COURSES OF STUDY
167
Physics (PH)
Bachelor of Science
Duane Pontius, Mark E. Rupright
Physics majors fall into two categories: (1) those who do not plan a
career in physics but may be interested, for example, in the teaching of
physics in secondary schools, or continuing their professional training
in some area such as medicine or law; and (2) those who intend that the
bachelor’s degree will be their terminal degree, or who plan to do graduate
work in physics.
Prospective majors are advised to begin physics in their first year and to
complete MA 231 and 232 as soon as possible.
Upon completion of the physics major, students will be able to
•
design experiments to test hypotheses,
•
draw appropriate conclusions from scientific data,
•
explain the results of experiments to a broad audience,
•
write clearly and concisely in scientific research format.
Major Requirements
The following courses are required (13 units):
PH 121 and 122
PH 201 and 301
PH 303 and 304
PH 402 and 404
PH 410
PH 499
CH 120 or CH 149
MA 231 and 232
Students who expect to work professionally in the field of physics or
attend graduate school in physics or engineering should additionally take
PH 412, MA 310, and MA 311. Students wishing to prepare for teaching
physics in secondary schools should complete the physics major and confer
with the education department concerning additional requirements in
education.
Courses required for the physics major may be used to meet minor
requirements in mathematics.
Minor Requirements
The following courses are required (5 units):
PH 121 and 122
PH 201
PH 301 or 303
PH 304, 402, or 404
