Physics (BS)

Physics Curriculum (BS)

This curriculum is designed to give a broad and fundamental knowledge of the priniciples of physics as well as an introduction to the techniques of physics research.  Although the primary aim of the basic curriculum is to prepare the student for graduate work in physics, sufficient specialized courses are available to prepare the graduate for jobs in industry and in various government laboratories. 

The Physics program also offers a Medical Physics emphasis for those interested in the medical field and flexibility for those interested in a double major.  Scroll down for details.

Requirements for a Major in Physics

Each student majoring in physics is required to follow the physics curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in physics.

The physics program offers a Medical Physics track.  This track is for students wishing to pursue a career in Medical Physics, but also provides the appropriate background for those students seeking to enter Medical School.

A set of convenience substitutions are also suggested for students that want to concurrently obtain a degree in Electrical Engineering.  Scroll down for details.  Appropriate substitutions for students interested in a concurrent degree with other disciplines must be discussed with the advisor.

For students interested in interdisciplinary fields involving physics, it is suggested that the physics curriculum be followed with all electives taken in the other field of interest.

Medical Physics Emphasis

The Medical Physics emphasis is designed to satisfy the requirements of postgraduate schools in the Medical Fields, in particular, but not limited to Medical Physics.  Through the major courses and general education requirements, students will acquire at least 12 credit hours in biological science, 16 credit hours in chemistry, 15 credit hours in math, 6 credit hours in social behavioral science, and at least 52 credit hours in physics.  To be able to satisfy the requirements for postgraduate schools in medical physics or medicine, the student must do the following:

Substitute PHYS 430  for PHYS 417 
Substitute 1 credit hour of PHYS 435  with CHEM 253  
For BISC elective take BISC 130  
Toward the 21 credit hours of technical electives take the following Chemistry and Biology courses: BISC 225 , BISC 227 , BISC 315 , CHEM 250 , CHEM 251 , CHEM 252 , CHEM 351 . Also for the social science requirements take PSYC 102  and PSYC 202 .
Substitute BIEN 202  for PHYS 104  (optional)

Requirements for a Minor in Physics

Students from other departments who elect a minor in physics should complete Physics 201 , 202 , 261 , 262 , and 14 semester credit hours of advanced courses at the 300-400 level.

Double Degree in Electrical Engineering and Physics

The following changes to the Physics curriculum will allow the student to obtain a double degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)  and Physics with the minimum number of additional credit hours:

• Substitute ENGR 122  for PHYS 102  and PHYS 103 ;
• Add PHYS 261  and PHYS 262  sophomore labs not required in the ELEN curriculum;
• Substitute ELEN 223  and ELEN 229  for PHYS 404  and PHYS 405 ;
• Substitute ENGR 222  for PHYS 307 ;
• Substitute ELEN 313  for PHYS 406 ;
• Substitute ELEN 411  for PHYS 407 ;
• Substitute 300 or 400 level (unless lower level is approved by the Physics advisor) ELEN or ENGR  courses for PHYS directed electives.
• Student can concurrently enroll in PHYS 435  with Senior Design. Senior design project can count toward PHYS 435  research requirement if turned in to satisfy course requirements of PHYS 435 .

Total additional requirements are 30 semester credit hours (PHYS 104 , PHYS 261 , PHYS 262 , PHYS 304 , PHYS 320 , PHYS 410 , PHYS 422 , PHYS 423 , PHYS 416 , PHYS 417 , PHYS 418 , PHYS 419 , PHYS 424 , PHYS 435 x3) to add a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Physics.

Double Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Physics

The following changes in to the Physics curriculum will allow the student to obtain a double degree in Mechanical Engineering and Physics:

• Substitute ENGR 122  for PHYS 102  and PHYS 103 .
• Add PHYS 261  and PHYS 262  sophomore labs not required in the MEEN curriculum.
• Substitute ENGR 221  for PHYS 406 .
• Substitute ENGR 222  for PHYS 307 .
• Substitute MEEN 361  and MEEN 371  for PHYS 422  and PHYS 423 .
• Substitute 300 or 400 level (unless approved by the Physics advisor) MEEN, ENGR, INEN, or MEMT courses for PHYS directed electives.
• Student can concurrently enroll in PHYS 435  with Senior Design.  Senior design project can count toward PHYS 435  research requirement if turned in and to satisfy course requirements of PHYS 435 .

Total additional requirements are 31 semester credit hours (PHYS 104 , PHYS 261 , PHYS 262 , PHYS 304 , PHYS 320 , PHYS 404 , PHYS 405 , PHYS 407 , PHYS 410 , PHYS 416 , PHYS 417  , PHYS 418 , PHYS 419 , PHYS 424 , PHYS 435  x3) to add a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Physics.