Physics

The physics curriculum is designed with considerable flexibility in order to accommodate the variety of interests, plans, and needs of majors. At the same time, it provides a broad and thorough understanding of the fundamental ideas and concepts related to the physical world surrounding us. Using this broad base, which stresses fundamentals, undergraduates may enter graduate work in one of the pure or applied sciences or one of the non-sciences such as education, business administration, law, journalism, or philosophy. They may also choose to go directly into jobs in education, industry, government, or business.

The Department of Physics offers graduate work leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Futhermore, the faculty in all research groups are strongly committed to enriching the undergraduate experience by providing opportunities for undergraduates to fully participate in cutting-edge research projects working alongside faculty and graduate students.

Professional Option

Intended primarily as preparation for graduate work in one of the physical sciences, the professional option provides a sound background in the fundamentals of physics and mathematics.

Interdisciplinary Option

This option requires a minimum of 16 credits in the declared area and is designed for those who desire a firm background in mathematics and physics coupled with a concentration in another discipline such as chemistry, biology, computer science, engineering, or technical writing. Each student choosing this option will work out a specific program with an advisor and the participating department.

Teaching Option

This option is intended primarily as preparation for secondary school teachers. Teaching options require a teaching minor from the list under the Department of Education. However, the only teaching minor that can be completed within 128 credits is Mathematics. Please contact the department advisor for specifics on other options.

Undergraduate Research Participation

An integral component of all undergraduate major programs in physics is participation in undergraduate research. Based on student interest, faculty work closely with students in identifying and addressing important problems in particular sub-fields. Although a minimum of 3 credits of undergraduate research is required, many students extend this experience and work in research labs throughout the year, including summers. Students from other major who demonstrate interest and ability are also welcome to participate in undergraduate research in physics.

Capstone Experience

Students in the professional and interdisciplinary options will complete senior projects that integrate their physics knowledge and problem solving skills. Students will complete these projects during a minimum of two credits of PHYS 470, PHYS 489, or PHYS 490 and present their results in oral and written forms in PHYS 406 - Capstone Presentations. Guidelines for these senior projects are available from the departmental advisors.

The capstone experience for those in the Physics Teaching Option is EDSD 410 - Student Teaching. Each student will submit a written report from the supervising teacher and a written self-assessment.

Departmental Honors in Physics

When appropriate, majors should consider the opportunities afforded by the departmental honors program. This program has the following components:

1. A minimum 3.5 grade-point average (GPA) in physics; 3.0 GPA overall.
2. A minimum of four credits of undergraduate research credit.
3. An acceptable, bound senior thesis, and an oral defense of the thesis.
4. Participation in a physics seminar for one semester in either the junior or senior year.

A detailed description of the program is available from the department.

Curricula in Physics

• Professional Option
• Interdisciplinary Option
• Physics Teaching Option
• Physics Minor (Non-Teaching)

PROFESSIONAL OPTION

The physics and mathematics electives are to be selected from MATH 221 and courses numbered 300 or above. A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

INTERDISCIPLINARY OPTION

The physics and mathematics electives must be numbered 200 and above. A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

PHYSICS TEACHING OPTION

A minimum of 128 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

PHYSICS MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

Students who complete PHYS 301 require 7 additional elective credits. Students who complete PHYS 317 require 8 additional elective credits.