2010-2011 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2010-2011 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics Minor


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Overview


  1. Scientific Perspective Courses. PHYS 020 , PHYS 030 , PHYS 140 , ASTR 001  and ASTR 002  have no prerequisites and satisfy the scientific-perspective requirement of the Program of Liberal Studies. PHYS 110  and PHYS 120 can be taken in satisfaction of either the scientific-perspective or formal-analysis requirement, but not both. PHYS 111 , PHYS 121 , 127, PHYS 130  and PHYS 131 , which also fulfill the scientific perspective, are primarily for science majors.
  2. Introductory Sequences. Prospective science majors are urged to begin their study of physics during their first or second years. The department offers two sequences of introductory courses. PHYS 110 /PHYS 111  is a two-semester, noncalculus-based survey of physics appropriate for the majority of science majors, including environmental science and policy majors and premedical/predental students. PHYS 120 /PHYS 121 /PHYS 130  is a three-semester sequence, recommended for physics, chemistry and mathematics majors, which covers mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and optics in more depth than the PHYS 110 /PHYS 111  sequence. Because PHYS 121  discusses the subject matter more deeply, it is less comprehensive than PHYS 111 , and should be followed by PHYS 130 .
  3. Laboratory Courses. PHYS 110 , PHYS 111 , PHYS 120 , PHYS 121 , 127, PHYS 130 , PHYS 131  and PHYS 219  offer laboratory experience. PHYS 110  and PHYS 111  fulfill the physics laboratory requirement for premedical/predental students.

Undergraduate Program


Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences and is an important part of a liberal-arts education. Introductory courses are designed for students in all majors and provide a background in physical principles, the observation of natural processes, the logic and nature of science, and the diverse applications of physics. The introductory courses are:

Affiliate Faculty


George Phillies, Ph.D.

Courses


Program Minor


The requirements for a minor in physics include six courses consisting of PHYS 120 /PHYS 121  (or PHYS 110 /PHYS 111 ), PHYS 130 , PHYS 131  and two additional electives approved by the undergraduate physics adviser. Students receiving credit for a scientific perspective course in physics prior to enrolling in PHYS 120  may use it to replace one elective course. Requirements are flexible and the undergraduate physics adviser can replace any of the required core courses for students who are prepared for more advanced training.

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