2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog

Dec 04, 2024

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2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Physics (B.S.)

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Program Coordinator/Contact

Douglas Raynie, Department Head
Department of Physics
Daktronics Engineering Hall 255
605-688-5428

Program Information

Physics is the foundation of almost all of the science and engineering disciplines. The curriculum in Physics has the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of student interests including engineering, physical science, mathematics, biological science, or health sciences. Graduates find careers in physics research, education, engineering, medicine, nuclear medicine, law, science journalism or alternatively many other choices.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the Physics major, students will:

Support an environment that is inclusive to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability status. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
Be able to write a laboratory report that is appropriate for the discipline of physics and suitable for publication in an undergraduate research journal. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
Defend a hypothesis or a research project by giving an oral presentation in a colloquium setting.
Solve complex physics problems by applying scientific and mathematical principles. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
Design experiments; build and use equipment; gather, analyze and interpret experimental data; and draw conclusions based upon the data. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
Propose creative solutions for key issues of scientific, social, economic, or environmental merit and defend their hypothesis in either a research paper or by generating a proposal for an experimental design. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)

Academic Requirements

The program requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above for all physics courses and a GPA 2.0 or above in PHYS 211-213 (or PHYS 111-113) and PHYS 331.

Course Delivery Format

Physics students learn through hands-on and face to face learning in lecture, laboratory, and field based experiences.

Requirements for Physics Major: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication:
ENGL 101 - Composition I (COM) [SGR #1] Credits: 3
  and
ENGL 201 - Composition II (COM) [SGR #1] Credits: 3
  or
ENGL 277 - Technical Writing in Engineering [SGR #1] Credits: 3
  ¹
Goal #2 Oral Communication:
SPCM 101 - Fundamentals of Speech (COM) [SGR #2] Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity: SGR #3 Electives Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity: SGR #4 Electives Credits: 6
Goal #5 Mathematics:
MATH 123 - Calculus I (COM) [SGR #5] Credits: 4
Goal #6 Natural Sciences:
PHYS 111-111L - Introduction to Physics I and Lab (COM) [SGR #6] Credits: 4
  and
PHYS 113-113L - Introduction to Physics II and Lab (COM) [SGR #6] Credits: 4
  or
PHYS 211-211L - University Physics I and Lab (COM) [SGR #6] Credits: 4
  and
PHYS 213-213L - University Physics II and Lab (COM) [SGR #6] Credits: 4

Department of Physics Requirements

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

Natural Sciences Credits: 10+
- Any two lab sciences.
- Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
- MATH and STAT courses do not count toward the science requirement.
AHSS 111 - Introduction to Global Citizenship and Diversity Credits: 3
One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
Capstone course in the major discipline
Upper division coursework Credits: 33

System General Education and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details.

Major Requirements

CHEM 112-112L - General Chemistry I and Lab (COM) [SGR #6] Credits: 3, 1
CHEM 114-114L - General Chemistry II and Lab (COM) [SGR #6] Credits: 3, 1
CSC 150 - Computer Science I (COM) Credits: 3
EE 216-216L - Linear Circuits I and Lab Credits: 3, 1
MATH 125 - Calculus II (COM) [SGR #5] Credits: 4
MATH 225 - Calculus III (COM) [SGR #5] Credits: 4
MATH 321 - Differential Equations (COM) Credits: 3
PHYS 119 - First Year Seminar in Physics Credits: 1
PHYS 316-316L - Measurement Theory and Experiment Design and Lab Credits: 2
PHYS 318 - Advanced Laboratory I Credits: 2
PHYS 331 - Introduction to Modern Physics (COM) Credits: 3
PHYS 341 - Thermodynamics (COM) Credits: 2
PHYS 343 - Statistical Physics (COM) Credits: 2
PHYS 421-521 - Electromagnetism (COM) Credits: 4
PHYS 451-551 - Classical Mechanics (COM) Credits: 4
PHYS 490 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-3 (2 credits required)

Major Electives

Select one elective group based on career objectives. Credits: 36

Electives

Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120

Summary of Program Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences
System General Education Requirements	33 Credit Hours
Department of Physics Requirements*	13+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements	84 Credit Hours
Electives**	0 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet

The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

Physics (B.S.)