Program Overview

Physics, BA

Overview

The mission of the Bachelor of Arts degree in physics is to provide an education in fundamental areas of physics, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermal physics/statistical mechanics, and laboratory, data analysis, and computational skills, while offering maximum flexibility to pursue other interests.

Program Requirements

Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements.

• Required Courses:
  • PHYS 221: Introduction to Modern Physics
  • PHYS 301: Advanced Laboratory Physics I
  • PHYS 303: Advanced Laboratory Physics Seminar
  • PHYS 310: Classical Mechanics
  • PHYS 313: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  • PHYS 324: Electricity and Magnetism I
  • PHYS 331: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I
  • ENGR 131: Elementary Computer Programming
  • MATH 121: Calculus for Science and Engineering I
  • MATH 223: Calculus for Science and Engineering III
  • MATH 224: Elementary Differential Equations
  • PHYS 351: Senior Physics Project
  • PHYS 352: Senior Physics Project Seminar
• Intro Science Elective I and II
• Choose one of the following:
  • PHYS 115: Introductory Physics I
  • PHYS 121: General Physics I - Mechanics
  • PHYS 123: Physics and Frontiers I - Mechanics
• Choose one of the following:
  • PHYS 116: Introductory Physics II
  • PHYS 122: General Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism
  • PHYS 124: Physics and Frontiers II - Electricity and Magnetism
• Choose one of the following:
  • MATH 122: Calculus for Science and Engineering II
  • MATH 124: Calculus II
  • MATH 126: Math and Calculus Applications for Life, Managerial, and Social Sci II

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermal physics/statistical mechanics and other topics needed for a career in physics.
• Students will be able to carry out experiments, take measurements and analyze data to support or refute a scientific hypothesis.
• Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the methods of scientific inquiry, including critical thinking and problem-solving, and be able to formulate and solve quantitative problems using computational and analytical methods.
• Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in communicating scientific concepts and results orally and in writing in styles appropriate to proposals, reports and formal publications.
• Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of professional standards and ethics.

Teacher Licensure

Students admitted to Case Western Reserve University prior to Fall 2024 can declare a secondary major in Teacher Education and prepare for licensure in Adolescent to Young Adult (grades 7-12) in any one of the following areas: Integrated Language Arts (English major), Integrated Social Studies (history major), Integrated Mathematics (mathematics major), Life Science (biology major), or Physical Science (chemistry or physics major); or 2) Multi-Age (grades preK-12) in French, Spanish, or Latin.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Sample Plan of Study

First Year:

• Fall:
  • PHYS 121 or PHYS 123
  • MATH 121
  • PHYS 166
  • Academic Inquiry Seminar, Breadth, or Elective course
  • Intro Science Elective I
• Spring:
  • MATH 122
  • PHYS 122 or PHYS 124
  • ENGR 131
  • Academic Inquiry Seminar, Breadth, or Elective course
  • Intro Science Elective II Second Year:
• Fall:
  • PHYS 221
  • MATH 223
  • Breadth, or Elective course
  • Open Elective
  • Open Elective
• Spring:
  • MATH 224
  • PHYS 310
  • Breadth, or Elective course
  • Open Elective
  • Open Elective Third Year:
• Fall:
  • PHYS 301
  • PHYS 303
  • PHYS 313
  • PHYS 331
  • Breadth, or Elective course
  • Open Elective
• Spring:
  • PHYS 324
  • Breadth, or Elective course
  • Open Elective
  • Open Elective
  • Open Elective Fourth Year:
• Fall:
  • PHYS 351
  • PHYS 352
  • Breadth, or Elective course
  • Open Elective
  • Open Elective
  • Open Elective
• Spring:
  • PHYS 351
  • PHYS 352
  • Breadth, or Elective course
  • Open Elective
  • Open Elective

Total Credit Hours: 120