Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, B.A.


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Program Outcomes


  1. Students will be able to use advanced mathematics to solve physics problems of increasing complexity.  
  2. Students will be able to use scientific instrumentation to make measurements.  
  3. Students will be able to analyze and make conclusions based on scientific data.  
  4. Students will be able to design experiments to solve scientific questions.  
  5. Students will be able to communicate scientific results in writing and orally.  
  6. Students will be able to use computers to solve scientific problems.  
  7. Students will demonstrate understanding of concepts of increasing complexity in physics.

General Education Requirements (30-46 Credits)


Prerequisite coursework may be required to satisfy certain General Education courses and will count as elective credit.

Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 63


300-level PHYS electives including at least one of the following: (12 Credits)


Notes:


(i)   BA students may not receive degree credit for both PHYS 313  and PHYS 332  .
(ii)  Directed Studies cannot count towards the elective credits in physics.
(iii) Students may count only one of the following courses towards the major: PHYS 363 , PHYS 372 , and PHYS 384 .

A one-year laboratory science course sequence in another natural science discipline


Footnotes


Because there is flexibility within the basic Bachelor of Arts degree requirements some options available are

  1. Interdisciplinary study (e.g., biophysics and geophysics);
  2. Preparation for graduate study in physics and engineering;
  3. Qualification for commercial and/or industrial employment (e.g., for positions in physics research laboratories and as technical sales and/or service representatives).

Physics Other Requirements:


Minimum Compentence Requirement

A grade of C- or better is required for each of the following courses: PHYS 123 /PHYS 124 , PHYS 125 /PHYS 126 , PHYS 223 PHYS 224 PHYS 362 MATH 221 , MATH 222 , MATH 223 .

Department Writing Requirement

The Department requires writing in lab classes throughout the program building up to PHYS 362 Intermediate Laboratory . Intermediate Laboratory require full reports that are evaluated with attention to style and technique as well as content. Students submit rewrites as necessary. A portfolio of reports from this course is maintained for each student. The writing requirement is satisfied by successful completion of PHYS 362  .

Outline/Advising Guide


First Year


Fall (15 Credit Hours)


Spring (17 Credit Hours)


Second Year


Fall (15 Credit Hours)


Third Year


Fall (15 Credit Hours)


Spring (15 Credit Hours)


Fourth Year


Fall (14 Credit Hours)


Physics 300-level Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 2

Spring (14 Credit Hours)


Physics 300-level Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 2

Total Credit Hours: 120


NOTE:
(1) Lab Science I and II must be taken in the same discipline.

*Honors in Physics. Senior majors having completed PHYS 372  may be invited by the department to take PHYS 393: Honors in Physics. (These students are exempt from the PHYS 341  requirement.) Students completing PHYS 393 satisfactorily will graduate with Honors in physics.

Note: Where no prerequisites apply, some variation in the order or semester in which courses are taken is possible. Students should consult their academic advisors for additional information.

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