Physics (B.A.)
The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for those students who want a solid physics education with a broad liberal arts background and will be pursuing further education or employment in fields other than physics or engineering.
| Required Courses | 18 hours |
|---|---|
| PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I or PHYS 2000 General Physics I |
4 hours |
| PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 2100 General Physics II |
4 hours |
| PHYS 2200 Electronic Measurements | 4 hours |
| PHYS 2400 Introduction to Modern Physics | 4 hours |
| PHYS 3800 Advanced Laboratory | 2 hours |
| Physics Electives | 10 hours |
|---|
Physics electives must be taken from PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I or above.
| Capstone | 2 hours |
|---|---|
| PHYS 4950 Independent Study |
2 hours |
| Required Supporting Program | 25 hours |
|---|---|
| An approved supporting program of 25 hours from the Natural and Health Sciences division is required, possibly including one or more minors or a second major. |
* Minimum 12 hours of 3000-4000 level work must be completed in major. Make sure to work with advisor to check that all upper-level hours are completed in plan.
The principles of classical mechanics, energy and motion designed for majors in the natural and health sciences. Algebra and trigonometry will be used in descriptions and problems.Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 1600 and PHYS 2000 General Physics I.
Prerequisite(s): A grade of "C" or better in MATH 1470 Trigonometry or MATH 1400 Pre-Calculus or MATH 1600 Calculus I or a MATH ACT score of 27 or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
A continuation of PHYS 1600 with emphasis on waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and electronics.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 1700 and PHYS 2100 General Physics II.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
An introduction to classical mechanics, energy and motion designed for majors in physics, mathematics, and closely related sciences. Elements of calculus will be used in descriptions and problems.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I and PHYS 2000.
Pre or Corequisite(s): MATH 1500 Calculus for Management, Biological, and Social Sciences or MATH 1600 Calculus I or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
A continuation of PHYS 2000 with emphasis on waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and electronics.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II and PHYS 2100.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2000 General Physics I.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
An integrated treatment of analog and digital circuits and measurements using the techniques of solid state electronics and integrated circuits. Emphasis is placed on laboratory techniques.
Three lectures per week.
One laboratory per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 2100 General Physics II, and MATH 1600 Calculus I or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
An introduction to modern physics: the post-Newtonian developments of quantum mechanics and Einsteinian relativity, with focus on special relativity, the atomic and nuclear structure of matter, and the foundations of quantum physics. Principles of modern physics will be approached through the contexts of the historical developments and classic experiments that brought them to light. The laboratory experience incorporates experiments and computer-based investigations, with emphasis on the development of laboratory skills including detectors and measurement techniques, laboratory journaling, data analysis, and reporting of results. Practical aspects of nuclear radiation detection and safety will also be covered.
Three lectures per week.
One laboratory per week.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 2100 General Physics II, and MATH 1610 Calculus II or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
An advanced laboratory in which students extend and amplify the work of other courses. Work may be chosen in electrical measurements, physical optics, modern physics, or other areas of mutual interest.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor and approval of the department chair.
(Normally offered each semester.)
Individual research projects of a creative nature for qualified physics students. Projects may be of a theoretical or experimental nature. Independent study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor and approval of the department chair.