Chair: Sankoorikal L. Varghese (460-6224)
Professors: Helminger, Varghese
Associate Professors: Clark, Jenkins
Assistant Professors: Irby, Sanders
Instructors: Boleman, Geoghegan

The curriculum in the Department of Physics serves three groups of students: those preparing for careers in physics, those pursuing professional fields such as medicine and engineering, and those electing physics and astronomy as part of the natural-science requirement for Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degrees. The degree program in physics allows for flexibility to the extent that the serious student can select related courses in biology, chemistry, geology, computer science, and engineering to prepare for a career in such interdisciplinary areas as biophysics, geophysics, oceanography, and environmental science. Three options for a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics are offered. One option (the Pre-Medical Option) is for those students pursuing medicine as a career. There is also an evening Physics program. Through this program it is possible to earn a B.S. degree in Physics by attending classes only during the evenings. Any student interested in the evening Physics program must contact the Chair of the Department. Sample programs and requirements for each option follows.

SAMPLE PROGRAM FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN PHYSICS (OPTION A)
First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN PHYSICS (OPTION A)
Option A is designed for a student anticipating graduate study in Physics. This option gives the student a solid foundation in basic Physics. Physics course requirements include: PH 107, 201, 202, 303, 348, 349, 366, 367, 385(W), 448, 449 and 463. One course from each group must be taken: Physics Elective A (PH 301, 346 or 390) and Physics Elective B (PH 354, 411 or 494). The following additional technical courses are required. CH 131 and 132. In addition, the following math courses are prerequisites for upper division Physics courses: MA 125, 126, 227 and 238.

SAMPLE PROGRAM FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN PHYSICS (OPTION B)
First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

PACE DEGREE PROGRAM (OPTION A)

01-06 General Education Requirements

See General Education Requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences.

07 Mathematics

Satisfied with major requirements.

08 Natural Sciences

Satisfied with major requirements.

09 PE/ROTC (2 HRS) General Education Requirements.

See General Education Requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences.

11 Major (50-53 HRS)

PH 107 PH 201 PH 202 PH 303 PH 348 PH 349 PH 366 PH 367 PH 385 PH 448 PH 449 PH 463
Select one: PH 301, PH 346, PH 390
Select one: PH 354, PH 411, PH 494
CH 131 and CH 132 or CH 141
MA 125
MA 126
MA 227
MA 237

12 Major Residency/GPA

Complete at least 15 semester hours in residence in major at the 300 and/or 400 level. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in major.

13 Minor

See specific department.

15 University Residency Requirement/GPA

Complete at least 32 semester hours in residence at the 300 and/or 400 level. An overall GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN PHYSICS (Option B)
Option B is designed for a student intending no graduate study in Physics. This option emphasizes applied Physics and has a large number of elective hours so that the student may tailor an interdisciplinary degree. Physics course requirements include: PH 107, 201, 202, 303, 348, 354, 366, 385(W), 411, 448 and 463. One Physics Elective course (PH 301, 346, 390 or 494) must be taken. The following additional technical courses are required: CH 131 and 132. In addition, the following math courses are pre-requisites for upper division. Physics courses: MA 125, 126, 227 and 238.

SAMPLE PROGRAM FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN PHYSICS (PRE-MEDICAL OPTION)
First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN PHYSICS (PRE-MEDICAL OPTION)
The Pre-Medical Option is designed for a student intending a career in a health profession field such as Medicine. Physics course requirements include: PH 201, 202, 303, 348, 366, 385(W), 448 and 463. Two Physics Elective courses must be taken from the list: PH 301, 346, 354, 390, 411 and 494. The following additional technical courses are required: CH 131, 132, 201, 202, BLY 121, 122 and 311. In addition, the following math courses are pre-requisites for upper division Physics courses: MA 125, 126, 227 and 238.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN PHYSICS
A minimum of 20 semester hours in Physics, including PH 303, and at least six additional hours at the 300 level or above.

GENERAL COMMENTS
PH 114 and 115 with either PH 201 or 202 may be substituted for PH 201 and 202 with the prior approval of the physics department chair.

The sequences PH 114, 115 and PH 201, 202 may not both be taken for credit.

Descriptions of all Physics (PH) courses

College of Arts and Sciences

Table of Contents

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