3

MATH 351Applied Mathematics

3

MATH 354Intro to PDEs and Modeling

3

MATH 411Introduction to Real Analysis

3

MATH 412Intro to Complex Variables

3

MATH 423Algebraic Structures

3

Total Credit Hours:3

Two (2) PHYS courses chosen from the following:

AND any additional minimum 6 credit hours of PHYS courses numbered 200 or above

6

Total Credit Hours: 59-67

Engineering Physics Option Major Requirements

Requirements List

PHYS 101Freshman Physics Seminar

1

Or

EE 100Engineering Orientation

2

Or

ME 100Engineering Orientation

2

PHYS 151General Physics: Mechanics

4

PHYS 152General Phys: Electric & Magne

4

PHYS 410WSSenior Physics Seminar

1

ME 230WSTechnical Communication

3

MATH 140Calculus I

4

MATH 141Calculus II

4

MATH 300Calculus III

4

MATH 331Differential Equations

3

Total Credit Hours:28-29

AND any two (2) of

PHYS 251RIComputational Research Methods in Physics

2

PHYS 252RIExperimental Research Methods in Physics

2

PHYS 253RITheoretical Research Methods in Physics

2

Total Credit Hours:4

AND any one (1) of

PHYS 481RISenior Project

1-3

EE 413RISenior Design I

3

ME 413RISenior Design I

3

Total Credit Hours:2-3
Must take two (2) semesters of PHYS-481RI if PHYS-481RI is the chosen way to fulfill this requirement.

AND any one (1) of

BIOL 180Biological Diversity

4

Or

CHEM 103General Chemistry I

4

Or

CHEM 204General Chemistry I

3

And

CHEM 204LGeneral Chemistry I Lab

1

Or

MSC 111Introduction to Oceanography

3

And

MSC 112Introduction Oceanography Lab

3

Total Credit Hours:4-6

MATH xxx

One (1) MATH elective course chosen from:
MATH 315Probability

3

MATH 316
Applied Statistics

3

MATH 320Linear Algebra

3

MATH 351Applied Mathematics

3

MATH 354Intro to PDEs and Modeling

3

MATH 411Introduction to Real Analysis

3

MATH 412Intro to Complex Variables

3

MATH 423Algebraic Structures

3

Total Credit Hours:3

Two 2 PHYS courses chosen from the following

AND any additional minimum 6 credit hours of PHYS courses numbered 200 or above

6

And any two (2) ME or EE courses numbered between 199 and 299

totaling between 6 and 8 credit hours

Total Credit Hours:6-8

And any two (2) ME or EE courses numbered above 300

totaling between 6 and 8 credit hours

Total Credit Hours:6-8

Total Credit Hours: 62-68

Physics Education - Secondary Level

Students who plan to teach Physics on the secondary level should consult with the School of Education early in their academic careers to determine the specific requirements.