College of Arts & Sciences
   


Physics

The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics has two options: the Physics option and the Physics Education option. The Physics Education Option provides the flexibility that enables students to fulfill requirements for teacher certification for secondary schools. Graduates of the Physics program enroll in some of the finest graduate schools in the country.Some are currently enrolled in graduate school, and many have received Master's and Ph.D. degrees in physics and work as research scientists.

The Physics program has a diversified faculty, all of whom hold the Ph.D. degree. Faculty members are strongly committed to teaching and research,and offer the student a challenging opportunity to absorb and create. The physics program provides excellent research opportunities for undergraduate majors enrolled full-time at the University.

Bachelor of Science in Physics

Option 1: Physics

Total Credit Hours of College-Level Courses Required for Graduation: 120

Required Core Courses:

PHYS 201, 202, 203 University Physics Lecture I, II, III 9
PHYS 205, 206, 207 University Physics Lab I, II, III 3
PHYS 211, 212 Laboratory Techniques I, II 2
PHYS 331, 332 Mechanics I, II 6
PHYS 341, 342 Advanced Physics Lab I, II 2
PHYS 345 Optics 3
PHYS 346 Thermodynamics 3
PHYS 441, 442 Modern Physics I, II 6
PHYS 451, 452 Senior Project I, II 4
PHYS 461, 462 Electricity and Magnetism I, II 6
PHYS 499 General Examination in Physics 1
PHYS Physics Electives 9

Additional Required Courses:

CHEM 111, 112 General Chemistry Lecture I, II 6
CHEM 113, 114 General Chemistry Lab I, II 2
APCT 231, 232 Introduction to Computer Science I, II 6
APCT 233, 234 Introduction to Computer Science Lab I, II 2
MATH 151, 152 Calculus I, II 6
MATH 155, 156 Calculus I, II Lab 2
MATH 253 Calculus III 3
MATH 255 Calculus III Lab 1
MATH 225 Linear Algebra 3
MATH 254 Differential Equations 3
  Elective 3

Option 2: Physics Teacher Education

Total Credit Hours of College-Level Courses Required for Graduation: 144

In addition to the required courses for a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, the following courses are required for students who wish to pursue teacher certification on the secondary level in physics.

SPED 204 Survey of Exceptional Children 3
EDFN 220 Foundations of Education 3
EDFN 222 Children and Youth in urban Schools 3
EDPY 244 Human Development and Behavior 3
EDPY 300 Educational Psychology 3
RDNG 315 Teaching of Reading in the Secondary Schools 3
EDFN 446 Methods of Teaching Science 3
EDFN 471 Observation and Student Teaching in the Secondary Schools 6

Additional Comments or Requirements:

Registration for physics electives require prior departmental approval. A physics major must earn a grade of "C" or better in each required course.

Students interested in the Teacher Education (Secondary) option should consult with the chairperson of the Department of Education for further academic advisement. Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all required education courses except student teaching, which requires a grade of "B" or better.