Physics Major

Description

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.

Requirements

Total Program Hours: 55

Departmental Writing Requirement (4 credits):

Students who major in Physics, in their Junior year, are required to take:

• PHY 3200 - Advanced Physics Laboratory

Requirements for 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.

Secondary Teacher Certification

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

Recommended Courses for Graduate Study:

• PHY 2212 - From Lenses to Lasers
• PHY 3311 - Thermodynamics
• PHY 3312 - Foundations of Modern Physics II
• CHE 1103 - General Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding (and CHE 1001 General Chemistry I Lab)
• CHE 1104 - General Chemistry II: Chemical Reactivity (and CHE 1002 General Chemistry II Lab)
• CSC 1106 - The Art of Programming
• MAT 2218 - Linear Algebra
• MAT 2219 - Calculus III
• MAT 3304 - Differential Equations
• MAT 3316 - Complex Analysis