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Department of Physics
Location: 100 Archer Building, Phone: (409) 880-7391
Chair: Dr. Phillip Cole
Physics is concerned with the basic principles of the universe and is the foundation upon which the other physical sciences—astronomy, chemistry, biology, and geology—are based. At the most fundamental level, the study of physics is subdivided into several basic areas of interest, including mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, quantum mechanics, photonics, solid state, statistics, elementary particles and relativity.
The study of physics offers a great variety of opportunities. A good foundation in physics can prepare a student for specialization in some area of research, or it can provide an excellent background for entering such varied fields as engineering, computer science, astronomy, nuclear power, unconventional energy sources, imaging, biology, mathematics, communications, meteorology, oceanography, law, medicine, and teaching.
The emphasis of the 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ physics program is on quality instruction at the undergraduate level. Undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to participate in research activities directed by faculty mentors. The program of study in physics is one of the most flexible in the university. It offers many options and electives that make it possible to get a good foundation in physics as well as the necessary background to go into many other fields. The undergraduate degree offered is the Bachelor of Science (B.S.).
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Science in Physics -120 hrs, with at least 45 hours at the 3000-4000-level.
Bachelor of Science – Physics Major
This degree plan places a strong emphasis on physics and mathematics. It can be tailored to meet the needs of students preparing for graduate school or employment in a variety of fields. Many students with B.S. degrees in physics from 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ have been highly successful graduate students in physics at some of the best universities in the U.S. Others have succeeded as engineers, mathematicians, physicians, medical researchers, lawyers, teachers, etc. Faculty advisors help plan programs to satisfy the needs of individual students.
The degree of Bachelor of Science in Physics will be awarded upon completion of the following requirements:
A. General Requirements:See General Education Core and the for Undergraduate Majors in the College of Arts and Sciences.
B. Science and Mathematics: CHEM 1311/1111, 1312/1112; MATH 2413, 2414, 3435, 3301, 3328.
C. Physics: Most students will take PHYS 1370 Mathematical Methods in Physics as a preparation for PHYS 2425. PHYS 2425, 2426 University Physics; PHYS 3430 Analytical Mechanics; PHYS 3350 Modern Physics; PHYS 3380 Electricity and Magnetism; PHYS 3390 Statistical Physics; PHYS 4310 Experiments in Physics, PHYS 4320 Quantum Physics; PHYS 4370 Solid State Physics; PHYS 4480 Optics.
D. Concentration Area: A concentration in either Chemistry, or Engineering or Mathematics to include -
- Chemistry: CHEM 3401, CHEM 4311.
- Engineering: ENGR 2301, ENGR 2302, ENGR 2411 (ENGR 2374 replaces CHEM 1312/1112).
- Mathematics: MATH 4302 and 3-4 hours of MATH at the 3000 or 4000 level..
E. Electives: Additional physics electives to attain at least 32 semester hours of physics. Additional general electives to attain a total of 120 semester hours (not including the required semester of PEGA). 3000-4000-level courses to total 45 hours.
Bachelor of Science in Physics – Total Min. Hours: 120
Suggested Program of Study
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | ||
| PHYS 1370 | 3 | PHYS 2425 | 4 |
| MATH 2413 | 4 | MATH 2414 | 4 |
| * Univ Core Courses | *Univ Core Courses | ||
| 1 | |||
| TOTAL | 16 | 16 | |
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| PHYS 2426 | 4 | PHYS 3350 | 3 |
| MATH 3435 | 4 | PHYS 3430 | 4 |
| *Univ Core Courses | *Univ Core Courses | ||
| TOTAL | 16 | 16 | |
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| PHYS 3380 | 3 | PHYS 4320 | 3 |
| PHYS 3390 | 3 | PHYS 4480 | 4 |
| MATH 3328 | 3 | **Concentration | |
| ***General Electives | ***General Electives | ||
| TOTAL | 14 | 14 | |
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| PHYS 4370 | 3 | PHYS 4310 | 3 |
| **Concentration | 3 | ***PHYS Electives | |
| ***PHYS Electives | 3 | ||
| TOTAL | 14 | 14 | |
*See General Education Corre Curriculum Requirements
**Concentration can be in MATH, ENGR or CHEM
***See a Physics advisor about options.
Physics as a Second Major
Physics may be selected as a second major for students wishing to broaden their education. The most popular options are to combine Physics with Engineering or Mathematics. Combinations are also available with Chemistry and Computer Science. A student may choose one degree with a double major or two separate degrees (dual degree). A Physics advisor can give you specific details on your choice of the field combinations.
Minor in Physics
A physics minor consists of (PHYS 1401 and PHYS 1402) or (PHYS 2425 and PHYS 2426), PHYS 3350, and nine additional hours of PHYS 3000/4000 level courses to total 20 credits with no grade less than “C”.