Physics Program

I.  Prerequisites  to the Concentration (38 credit hours)

1. General Physics I and II (Physics 150 and 151 or equivalents)
2. Calculus I, II, and III (Mathematics 115, 116 and 215 or equivalents)
3. General Chemistry I (Chemistry 134 or 144 or equivalents)
4. Differential Equations (Mathematics 216 or equivalent)
5. Linear Algebra (Mathematics 227 or equivalent)
6. Two other Natural Sciences courses chosen from Chemistry 136 or 146, Biology 130 or 140, and Geology 118.

NOTE:  Students entering in the fall should take Chemistry 134/144 and mathematics 115 during their first term and Physics 150 during their second (winter) term.

 II. Concentration Requirements (32 credit hours)
The required core of physics courses includes Physics 305, 360, 401, 403, 406, 453, and 460.  An additional six credit hours of lecture courses in physics, chosen from Physics 320, 370, 390, 405, 416, 421, 457, and 463 and three credit hours of laboratory courses, chosen from Physics 460, 495, or 499 are also required.

III. Cognates (6 credit hours)
The physics cognate requirement is 6 credit hours, which must be upper level courses selected from mathematics, statistics, natural sciences (other than physics), computer science, engineering, or other areas intimately related to science and approved by the physics concentration advisor.

IV. Electives (minimum 12 credit hours)
All physics concentrators, especially those interested in pursuing graduate work are advised to take additional course work in mathematics and computer science.  Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems (Math 454), Numerical Analysis (Math 472), Advanced Calculus (Math 451), Complex Variables (Math 555), and Computer Programming are suggested.
Students should be aware that certain graduate schools require a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language (French, Russian, or German) for an advanced degree.  Note the minimum competency in a foreign language is a component of CAS&L and campus distribution requirements.

V. Independent Study
Students interested in independent study or research in physics may enroll in Physics 495, 498, and/or 499.  No more than a total of 6 credit hours of 495, 498, and 499 courses in all Natural Sciences programs may be applied to the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

VI. CAS&L Distribution and Graduation Requirements
The CAS&L distribution requirements may be obtained through the CAS&L Office of Advising and Student Records.  Courses used to satisfy distribution requirements may not be used to satisfy concentration requirements. Upon reaching 85 credit hours, a CAS&L student will automatically receive a senior audit from the CAS&L Office of Advising and Student Records.  Once the audit has been received the student should meet with the concentration advisor to review the audit.