Physics Major (Professional Physics Track) – Bachelor of Science

Program Competencies

Students will:

1. Develop enough learning techniques to adapt to new vocational and educational situations, i.e. be able to self-educate in new applied areas and keep up with progress in the field.
2. Develop enough self-confidence, personal independence and understanding of scientific methods to carry out a technical project on one's own with only consultant-style help.
3. Read technical literature with good comprehension.
4. Write technical reports in a clear and logical way.
5. Present oral reports on technical material in a clear and logical way.
6. Be able to retrieve any needed information from the scientific literature.
7. Analyze laboratory data for its correctness and locate probable sources of error, including an understanding of standard statistical tests and the concepts of error and uncertainty, and an understanding of the advantages and limitations of current instrumental and other laboratory techniques.
8. Be able to use the basic principles of physics as presented in the first-year class in a wide variety of contexts, especially the relationship force to motion. Be able to relate scientific principles to observed behavior.
9. Comprehend the major concepts of Newtonian analysis of motion, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, electric and magnetic fields and optics, including interference.

Assessment

1. Force Concept Inventory.
2. Capstone Presentation.
3. Research Project Knowledge Scores.
4. Research Presentation Communication Scores.
5. Research Paper Scores.

Program Requirements

General Education

Major Requirements

Physics Major Core Requirements

Professional Physics Track Requirements

(intended for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in Physics)

Minor

All majors must also include a minor or additional major. See Terms to Know.

Free Electives