Physics

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Professors: Marx (Department Chair), Mian, Mehboudi.

Areas of research interest: Professor Marx: physics education research and student-generated projects; Professor Mian: nonlinear optics, organic semiconductors, and photonic crystals; Professor Mehboudi: microelectronics, photonics, and novel 2D materials.

The Department of Physics provides students interested in physics and engineering with a fundamental understanding of and appreciation for science and the scientific endeavor. We help students develop critical thinking and quantitative reasoning abilities so they can make informed decisions regarding matters of science and technology. In addition, we give students in our department the skills necessary to pursue graduate studies or professional careers in industry. This is done by offering students an inspiring mix of courses firmly based on the newest trends in education pedagogy and cutting-edge research opportunities. One of the strengths of the Department is student-faculty research, through which students learn experimental techniques and theories applicable to the latest scientific questions, attend conferences, and co-author peer-reviewed publications.

Many physics majors have been admitted to highly-ranked universities to pursue graduate studies in physics and engineering. Examples include Yale, the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Virginia Tech, MIT, Cornell, College of William and Mary, and Washington University at St. Louis. Alumni not pursuing graduate school have been successful in securing positions in engineering firms, teaching, defense corporations, financial institutions, and tech companies.

Other educational options in Physics: Engineering Specialization, Computer Science Specialization, Dual major with Mathematics, Dual-Degrees (undergraduate 3-2 engineering and graduate 3-3 and 4-2 engineering options), Teacher Certification Secondary (middle/high school). A minor is available in Physics.

Please see the Physics teacher certification requirements under Programs: Education minor (secorndary) for Physics major.

Please see the Dual Major section for dual majors with Mathematics.

Departmental Honors

Students who wish to graduate with Honors in physics are expected to complete a research project during their senior year, prepare a written thesis and give an oral presentation. In addition, students need a minimum average GPA of 3.50 in courses required for the major.

Advanced Placement Credit

The Physics Department recognizes the following equivalents for scores on AP Physics Exams:

AP Physics 1 score of 4 or 5 is equivalent to a 4-credit GSC-SIE course
AP Physics 2 score of 4 or 5 is equivalent to a 4-credit GSC-SIE course
AP Physics C: Mechanics score of 4 or 5 is equivalent to PHY 1114 (General Physics I)
AP Physics C: E&M score of 4 or 5 is equivalent to PHY 1115 (General Physics II)

Programs

• Physics Major
• Physics Major - Dual Degree Options (undergraduate 3-2 Engineering and graduate 3-3 and 4-2 Engineering)
• Physics Major - Specialization in Computer Science
• Physics Major - Specialization in Engineering

• Physics Minor

Courses

• ENR 1101 - Introduction to Engineering
• ENR 2001 - Analog and Digital Circuits Lab
• ENR 2201 - Analog and Digital Circuits
• ENR 2202 - Engineering Mechanics
• ENR 3311 - Mechanics of Solids
• ENR 3312 - Fluid Mechanics
• ENR 4401 - Senior Engineering Laboratory
• GSC 2208 - Science in Islam’s Golden Age
• PHY 1004 - Introductory Physics I Lab
• PHY 1005 - Introductory Physics II Lab
• PHY 1014 - General Physics I Lab
• PHY 1015 - General Physics II Lab
• PHY 1104 - Introductory Physics I
• PHY 1105 - Introductory Physics II
• PHY 1106 - Understanding the Universe
• PHY 1107 - Astrobiology: The Origin of Life on Earth and the Potential for Life in the Universe
• PHY 1108 - A World Of Light And Color
• PHY 1110 - Observational Astronomy
• PHY 1113 - Sound, Music, and Hearing
• PHY 1114 - General Physics I
• PHY 1115 - General Physics II
• PHY 1117 - Introduction to Climate Control
• PHY 1121 - Electronics Made Simple
• PHY 1122 - Fundamentals of Physical Science
• PHY 2001 - Mathematics Physics Lab
• PHY 2201 - Mathematical Physics
• PHY 2202 - Intermediate Mechanics
• PHY 2203 - Foundations of Modern Physics I
• PHY 2209 - Investigations in Physics I
• PHY 2211 - Analog and Digital Electronics
• PHY 2212 - From Lenses to Lasers
• PHY 2295 - Internships in Physics
• PHY 2298 - Independent Studies in Physics
• PHY 3200 - Advanced Physics Laboratory
• PHY 3301 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
• PHY 3309 - Investigations in Physics II
• PHY 3311 - Thermodynamics
• PHY 3312 - Foundations of Modern Physics II
• PHY 3313 - Computer Modeling of Physical Systems
• PHY 3314 - Astrophysics
• PHY 3395 - Internships in Physics
• PHY 3398 - Independent Studies in Physics
• PHY 4401 - Quantum Mechanics
• PHY 4491 - Physics Seminar
• PHY 4495 - Internships in Physics
• PHY 4498 - Independent Studies in Physics

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