Applied Physics, B.S.

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The B.S. in Applied Physics is preparation for a career in physics and related areas. It is strongly recommended that students start the Analytical Physics sequence during the freshman year. Students who, for one reason or another, are unable to complete Analytical Physics I and II in their freshman year might be able to begin the sequence in their sophomore year and successfully complete the requirements of the major. However, this will involve doubling of physics electives in their senior year.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to use advanced mathematics to solve physics problems of increasing complexity.
Students will be able to use scientific instrumentation to make measurements.
Students will be able to analyze and make conclusions based on scientific data.
Students will be able to design experiments to solve scientific questions.
Students will be able to communicate scientific results in writing and orally.
Students will be able to use computers to solve scientific problems.
Students will demonstrate understanding of concepts of increasing complexity in physics.
Students will demonstrate being able to solve “open-ended” design problems in applied physics.

General Education Requirements (30-40 Credits)

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

Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 67

Basic Requirements: (44 Credits)

PHYS 123 - Analytical Physics I Credit(s): 3
PHYS 124 - Analytical Physics I Laboratory Credit(s): 1
PHYS 125 - Analytical Physics II Credit(s): 3
PHYS 126 - Analytical Physics II Laboratory Credit(s): 1
PHYS 223 - Analytical Physics III Credit(s): 3
PHYS 224 - Analytical Physics IV Credit(s): 3
PHYS 226 - Optics and Modern Physics Laboratory Credit(s): 1
PHYS 228 - Mathematical Methods in Physics Credit(s): 2
PHYS 261 - Programming in Physics Credit(s): 3
PHYS 311 - Classical Mechanics Credit(s): 3
PHYS 341 - Seminar in Physics Credit(s): 1
PHYS 362 - Intermediate Laboratory Credit(s): 3
PHYS 463 - Instrumentation and Interfacing Credit(s): 2 or
PHYS 472 - Undergraduate Research Credit(s): 2 or
PHYS 484 - Astrophysical Techniques Credit(s): 2
PHYS 313 - Applied Mechanics Credit(s): 3 or
PHYS 314 - Fluid Mechanics Credit(s): 3 or
PHYS 332 - Electric Circuit Analysis Credit(s): 3
PHYS 230 - Digital Electronics Credit(s): 3
3XX Electives in physics Credit(s): 9

Notes

Notes:

Directed Studies may not count toward the elective credits in physics.
Students may count only one of the following courses towards the major: PHYS 463 , PHYS 472 , and PHYS 484 .

Related Requirements: (23 Credits)

MATH 221 - Calculus I Credit(s): 4
MATH 222 - Calculus II Credit(s): 4
MATH 223 - Calculus III Credit(s): 4
MATH 326 - Differential Equations Credit(s): 3

One year lab sequence

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

CHEM 116 - Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
CHEM 118 - Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
CHEM 119 - Introductory Chemistry Lab Credit(s): 1
CHEM 129 - Introduction to Laboratory Research in Chemistry Credit(s): 1
or
CHEM 203 - Principles of Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
CHEM 204 - Principles of Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
CHEM 119 - Introductory Chemistry Lab Credit(s): 1
CHEM 129 - Introduction to Laboratory Research in Chemistry Credit(s): 1

or
BIOL 117 - General Biology - Cells, Genetics, Evolution Credit(s): 3
BIOL 118 - General Biology Laboratory I Credit(s): 1
BIOL 119 - General Biology - Diversity, Physiology, Ecology Credit(s): 3
BIOL 118 - General Biology Laboratory I Credit(s): 1
or
GSCI 160 - Physical Geology Credit(s): 3
GSCI 161 - Physical Geology Laboratory Credit(s): 1
GSCI 170 - Historical Geology Credit(s): 4

A minor

A minor in chemistry, biology, geology, mathematics, or an internship (upon a recommendation of the department) during the summer and fall semester following the third year

Physics Other Requirements:

Minimum Competence 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 . Requirements for Intermediate Laboratory include 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 .

Sample Course Map

For students who matriculated prior to Fall 2022: please select the bulletin year in which you entered the college (matriculated) at the top right of this page.

Curriculum Map

First Year
- Fall - 17 Credits
  - WRTG 105 - Writing Seminar: (subtitle) - Credit(s): 4
  - MATH 221 - Calculus I - Credit(s): 4
  - PHYS 120 - Physics First Year Experience - Credit(s): 1
  - PHYS 123 - Analytical Physics I - Credit(s): 3
  - PHYS 124 - Analytical Physics I Laboratory - Credit(s): 1
  - World Language 101 - Credit(s): 4
- Spring - 15 Credits
  - MATH 222 - Calculus II - Credit(s): 4
  - PHYS 125 - Analytical Physics II - Credit(s): 3
  - PHYS 126 - Analytical Physics II Laboratory - Credit(s): 1
  - World Language 102 - Credit(s): 4
  - Global Society: CAI - Credit(s): 3
Second Year
- Fall - 15 Credits
  - PHYS 223 - Analytical Physics III - Credit(s): 3
  - PHYS 226 - Optics and Modern Physics Laboratory - Credit(s): 1
  - MATH 223 - Calculus III - Credit(s): 4
  - Global Society: CGC - Credit(s): 3
  - Global Society: WCV - Credit(s): 4
- Spring - 14 Credits
  - PHYS 224 - Analytical Physics IV - Credit(s): 3
  - PHYS 228 - Mathematical Methods in Physics - Credit(s): 2
  - PHYS 261 - Programming in Physics - Credit(s): 3
  - MATH 326 - Differential Equations - Credit(s): 3
  - Global Society: SST - Credit(s): 3
Third Year
- Fall - 16 Credits
  - PHYS 311 - Classical Mechanics - Credit(s): 3
  - PHYS 362 - Intermediate Laboratory - Credit(s): 3
  - PHYS 3XX Elective - Credit(s): 3
  - Lab Science Semester I - Credit(s): 4
  - Global Society: DPP - Credit(s): 3
- Spring - 16 Credits
  - PHYS 313 - Applied Mechanics - Credit(s): 3 or PHYS 314 - Fluid Mechanics - Credit(s): 3 or PHYS 332 - Electric Circuit Analysis - Credit(s): 3
  - PHYS 230 - Digital Electronics - Credit(s): 3
  - Lab Science semester II - Credit(s): 4
  - Integrative and Applied Learning - Credit(s): 3
  - Course for Minor - Credit(s): 3
Fourth Year
- Fall - 13 credits
  - PHYS 341 - Seminar in Physics - Credit(s): 1
  - PHYS 3XX Elective - Credit(s): 3
  - Course for Minor - Credit(s): 3
  - Course for Minor - Credit(s): 3
  - Elective - Credit(s): 3
- Spring - 14 Credits
  - PHYS 463 - Instrumentation and Interfacing - Credit(s): 2 or PHYS 472 - Undergraduate Research - Credit(s): 2 or PHYS 484 - Astrophysical Techniques - Credit(s): 2
  - PHYS 3XX Elective - Credit(s): 3
  - Course for Minor - Credit(s): 3
  - Course for Minor - Credit(s): 3
  - Elective - Credit(s): 3

Total Credit Hours: 120

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

Note: Variation in the order of courses is possible, depending upon prerequisites. Consult course information in the bulletin or your academic advisor to customize your eight semester plan.

KEY - Participation in a Global Society (PGS)

Attributes:

Sub Areas

Abbreviation	Definition
DPP	Diversity, Pluralism, Power
WCV	World Cultures & Values
CGC	Contemporary Global Challenges
CAI	Creativity & Innovation
SST	Sustainability

Learning Areas

Abbreviation	Definition
ARTS	Arts
HUMA	Humanities
SOSC	Social Science