Minor in Physics
The physics minor is a 16-credit program designed to expose students to a range of topics from introductory university physics.
Students will take courses in classical physics and modern physics, along with introductory and advanced labs. Over the course of study, students will become adept at logical reasoning and problem solving. This minor will emphasize deep scientific understanding, rather than memorization or relying on Google. In today's world, it can be a challenge to find teachers with a significant background in physics. Therefore, a physics minor will be a valuable qualification for future STEM teachers. In addition, physics complements several other disciplines, such as engineering, math, chemistry, biology and computer science.
Learning Objectives
- Learn how to use physical reasoning to objectively critique scientific phenomena
- Learn to see the world around us through a scientific lens
- Develop and refine problem-solving strategies applicable to a range of physical situations
- Communicate scientific principles underlying everyday phenomena appropriately and effectively with diverse individuals and groups
Course Requirements
Choose PY 111 & PY 113 or PY 151 & PY 153. Choose PY 112 & PY 114 or PY 152 & PY 154. Requires a minimum of a B in PY 111 and PY 112. Students that took PY 111/112 and want to take the minor are required to have a minimum of a C in MA 151 & MA 152.
Non-calculus-based course covering the basic principles of mechanics (units, vectors, 1D and 2D motion, concepts of force, torque, static equilibrium, energy, work, momentum, rotational motion, and gravitation), fluid mechanics, temperature, and thermal expansion. A prerequisite to PY 113.
Prerequisite: Take MA-140 or higher
Non-calculus-based course covering basic principles of thermodynamics, wave motion, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, and geometrical optics. A prerequisite to PY 114.
Prerequisite: Pre: PY 111
Fundamental training in physical measurements in mechanics (base physical quantities, vectors, acceleration of gravity, concepts of force, torque, static equilibrium, energy, momentum, rotational motion) and Archimedes' principle.
Prerequisite: Take PY-111 or PY-113 after the completion of PY-111
Fundamental training in physical measurements in specific heat, wave motion, sound, electricity, light, and optical devices.
Prerequisite: Pre: PY 113
Calculus-based course covering basic principles of mechanics (units, vectors, 1D and 2D motion, concepts of force, torque, static equilibrium, energy, work, momentum, rotational motion, and gravitation) and fluid mechanics. A prerequisite to PY 152, 153.
Prerequisite: MA 152;
Calculus-based course covering basic principles of thermodynamics, wave motion, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, and geometrical optics. A prerequisite to CH 331 and PY 154.
Prerequisite: PY 151;
Fundamental training in physical measurements in mechanics (base physical quantities, vectors, acceleration of gravity, concepts of force, torque, static equilibrium, energy, momentum, rotational motion) and Archimedes' principle.
Prerequisite: Take PY-151
Fundamental training in physical measurements in specific heat, wave motion, sound, electricity, light, and optical devices.
Prerequisite: Take PY-153
This course complements the Lecture PY320. It offers lab experience in modern experimental methods/techniques. Consists of 6 advanced physics experiments, from the Speed of Light to Radioactive Half-life of Barium.
Prerequisite: Take PY-320
Selected topics from modern calculus-based physics. The course provides an introduction to relativity, nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and modern-day climate change.
Prerequisite: Take PY-152 (C or better) or PY-112 (B or better) & MA-152.
Choose One
Explores thermodynamics, statistical thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases, changes of state, solutions, and kinetics. Two 75-minute lectures per week. A prerequisite to CH 332, 351, and 355.
Prerequisite: Take CH-152 CH-154
Explores advanced kinetics and quantum mechanics. Two 75-minute lectures per week.
Prerequisite: Pre: CH-331
The course provides an undergraduate introduction to biophysical chemistry that is equivalent to CH533. Topics covered include thermodynamics, molecular mechanics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, molecular dynamics, and chemical kinetics as they apply to protein structure, folding, ligand binding, and function. Biophysical experimental and computational methods and techniques used to study proteins and other biomolecules will also be covered.
Explores the physical processes involved in living systems including molecular thermodynamics and equilibria, kinetics and transport phenomena, and applications of quantum chemistry and spectroscopy. Two 75-minute lectures per week.
This course will examine the fundamentals of electric circuits and network analysis, frequency response, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, operational amplifiers, AM radio, and filters.
Prerequisite: Take MA-152
Topics include, small amplitude oscillations, the wave equation, Fourier series, Fourier transforms, basic principles of quantum mechanics, the wave-function and the 1D Schrodinger equation. Includes applications to atomic physics.
Prerequisite: Take PY-152 or instructor permission