Students who major in physics develop competency in using scientific methodology: in creating mathematical models of real-world systems, manipulating these models to obtain predictions of the system's behavior, and testing the model's predictions against the observed real-world behavior. Mechanical, electro- magnetic, thermodynamic, and atomic/molecular systems are among those with which students become familiar in the building and testing of theoretical models. Problem-solving and quantitative reasoning are among the skills which are developed.
For the B.A. DEGREE, students majoring in physics normally take the following courses:
Fundamental Physics I and II
Modern Physics
Electronics Laboratory
Classical Mechanics
Electricity and Magnetism I and II
Quantum Physics I
Calculus I, II, and III
Differential Equations
Physics Comprehensive Exam
For the B.S. degree, additional courses required are:
Quantum Physics II
Advanced Physics Laboratory
Statistical Mechanics in Thermodynamics
A minor in physics requires the completion of five physics courses with a grade of C- or better, of which at least three are numbered above PH 242.
An example of a program of courses leading to a B.S. in physics:
FRESHMAN
Calculus I and II
Fundamental Physics I and II
SOPHOMORE
Calculus III
Differential Equations
Modern Physics
Electronics Laboratory
JUNIOR
Electricity and Magnetism I and II
Classical Mechanics
Advanced Physics Laboratory
SENIOR
Quantum Physics I and II
Statistical Mechanics in Thermodynamics
Linear Algebra (or other math elective)
Physics Comprehensive Exam
In addition, physics majors are expected to enroll in the Physics Seminar during their Junior and Senior years. This course meets once per week and one course credit is given for four semesters participation.