Physics, B.S.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to use advanced mathematics to solve complex physics problems in foundational physics areas.  

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 study 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 complex concepts in foundational physics areas.

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

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 positions in physics research in industry and national research labs.

Physics Other Requirements:

Minimum Competence Requirement

A grade of C- or better is required for each of the following courses: /, /, , , ; , , .

Department Writing Requirement

The Department requires writing in lab classes throughout the program building up to . 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 .

Sample Course Map

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.   

Curriculum Map

• First Year
  • Fall - 17 Credits
    •  Credit(s): 1
    •  Credit(s): 3
    •  Credit(s): 1
    •  Credit(s): 4
    •  Credit(s): 4
    • World Language (101) Credit(s): 4
  • Spring - 16 Credits
    •  Credit(s): 3
    •  Credit(s): 1
    •  Credit(s): 4
    • Global Society (DPP) Credit(s): 4
    • World Language (102) Credit(s): 4
• Second Year
  • Fall - 14 Credits
    •  Credit(s): 3
    •  Credit(s): 1
    •  Credit(s): 3
    •  Credit(s): 4
    • Global Society (WCV) Credit(s): 3
  • Spring - 14 Credits
    •  Credit(s): 3
    •  Credit(s): 2
    •  Credit(s): 3
    • Global Society (CAI) Credit(s): 3
    • Global Society (CGC) Credit(s): 3
• Third Year - 16
  • Fall - 16 Credits
    •  Credit(s): 3
    •  Credit(s): 3
    •  Credit(s): 3
    • Lab Science I Credit(s): 4
    • Global Society (SST) Credit(s): 3
  • Spring - 15 Credits
    •  Credit(s): 1
    •  Credit(s): 2 or  Credit(s): 2
    • PHYS 300-level Elective Credit(s): 3
    • Lab Science II Credit(s): 4
    • Elective Credit(s): 3
    • Elective Credit(s): 2
• Fourth Year
  • Fall - 15 Credits
    •  Credit(s): 3
    • PHYS 300-level Elective Credit(s): 3
    • Integrative & Applied Learning Credit(s): 3
    • Elective Credit(s): 3
    • Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Spring - 14 Credits
    •  Credit(s): 3
    • Elective Credit(s): 4
    • Elective Credit(s): 4
    • Elective Credit(s): 3

Total Credits: 120

Notes:

1. Lab Science I and II must be taken in the same discipline.

2. 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

Learning Areas