Physics Minor

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About the Program

Physics utilizes practical math to make predictions about the natural world. A minor in physics cements the experimental expertise that scientists require and provides a strong basis for understanding how science is applied in society.

Program Requirements

This program is a total of 19 credits, plus an additional 8 credits of required ancillary courses.
A grade of “C-” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the minor. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
Also note that per university policy at least three 3000- or 4000-level credits are required for a minor.

Required Ancillary Courses: 8 credits

All students must complete the following courses.

MTH 1410 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MTH 2410 - Calculus II Credits: 4

Required Courses: 14 credits

PHY 2311 - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 2321 - General Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1
PHY 2331 - General Physics II Credits: 4
PHY 2341 - General Physics II Laboratory Credits: 1
PHY 3111 - Modern Physics I Credits: 4

Elective Courses: 5 credits

A minimum of 5 additional credits, including at least 3 upper division (3000+ level) credits, must be selected from the following list:

AST 3141 - Astronomical Techniques I Credits: 3
PHY 3231 - Vibrations, Waves, and Mathematical Methods Credits: 4
PHY 3111 - Modern Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 2821 - Sophomore Physics Laboratory Credits: 1
PHY 3311 - Analytical Mechanics Credits: 4
PHY 3411 - Thermal Physics Credits: 4
PHY 3711 - Junior Physics Laboratory Credits: 2
PHY 3811 - Quantum Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 3341 - Electricity and Magnetism I Credits: 4
PHY 4330 - Electricity and Magnetism II Credits: 3
PHY 4510 - Optics Credits: 3
PHY 4050 - Astrophysics Credits: 3
PHY 4040 - Planetary Physics Credits: 3
PHY 4611 - Computational Physics Credits: 3
PHY 4650 - Solid State Physics Credits: 3
PHY 4711 - Senior Physics Laboratory Credits: 2
PHY 4810 - Quantum Physics II Credits: 3
PHY 4820 - Subatomic Physics Credits: 3
PHY 4950 - General Relativity Credits: 3

Summary of Requirements

Ancillary Courses	8 credits
Required Courses	14 credits
Elective Courses	5 credits
Total for the Physics Minor	27 cerdits

Note:

A one-year sequence of PHY 2010 - PHY 2020 - PHY 2030 - PHY 2040 may be substituted for the PHY 2311 - PHY 2331 - PHY 2321 - PHY 2341 requirements with the consent of the Physics Department.