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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
91
enrollment in the senior seminar with the additional qualification of a 25-page paper that
earns a grade of “A-” or better.
Physics
Bachelor of Science
Tyler T. Dart, Duane H. Pontius Jr., Mark E. Rupright
Physics majors fall into two categories: 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 those
who intend that the bachelor’s degree will be their terminal degree, or who plan to do
graduate work in physics.
Upon completion of the physics major, students will be able to
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develop mature intuitions regarding the motions and interactions of physical
bodies, including macroscopic objects, particles, and fields
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apply fundamental physical principles that accurately describe and predict the
outcome of experiments and other observed phenomena
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demonstrate competency using mathematical methods commonly used to solve
physics problems
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engage in an extended research project and present results to an appropriate
audience
Major Requirements
The following courses are required (13½ units):
CH 120 or CH 149
MA 231
MA 232
PH 121
PH 122
PH 201
PH 301
PH 303
PH 304
PH 305
PH 402
PH 404
PH 410
one-half unit of PH 298, PH 398, or PH 498
Prospective majors are advised to begin physics in their first year and to complete MA
231 and MA 232 as soon as possible.
Students who expect to work professionally in the field of physics or attend graduate