Department of Physics

B.S. Physics Major

Purpose and Goals

The B.S. Physics major offers an intensive and comprehensive program providing a strong background for graduate study in physics, engineering and other sciences such as geophysics, astronomy, biophysics and medical physics. The program enables students to obtain a broad-based foundation in both theoretical and experimental physics and in mathematics. It is particularly suited to students who, after graduate study, plan to pursue a career in research in industry or at a scientific laboratory or in teaching and research at a college or university.

Main Features of the Program

1. Strong emphasis on advanced level work in physics through the requirement of 16 hours of advanced theoretical courses and the recommendation of as many advanced physics courses with associated laboratories as possible.

2. Substantial coursework in the related areas of mathematics and chemistry.

3. Successful completion of an undergraduate research project in physics.

Outline of Program

Required Physics 39 hours
880:130 Physics I for Science and Engineering - 4 hrs
880:131 Physics II for Science and Engineering - 4 hrs
880:132 Physics III: Theory and Simulation - 3 hrs
880:136g Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics - 4 hrs
880:137g Modern Physics - 4 hrs
880:138g Modern Physics Laboratory - 2 hrs
880:150g Computational Physics - 3 hrs
880:166g Classical Mechanics - 4 hrs
880:167g Electrodynamics - 4 hrs
880:172g Quantum Mechanics - 4 hrs
880:180 Undergraduate Research in Physics - 2 hrs
880:187 Physics Seminar - 1 hr.

Required Mathematics 18 hours
800:060 Calculus I - 4 hrs
800:061 Calculus II - 4 hrs
800:062 Calculus III - 4 hrs
800:076 Linear Algebra for Applications - 3 hrs
800:149g Differential Equations - 3 hrs

Chemistry 5-8 hours
860:044 General Chemistry I - 4 hrs
and
860:048 General Chemistry II - 4 hrs
or
860:070 General Chemistry I-II - 5 hrs

Required Computer Science 3 hours
810:036 C/C++ Programming 3 hrs

Electives
Physics
100-level 3hours
may include 870:130 Crystallography - 2 hrs; students intending graduate study in physics are strongly advised to take 880:190 Topics in Theoretical Physics - 2-4 hrs

Total 68-71 hours

Notes: Students planning graduate study in physics or engineering are advised to take as many advanced physics courses with associated laboratories as possible. 880:190 Topics in Theoretical Physics would be a good elective. More courses in mathematics beyond the minimum requirement are also encouraged; suggested possibilities are 800:147, 800:148, 800:150, 800:152, 800:156, 800:160, 800:161 and 800:176. An advisor should be consulted concerning the need for a foreign language.

Undergraduate Research (880:180) should normally be taken during the senior year although it is recommended that some initial planning and consultation with a faculty sponsor be carried out in the junior year. There are also some summer employment opportunities between the junior and senior years which can provide an orientation to the chosen field of research. Successful completion of the research requires both written and oral reports. Further information concerning the procedures and guidelines for enrolling in Undergraduate Research can be obtained in the department office.