Physics (BS)
The physics major focuses on the theoretical framework of the discipline, emphasizes student research, and highlights the properties and structure of materials.
Learning Outcomes
- Master a broad set of knowledge concerning the fundamentals in the basic areas of physics (mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, waves, and modern physics).
- Solve problems competently by identifying the essential parts of a problem and formulating a strategy for solving the problem. They will be able to rationally estimate the solution to a problem, apply appropriate techniques to arrive at a solution, test the correctness of the solution, and interpret their results.
- Understand the objective of their experiments; properly carry out the experiments; troubleshoot experiments; appropriately record and analyze the results; understand what constitutes "reasonable" data; estimate the error bounds on their measurements. Use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation, and classical techniques to carry out experiments. Know and follow the proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of materials, electricity, lasers, and other potentially hazardous equipment. Communicate the concepts and results of their laboratory experiments through effective writing and oral communication skills. Use computers in data acquisition and processing and use available software as a tool in data analysis.
- Employ modern library search tools to locate and retrieve scientific information about a topic, a material, an instrument, or an issue relating to physics.
- Maintain the integrity of data and demonstrate high ethical and professional standards in reporting of information in accordance with the American Physical Society guidelines for Professional Conduct.
- Act in a highly ethical professional capacity as a scientist in their articulation, evaluation and employment of techniques and processes that are benign for human health and the environment which include but are not limited to the 12 Principles of Green Engineering and the Principles of Global Sustainability set forth by the Report of the Brundtland Commission, Our Common Future, in 1987.
- Function successfully as part of a team, exhibit good citizenship in group interactions, and be an active contributor to group projects.
Program Requirements
Physics majors take the following courses:
Choose 4 credits from the following courses:
| PHYS 233 | Introduction to Medical Imaging | 4 |
| PHYS 333 | Advanced Topics in Modern Physics | 4 |
Prerequisites and other required courses:
Additional upper-level mathematics and computer science courses are also highly recommended.