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 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.  This major is not currently accepting applications.
  • 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.  This major is not currently accepting applications.

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 Physics minor consists of the following courses:

PHYS 101Freshman Physics Seminar

1

PHYS 151General Physics: Mechanics

4

PHYS 152General Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

4

PHYS 250RIResearch Methods in Physics

2

PHYS xxxAdditional six credit hours of physics courses numbered 200 or higher for a minimum of 17 credit hours

6

Total Credit Hours:17

Total Credit Hours: 17

Physics Option Major Requirements

Physics Option Requirements:

PHYS 101Freshman Physics Seminar

1

PHYS 151General Physics: Mechanics

4

PHYS 152General Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

4

PHYS 305Classical Mechanics

3

PHYS 306Statistical Mechanics

3

PHYS 310Electromagnetic Theory I

3

PHYS 311Electromagnetic Theory II

3

PHYS 410WSSenior Physics Seminar

1

PHYS 413Quantum Mechanics

3

PHYS 414Quantum Mechanics II

3

MATH 140Calculus I

4

MATH 141Calculus II

4

MATH 300Calculus III

4

MATH 331Differential Equations

3

MATH xxx

One MATH elective course chosen from:
MATH 315Probability

3

MATH 316Applied Statistics

3

MATH 320Linear Algebra

3

MATH 351Advanced Vector Calculus

3

MATH 354Introduction to Partial DifferentialEquations and Modeling

3

MATH 412Introduction to Complex Variables

3

Total Credit Hours:3

And any two of the following PHYS courses:

PHYS 251RIComputational Research Methods in Physi

2

PHYS 252RIExperimental Research Methods in Physic

2

PHYS 253RITheoretical Research Methods in Physics

2

Total Credit Hours:4

AND two semesters of

PHYS 481RISenior Project

1

Total Credit Hours:2

AND any one of

BIOL 180Biological Diversity

4

CHEM 103General Chemistry I

4

MSC 111Introduction to Oceanography

3

And

MSC 112Introduction Oceanography Lab

3

Total Credit Hours:4-6

Total Credit Hours: 59-67

Engineering Physics Option Major Requirements

Requirements List

Or

PHYS 101Freshman Physics Seminar

1

PHYS 151General Physics: Mechanics

4

PHYS 152General Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

4

PHYS 410WSSenior Physics Seminar

1

MATH 140Calculus I

4

MATH 141Calculus II

4

MATH 300Calculus III

4

MATH 331Differential Equations

3

Total Credit Hours:28-29

MATH xxx

One MATH elective course chosen from:
MATH 315Probability

3

MATH 316Applied Statistics

3

MATH 320Linear Algebra

3

MATH 351Advanced Vector Calculus

3

MATH 354Introduction to Partial DifferentialEquations and Modeling

3

MATH 412Introduction to Complex Variables

3

Total Credit Hours:3

AND any two of

PHYS 251RIComputational Research Methods in Physi

2

PHYS 252RIExperimental Research Methods in Physic

2

PHYS 253RITheoretical Research Methods in Physics

2

Total Credit Hours:4

AND any one of

BIOL 180Biological Diversity

4

CHEM 103General Chemistry I

4

MSC 111Introduction to Oceanography

3

And

MSC 112Introduction Oceanography Lab

3

Total Credit Hours:4-6

AND any one of

PHYS 481RISenior Project

1

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

Total Credit Hours: 59-67

And any two ME or EE courses numbered above 300

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