2011-2013 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog (with addenda) 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2011-2013 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog (with addenda) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, B.S.


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Bachelor of Science in Physics


The aim of the four-year Bachelor of Science in Physics is to prepare students thoroughly for any one of the many careers based on a concentration in physics. For some students, this means preparation for graduate school and further study leading to the master’s or doctoral degree. For many others, it means professional work in industry, government or in high school teaching. Some students use their major in physics to prepare for work in mathematics, chemistry, biology, medicine, engineering, law, history of science, writing or business. The program’s emphasis on fundamental knowledge, thorough analytic training and the universal logic of science enables physics students to take these different career paths.

The core of the program is 34 credits of required physics courses. Students begin with a general, calculus-based introductory sequence, followed by an introduction to Modern Physics, then intermediate courses in the fundamentals, i.e., Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics and Quantum Physics. Students are provided with a solid grounding in mathematics and in the humanities and social sciences, and the choice to round out their education with two free electives. Students select the balance of their major courses from available elective physics offerings. Technical electives from other disciplines may be substituted with adviser approval, especially if a student is pursuing a concentration or minor.

Technical Electives: 26 Credits


Students should select six physics elective and two math electives courses. Electives from other disciplines may be substituted with adviser approval.

Electives in the Humanities and Social Sciences: 18 Credits


Students are required to take 18 elective credits in the humanities and social sciences, with EN 1013 and EW 1023  as prerequisites. To gain depth of knowledge, it is recommended that one or more of these electives be taken at an advanced level.

Free Electives, Independant Study and Projects: 12 Credits


Twelve credits are reserved for free electives and independent study courses, of which 6 credits are recommended for use on a project or thesis topic.

An illustrative typical course of study for the Bachelor of Science degree in physics is shown at the end of this section.

Typical Course of Study for the Bachelor of Science in Physics


Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Fall Semester: 16.5 Credits


Junior Year


Fall Semester: 17 Credits


Spring Semester: 15 Credits


Senior Year


Fall Semester: 17 Credits


Spring Semester: 16 Credits


  • 4 Credits
  • PH 3/4/5**3 PH Elective 3 Credits
  • PH 3/4/5**3 PH Elective 3 Credits
  • PH 3/4/5**3 PH Elective 3 Credits
  • Humanities and Social Sciences Elective #6 3 Credits

Total cedits required for the degree: 128


Footnotes


1 Students may choose to take a two-semester sequence in chemistry, or a combination of a single semester of chemistry and a semester of biology.

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