Physics, B.A.

MAJOR IN SUSPENSION - effective May 13, 2022, additional students may not declare a Physics major while it is in suspension; the Physics minor is still active and available.

I. Major Program Requirements

Required classes:

PHYS 155	Robotics and Experimental Physics	3
PHYS 160	Einstein's Physics	3
PHYS 205	Physics Using Calculus I: Mechanics	4
PHYS 206	Physics Using Calculus II	4
PHYS 305	Electronics and Circuit Analysis I	4
PHYS 323	Optics & Electromagnetic Radiation	3.5
PHYS 331	Computational Physics	3
PHYS 340	Classical Mechanics	3
PHYS 342	Thermal Physics	3
PHYS 345	Electromagnetism	3
PHYS 346	Quantum Mechanics	3
PHYS 452	Advanced Physics Lab	3

II. Math Requirements

Required classes:

MA 121	Differential Calculus	3
	and
MA 122	Integral Calculus	3
	or
MA 131	Calculus of Single Variable Functions	4
MA 141	Introduction to Mathematical Modeling	4
MA 233	Multivariable Calculus	4
MA 315	Probability and Statistics	3
MA 334	Adv Diff Equations & Linear Algebra	4
MA 342	Applied Numerical Methods & Analysis	3

III. Other Program Requirements

Required classes:

CS 111	Introduction to Computer Programming	3
ENWR 305	Workplace Writing	3

Plus 8 credits of another science

CH 101	General Chemistry I	3
CH 101L	General Chemistry I Lab General Chemistry Lab	1
CH 102	General Chemistry II	3
CH 102L	General Chemistry II Lab	1
BI 121	Foundations of Cell & Molecular Biology	3
BI 131	Lab Explorations Cellular &Molecular BI	1
BI 132	Lab Explorations Physiology and Ecology	1
	and
BI 122	Foundations of Organismal & Evol Biology	3
	or
BI 123	Fnds of Ecology Evolution & Diversity	3
ES 111	Earth Science	4
ES XXX	Environmental Science elective course	4

Note:

1. All physics majors must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or higher in all required courses (Sections I–III above), and must pass each individual course with a grade of at least “C-”. Students may not enroll in a required course without having first passed its prerequisites with a grade of “C-” or better.
2. Students entering with a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Physics C–Mechanics exam may receive credit for PHYS 205; likewise, those with a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Physics C–Electricity/ Magnetism exam may receive credit for PHYS 206.
3. PHIL 252 (Philosophy and History of Science) and/or TH 254 (Theology and Science) may be of particular interest to physics majors.
4. If EAS 302 (Advanced Earth Science) is not offered, an alternative course is EAS 320 (Geomorphology), offered Fall semesters of odd years.