Applied Physics: Engineering Physics Concentration, B.S.
Program Overview
The applied physics program at CCU emphasizes the application of physics to solve problems in science and engineering. Students develop strong competencies in physics, critical reasoning, and communication skills. The program offers a concentration in engineering physics and prepares graduates for careers in industry, research, and teaching.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Mission Statement
The mission of the applied physics program is to develop strong student competencies in physics, with special focus areas in environmental physics and engineering, and to develop strong critical reasoning skills in students that they can apply to all areas of study. The program’s faculty is committed to providing meaningful undergraduate experiences for both majors and non-majors through high-quality, student-centered teaching and undergraduate research mentoring. Students completing a degree in applied physics should be well prepared for either a career or graduate school in physics or a related discipline.
Program Overview
The applied physics degree at CCU focuses on the application of physics to various problems in science and engineering. Students can easily merge their interest in physics with another subject at CCU such as chemistry, computer science, marine science or mathematics. Applied physics students can also pursue the dual-degree engineering program with Clemson University.
Student Learning Outcomes
When students complete the program in applied physics, they will be able to: Explain and apply the principles, concepts, and processes of physics. Communicate and synthesize scientific knowledge through interactions with the scientific community and the public. Analyze content, and identify and use appropriate tools to solve problems. Use scientific reasoning to develop, test, analyze, and interpret models of physical systems.
Outline:
Core Curriculum Requirements
- Complete the following courses:
- CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 111L - General Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
- MATH 160 - Calculus I (4 credits) OR MATH 160A - Calculus I A (2 credits) AND MATH 160B - Calculus I B (2 credits)
- MATH 161 - Calculus II (4 credits) OR MATH 161A - Calculus II A (2 credits) AND MATH 161B - Calculus II B (2 credits)
- MATH 260 - Calculus III (4 credits)
- MATH 320 - Elementary Differential Equations (3 credits)
- PHYS 137 - Models in Physics (3 credits) AND PHYS 137L - Models in Physics Laboratory (1 credit)
- PHYS 211 - Essentials of Physics I (3 credits) AND PHYS 211L - Essentials of Physics I Laboratory (1 credit)
- PHYS 213 - Fundamentals of Physics I (3 credits) AND PHYS 213L - Fundamentals of Physics I Laboratory (1 credit)
- PHYS 214 - Fundamentals of Physics II (3 credits) AND PHYS 214L - Fundamentals of Physics II Laboratory (1 credit)
- PHYS 250 - Communicating STEM (3 credits)
Major Requirements
- Complete the following courses:
- PHYS 301 - Analytical Mechanics (3 credits)
- PHYS 302 - Electricity and Magnetism (3 credits)
- PHYS 310 - Mathematical Methods for Physicists and Engineers (3 credits)
- PHYS 351 - Computational Methods for Physicists and Engineers (3 credits)
- PHYS 352 - Experimental Methods for Physicists and Engineers (3 credits)
- PHYS 499 Q - Applied Physics Capstone (3 credits)
Engineering Physics Concentration
- Complete the following courses:
- PHYS 234 - Statics (3 credits)
- PHYS 235 - Electric Circuits (3 credits)
Careers:
Students interested in teaching science at the secondary level should also consider an applied physics degree and then pursue the M.A.T. (Master of Arts in Teaching) through the Spadoni College of Education.