Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Physics
The requirements for a B.S. in Physics include the core courses listed below and one of the Tracks I-IV. For a B.S. in Physics Adolescence Education, students must complete the core courses and Track VII.
Physics Core:
Supporting math\CSIT courses:
Track I – Theoretical Emphasis
| PHYS 331 | Theoretical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 333 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| PHYS 426 | Mathematical Physics II | 3 |
| Physics from 321-479, 490 | 6 |
| Science, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or education | 12 |
Track II – Experimental Emphasis
| PHYS 333 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| PHYS 340 | Optics | 3 |
| PHYS 341 | Optics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 426 | Mathematical Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 450 | Advanced Laboratory | 1 |
| or | |
| Experimental Physics Project (independent study or tutorial) | |
| Physics from 321-479, 490 | 4 |
| Science, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or education | 12 |
Track III – Computational Emphasis
| PHYS 331 | Theoretical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 333 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
| PHYS 426 | Mathematical Physics II | 3 |
| Computational Physics Project (independent study or tutorial) | |
| Plus 4 additional credit hours of physics from 321-479, 490 | |
Plus the following courses:
Track IV – Physics with Cooperative Engineering
Plus 12 additional credit hours of science, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or education, including at least one additional course from PHYS 322 through 328 and 340/341 as advised. Students interested in electrical engineering should take PHYS 323 and PHYS 324 while students interested in non-electrical engineering should take PHYS 322.
CHEM 115 and CHEM 116 (w/CHEM 125 andCHEM 126) is strongly recommended and required by most engineering schools.
Note: Affiliated engineering institutions may have additional requirements for courses and/or grades.
Track V – Physics with Pre-law
This track is excellent preparation for the expanding field of patent and intellectual property law, which requires substantial technical and mathematical knowledge in order to sit for the required licensing exam.
Plus the following courses:
Track VI – Physics with Pre-med/Biophysics
Physics majors are highly sought by medical schools, because mathematical and problem-solving abilities stressed in physics are more than ever needed in today's medical fields. Due to their relative rarity, physics majors stand out in the applicant pool. Sufficient time is allotted to take the biology and chemistry courses required by most medical schools and needed to prepare for the MCAT exam. The program may also be followed by students preparing for graduate school in biophysics or related fields.
Plus the following courses:
In fulfilling College Core Curriculum requirements, students are advised to take an English course in addition to ENGL 100, and also PSY 129. If time permits, BIOL 333 Biochemistry and BIOL 338 Microbiology are also recommended.
Note: Students are allowed to double major in Physics and Industrial Management, even though these two programs are housed in the same academic department.
Track VII – Physics Adolescence (Secondary) Education
Plus 6 additional credit hours of physics from:
Plus the following courses:
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
| CHEM 125 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 116 | General Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
| CHEM 126 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| SCED 105 | Nature of Science and Science Education | 3 |
| SCED 106 | Nature of Science Education Field Experience | 0 |
| EDU 224 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
| EDU 250 | Introduction to the Exceptional Learner | 3 |
| EDU 251 | Practicum in Inclusive Education II | 0 |
| SCED 276 | Literacy and Technology for Science and Mathematics | 3 |
| SCED 303 | Assessment for Inquiry-Based Science | 3 |
| SCED 305 | Diversity in the Teaching of Science and Mathematics | 3 |
| SCED 313 | Diversity in Teaching Math and Science Field Experience | 0 |
| EDU 349 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| SCED 419 | Adolescence Science Methods | 3 |
| EDU 301 | Safe Schools/Healthy Students: Child Abuse and Child Abduction | 1 |
| EDU 302 | Safe Schools/Healthy Students: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse | 1 |
| EDU 303 | Safe Schools/Healthy Students: Safety Education/Fire and Arson/School Violence | 1 |
| EDU 430 | Student Teaching in the Secondary School | 15 |
The procedure to be followed for admission to the professional sequence of courses is described in the Education section of the catalog.
Candidates in all education programs are required to demonstrate competence in a foreign language. This requirement must be satisfied in any one of the following ways:
The General Education foreign language requirement differs from the certification requirement and must be satisfied for degree conferral.
Tracks I-VI will result in a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Track VII a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics Adolescence Education.
A 2.0 GPA in the set of all physics courses used to satisfy the major plus the four required math courses is required for graduation. Physics Adolescence Education must satisfy additional grade and portfolio requirements for graduation. Interested students should contact the chair of the physics department for current requirements.