Major in Physics, Physics Concentration

Program Overview

The program prepares students for careers in industry, government, or higher education through rigorous coursework, laboratory experiences, and a strong emphasis on problem-solving, research, and communication skills. With a total of 120 credit hours required for completion, the program offers a wide range of elective courses to allow for specialization in specific areas of physics.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Physics concentration provides a broad foundation in physics, serving as a base for specialization in graduate school or professional settings.
It caters to students seeking a deeper understanding of physics and an introduction to advanced topics and methods.
• Objectives: The program aims to prepare students for careers in industry or government, or for advanced studies at the graduate level.
It covers a wide range of topics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics and waves, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and statistical physics. The program also includes laboratory experiences to enhance practical skills and foster a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts.

Outline:

• Program Content: The Physics concentration covers a broad range of physics topics, including:
• Mechanics
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Optics and Waves
• Thermodynamics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Statistical Physics
• Structure: The program is structured across four years, with a total of 120 credit hours required for completion.
The curriculum is divided into semesters, with specific courses assigned to each semester.
• Course Schedule: The program outlines a detailed course schedule for each semester, specifying required courses and recommended electives.
• Individual Modules: The program includes various modules, each focusing on a specific area of physics:
• PH 141/142:
Physics for Scientists and Engineers I/II (3 credits each) - Introduces fundamental concepts in mechanics, heat, and sound.
• PH 193: Introductory Seminar in Physics (1 credit) - Provides an overview of the field of physics and its applications.
• PH 210: Introduction to Computing in Physics (3 credits) - Introduces computational methods and tools used in physics.
• PH 245: Introduction to Electronics (3 credits) - Covers basic principles of electronics and circuit analysis.
• PH 293: Selected Topics in Physics (1 credit) - Explores current research topics in physics.
• PH 314/315: Introduction to Modern Physics/Modern Physics Laboratory (4/2 credits) - Introduces concepts of modern physics, including relativity and quantum mechanics.
• PH 341: Mechanics (4 credits) - Covers advanced topics in classical mechanics.
• PH 351: Electricity and Magnetism (4 credits) - Explores electromagnetic theory and its applications.
• PH 353: Optics and Waves (4 credits) - Covers the principles of light and wave phenomena.
• PH 361: Physical Thermodynamics (3 credits) - Introduces the fundamental laws of thermodynamics.
• PH 425: Advanced Physics Laboratory (4 credits) - Provides hands-on experience with advanced experimental techniques.
• PH 451/452: Introductory Quantum Mechanics I/II (4/3 credits) - Introduces the principles of quantum mechanics.
• PH 462: Statistical Physics (3 credits) - Covers the statistical description of physical systems.
• PH 492: Seminar (4 credits) - Provides opportunities for students to present research and engage in discussions.
• Mathematics and Statistics List: The program requires students to complete a minimum of 3 credits from a list of mathematics and statistics courses, including:
• MATH 317: Advanced Calculus of One Variable
• MATH 332: Partial Differential Equations
• MATH 366: Introduction to Abstract Algebra
• MATH 419: Introduction to Complex Variables
• MATH 430/ECE 430: Fourier and Wavelet Analysis with Apps
• MATH 466: Abstract Algebra I
• MATH 469: Linear Algebra II
• MATH 472: Introduction to Topology
• MATH 474: Introduction to Differential Geometry
• STAT 315: Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics
• STAT 420: Probability and Mathematical Statistics I
• Technical Course List: The program requires students to complete a minimum of 6 credits from a minimum of 2 courses from a list of technical courses, including:
• ATS 550: Atmospheric Radiation and Remote Sensing
• BC 411: Physical Biochemistry
• CBE 331: Momentum Transfer and Mechanical Separations
• CBE 332: Heat and Mass Transfer Fundamentals
• CHEM 113/114: General Chemistry II/General Chemistry Lab II
• CHEM 120/121: Foundations of Modern Chemistry/Foundations of Modern Chemistry Laboratory
• CHEM 231: Foundations of Analytical Chemistry
• CHEM 241/245: Foundations of Organic Chemistry/Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
• CHEM 263: Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry
• CHEM 474: Physical Chemistry I
• CIVE 300/301: Fluid Mechanics/Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
• CS 220: Discrete Structures and their Applications
• CS 270: Computer Organization
• CS 320: Algorithms--Theory and Practice
• CS 345: Machine Learning Foundations and Practice
• ECE 312: Linear System Analysis II
• ECE 404: Experiments in Optical Electronics
• ECE 415: Semiconductor Physics and Junctions
• ECE 441: Optical Electronics
• ECE 444: Antennas and Radiation
• ECE 507: Plasma Physics and Applications
• ECE 546: Laser Fundamentals and Devices
• ERHS 450: Introduction to Radiation Biology
• ERHS 530/531: Radiological Physics and Dosimetry I/Nuclear Instruments and Measurements
• GEOL 578: Global Seismology
• MATH 317: Advanced Calculus of One Variable
• MATH 332: Partial Differential Equations
• MATH 366: Introduction to Abstract Algebra
• MATH 405: Introduction to Number Theory
• MATH 419: Introduction to Complex Variables
• MATH 430/ECE 430: Fourier and Wavelet Analysis with Apps
• MATH 450/451: Introduction to Numerical Analysis I/II
• MATH 466/467: Abstract Algebra I/II
• MATH 469: Linear Algebra II
• MATH 472: Introduction to Topology
• MATH 474: Introduction to Differential Geometry
• MECH 344: Heat and Mass Transfer
• MECH 460: Aeronautics
• MECH 468: Space Propulsion and Power Engineering
• MECH 518: Orbital Mechanics
• PH 498: Research
• PH 517: Chaos, Fractals, and Nonlinear Dynamics
• PH 521/522: Introduction to Lasers/Introductory Laser Laboratory
• PH 531: Introductory Condensed Matter Physics
• PH 561: Elementary Particle Physics
• STAT 315: Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics
• STAT 400: Statistical Computing
• STAT 430: Probability and Mathematical Statistics II
• STAT 440: Bayesian Data Analysis

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Students who complete the Physics concentration are prepared for careers in:
• Industry
• Government
• Opportunities: The program provides a strong foundation for pursuing careers in:
• Research and development
• Engineering
• Education
• Data analysis
• Outcomes: Graduates of the Physics concentration are equipped with the knowledge and skills to:
• Solve complex problems
• Conduct research
• Communicate effectively
• Work independently and collaboratively

Other:

• Distinctive Requirements: The program requires a minimum grade of C- in all courses used to meet requirements, except for unrestricted electives and courses taken to satisfy AUCC categories 1A, 1C, 3B, 3C, and 3D.
• Course Availability: Required PH courses above the 100-level are typically offered only in the Fall or Spring semesters, not both.
• Program Total Credits: The program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours for completion, with at least 42 credits being upper-division (300- and 400-level).