Academic Bulletin Physics - 2007-08

Currently viewing 2007-08 bulletin

Faculty: D. Krause (chair), J. Brown, M. Madsen

Physics is the study of the fundamental laws that govern our universe. Our curriculum is designed to give our students a solid foundation for understanding these laws and how they were uncovered. The language that best expresses these laws is mathematical so there are a significant number of mathematics courses, which serve as prerequisites for our courses. However, since physics describes the real world, our curriculum also incorporates a significant laboratory component to ensure that our students will learn how to interrogate Nature and understand the answers it gives. Only by balancing theoretical concepts with experimental reality can one reach a more complete understanding of the world.

Our physics majors and minors will master valuable analysis and problem-solving skills, which can be applied to wide variety of situations beyond physics. By integrating these skills with their liberal arts experiences, our students are prepared for a vast spectrum of careers. Recent graduates have gone on to work in physics research, engineering, computer programming, teaching, environmental studies, law, business, and other fields.

For Senior Comprehensives, majors must pass an exam which requires them to demonstrate a coherent understanding of all the major areas of physics covered in the required courses, including computational and laboratory methods, and the ability to apply this understanding to solve specific problems.

Requirements for a Major: Nine course credits in physics. These must include Physics 111, 113, 114, 210, 310, 314, 315, 381 (taken two consecutive semesters during a single year), and one additional physics course credit (excluding Physics 101 and Physics 112 which do not count toward the major). (Note: A student who takes PHY 112 and decides to major in physics may seek permission from the department chair to replace PHY 114 with PHY 112)   Students accepted to a 3-2 engineering program may substitute Chemistry 111 for the one elective physics course. Those planning to go on to graduate school in physics should also plan to take Physics 230 and 316.

In addition, mathematics courses that are prerequisites or co-requisites for physics courses are Mathematics 111, 112, 223, 224, and 225. Although not required, Computer Science 111 is also highly recommended, and Mathematics 324 and 344 are useful.

Since physics is a hierarchical subject, it is important to take Physics 111 and 113 during the freshman year if one wishes to major in physics. Below is a possible schedule of how one might fulfill all the necessary requirements:

Requirements for a Minor: Five courses in physics (excluding Physics 101), one of which must include Physics 210 with appropriate prerequisites. Mathematics prerequisites (or co-requisites) are Mathematics 111 and 112.

An Area of Concentration and High School Teaching licensure in this discipline is awarded by the Teacher Education Program. For licensure information please see the Indiana Teacher Licensing Requirements for Adolescent and Young Adult License section and for information on this specific discipline see the Content Area Course Requirements for Teaching at the Adolescent and Young Adult Licensure Level section.