Department of Physics

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Courses within the Department of Physics are grouped into two categories - pre-professional physics-related career programs and experiences in science for students with broad interests in contemporary human culture. The latter are strongly recommended for students planning any of a wide range of careers, including law, business, criminology, art history, music, government, education, and journalism. High school students intending to major in physics should refer to the Admissions section of the catalog for specific preparation requirements.

Programs of study lead to the Bachelor of Science degrees with majors in physics, medical physics, or engineering physics, Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in physics, Master of Science degree in physics, and Doctor of Philosophy degree in applied computational physics or biomedical sciences with specialization in medical physics.

The Bachelor of Science in physics is intended for students who plan to become professional scientists. It qualifies students for graduate studies in physical sciences or research positions in government and industry. Students pursuing this degree should consult with faculty members on different available specialties.

The Bachelor of Arts in physics is primarily designed for students who desire a broader, less professionally specialized background in physics. Minors in physics, geology, and astronomy, are available for students who want to supplement their work in other fields with useful experiences in these areas. Also available is a physics secondary teaching minor.

The Bachelor of Science in medical physics is based on a group of physics courses plus relevant biology, chemistry and mathematics courses. These students take ”Biological Physics” and ”Medical Physics.” The degree, with the addition of select biology courses, offers an excellent preparation for medical school. Students should consult an adviser in pre-medical studies regarding the selection of these courses.

The Bachelor of Science in engineering physics, which is offered jointly with the School of Engineering and Computer Science, is intended for well-qualified students who seek a broad education in physics and mathematics along with basic preparation in engineering.

All physics majors, during the semester they plan to graduate, will be required to complete an assessment test. The purpose of this test is to determine how well students are achieving the goals of the learning objectives in their major. The results of this test will have no impact on a student’s graduation status.

Mathematics Requirements for PHY 1010, 1510, 1520

PHY 1010 is directed to students enrolled in a wide variety of majors having different levels of mathematical preparation. The Physics Department therefore requires that either the students’ ACT math score is 22 or higher or the SAT math score is 540 or higher or that they have taken MTH 0662, an academic enrichment course intended for students in need of additional preparation for university courses. Another alternative is for students to take a Math Placement Test and place above the MTH 0662 math level. This test is available year-round in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics office (368 MSC) between 8 -11 a.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. Student ID number (Grizzly ID) is required. It takes approximately one hour to take the test and receive the results.

Students enrolled in PHY 1510 - Introductory Physics I are required to either have taken MTH 1554 (Calculus I) prior to the course or take MTH 1554 concurrently.

MTH 1554 must be completed before enrolling in PHY 1520. MTH 1555 (Calculus II) is required to be taken either before enrolling in PHY 1520 or taken concurrently.

General Education

The following courses satisfy the General Education Exploration area requirements in Natural Science and Technology: PHY 1010 with lab PHY 1100; and PHY 1510 with lab PHY 1100. The following courses satisfy the General Education Integration area requirements in Knowledge Application: PHY 1020 with lab PHY 1110; and PHY 1520 with lab PHY 1110.

It is strongly recommended that students take the lecture course and lab (PHY 1010 or 1510 with PHY 1100; PHY 1020 or 1520 with PHY 1110) in the same semester.

Departmental Honors

Departmental honors may be awarded to students on the basis of high academic achievement and either independent research or meritorious service to the Department of Physics.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Physics, B.A.

Bachelor of Science

Non Degree

Secondary Teacher Education Program

Integrated Science, B.A.