Physics

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Professors Gardner (emeritus), Gould
Associate Professors Goldick (emeritus), McDonald (Chair, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics Dept.), Mohottala, Striefler

The department offers two bachelor’s degrees in physics and related areas:

B.A. in Physics
B.S. in Physics

A minor in physics is also available to students interested in physics but majoring in other areas (see Physics Minor ).

Bachelor of Arts in Physics

This is a flexible program consisting of a concentration in physics, requirements in mathematics and chemistry, and a broad range of required and elective courses in the arts and sciences. The required courses may be combined with courses in education to complete certification for teaching in the public schools.

Bachelor of Science in Physics

This is an intensive program in physics designed to prepare specialists for graduate training in physics or (by appropriate choice of electives) for employment in industry. The program has ample room for electives in the arts and sciences and for teacher certification, if desired.

Physics Honors Program

A candidate for honors in physics must be a major in physics who has completed 18 credit hours of upper-level physics courses, and who has achieved a GPA of at least 3.25 in the major and 3.0 overall. In addition, a candidate must complete the equivalent of a semester course on an approved topic not covered in the existing curriculum. An Honors Committee appointed by the chairman and consisting of at least two faculty members will review the work and administer an oral and/or written examination. The final decision on the granting of honors will rest with this committee.

Grade Requirements for a Major or Minor

All required courses, including elective and application requirements for a major, must be completed with a minimum overall average of C+. Each of these courses must be taken for a letter grade, and may not be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Experiential Education Program

The University’s Experiential Education program is open to physics majors. Students must complete a minimum of the first year with a 2.5 GPA and have permission from the department’s co-op faculty coordinator to be eligible for the program.

All co-op students work either full or part time during at least two terms, including summer terms. Academic credit is awarded and applied toward degree requirements as unrestricted elective courses. Co-op is graded on a Pass/No Pass basis.

For more information, contact the department’s co-op faculty coordinator or the Experiential Education office.

Writing Requirement

In all upper-level physics courses, assignments will be collected and read. These assignments will be checked for correctness and clarity of presentation.

Programs

• Physics, B.A.
• Physics, B.S.

• Physics Minor

Courses

• PHY 100 - Cooperative Education Program
• PHY 101 - Mechanics, Heat, and the Body
• PHY 102 - Electricity and the Body
• PHY 103 - Physics for Radiologic Technology
• PHY 112 - Calculus-Based Physics I
• PHY 113 - Calculus-Based Physics II
• PHY 120 - Algebra-Based Physics I
• PHY 121 - Algebra-Based Physics II
• PHY 130 - Astronomy
• PHY 135 - Descriptive Geology
• PHY 190 - Special Topics in Physics
• PHY 191 - Special Topics in Physics
• PHY 200 - Cooperative Education Program
• PHY 210 - Thermal Physics
• PHY 214 - Calculus-Based Physics III
• PHY 240 - Special Theory of Relativity
• PHY 250 - Materials Science
• PHY 260 - Optics
• PHY 290 - Special Topics in Physics
• PHY 291 - Special Topics in Physics
• PHY 300 - Cooperative Education Program
• PHY 310 - Modern Physics I
• PHY 320 - Modern Physics II
• PHY 330 - Mechanics
• PHY 390 - Special Topics in Physics
• PHY 391 - Special Topics in Physics
• PHY 400 - Cooperative Education Program
• PHY 405 - Electromagnetic Theory
• PHY 410 - Solid-State Physics
• PHY 430 - Modern Physics Laboratory
• PHY 460 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
• PHY 480 - Independent Study in Physics
• PHY 481 - Independent Study in Physics
• PHY 490 - Special Topics in Physics
• PHY 491 - Special Topics in Physics