Physics Minors

Minor in Physics

The physics minor offers students the opportunity to obtain a thorough introduction to the theoretical and experimental methods extensively used by physical scientists and engineers. In addition to exploring the historical and philosophical development of physics from the Greeks to the modern era, the physics minor emphasizes the development of practical quantitative problem solving skills which are valuable for all students regardless of major.

Minor in Biological Physics

The Biological Physics minor provides an opportunity to apply the concepts and methods of the physicist to advance our understanding of the life sciences. Students pursuing careers in medicine or the life sciences can use this minor to improve their preparation for the interdisciplinary nature of modern science.

Declaring a Minor

A student may not declare a minor until he or she has been accepted into a Major. Please visit the minor declaration form to declare a minor. Note that eighteen credits of coursework are required to complete a minor. Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.00 in courses toward the minor.

admin Sat, 06/07/2008 - 12:16

Requirements for Physics Minor

Minor in Physics

Program Goals	Learning Objectives
1. Students will have a knowledge of the information in each of the major areas of physics.	1A. Students will demonstrate an improved understanding of the fundamental concepts in each of the major areas of physics
2. Students will have mastered the skills appropriate to the discipline of physics.	2A. Students will demonstrate a conceptual problem solving ability. 2B. Students will demonstrate a proficiency in the application of mathematics to physics. 2C. Students will demonstrate basic proficiency in laboratory measurement and analysis techniques. 2D. Students will demonstrate the ability to work as members of a team.

Program Goals

Learning Objectives

1. Students will have a knowledge of the information in each of the major areas of physics.

1A. Students will demonstrate an improved understanding of the fundamental concepts in each of the major areas of physics

2. Students will have mastered the skills appropriate to the discipline of physics.

2A. Students will demonstrate a conceptual problem solving ability.

2B. Students will demonstrate a proficiency in the application of mathematics to physics.

2C. Students will demonstrate basic proficiency in laboratory measurement and analysis techniques.

2D. Students will demonstrate the ability to work as members of a team.

Course requirements 18 credits

All of the following (13 credits)

PHY 213 (or 201 or 221) & PHY 205 General Physics I (4 credits)
PHY 214 (or 202 or 222) & PHY 206 General Physics II (4 credits)
PHY 301 Modern Physics (3 credits)
PHY 397 Research Methods (2 credits)

Six credits from the following courses:

PHY 331 Physical Optics (3 credits)
PHY 332 Optics Laboratory (1 credit)
PHY 471 Classical Mechanics (3 credits)
PHY 481 Electricity and Magnetism (3 credits)
PHY 491 Seminar (1 credit)
PHY 493 Directed Independent Readings (1-2 credit(s))
PHY 495 Directed Independent Study (1-2 credit(s))
PHY 497 Directed Independent Research (1-2 credit(s))
PHY 531 Quantum Mechanics (3 credits)
PHY 541 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3 credits)
PHY 562 Nuclear Instruments and Methods (2 credits)
PHY 595 Special Topics (3 credits)

Note Only a total of two credits from PHY 493, 495 and 497 may be applied toward the minor.

admin Sat, 06/07/2008 - 12:18

Requirements for Biological Physics Minor

Minor in Biological Physics

Program Goals	Learning Objectives
1. Students will have a knowledge of the information in each of the major areas of physics.	1A. Students will demonstrate an improved understanding of the fundamental concepts in each of the major areas of physics
2. Students will have mastered the skills appropriate to the discipline of physics.	2A. Students will demonstrate a conceptual problem solving ability. 2B. Students will demonstrate a proficiency in the application of mathematics to physics.
3. Students will understand how physics can improve our understanding of biology and medicine.	3A. Students will be able to apply physics principles to biological and medical situations.