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.
- Be able to write a laboratory report that is appropriate for the discipline of physics and suitable for publication in an undergraduate research journal.
- 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.
- Design experiments; build and use equipment; gather, analyze and interpret experimental data; and draw conclusions based upon the data.
- 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.
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.
