Physics, B.A.

This major provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the discipline and the opportunity to explore some areas of physics in greater depth, while allowing for flexibility to combine parallel studies in other areas. It is appropriate for students preparing for secondary school teaching, law or business schools, and is also a good choice for students pursuing the Dual Degree 3-2 Engineering Program.

Grade Policies

For all students majoring or minoring in Physics Department programs:

1. A grade of C- or higher must be earned in courses required for each major or minor, including required support courses for the major. A grade lower than C- requires that the course be repeated. In the case of an elective course for a major in which a grade below C- was earned, the student may petition to take an alternative course

2. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all department courses required of a major or minor.

3. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be maintained in all support courses required of a major.

Dismissal Policy:  Students who earn a GPA below 2.0 in courses required for their major (including support courses) or minor for two consecutive semesters may be dismissed from their major or minor.

Teaching Licensure

Students interested in majoring in physics in preparation for teaching physics at the secondary level should consult both the Department of Physics and the Department of Education at the earliest opportunity. The B.A. in physics provides a comprehensive background in physics while allowing some flexibility for completing the licensure requirements of the State of Ohio.

Program Learning Goals for the Physics (B.A.) Major

Students will:

1. Demonstrate a solid understanding of the core principles and concepts of physics.

2. Apply mathematical, analytical, computational, and experimental skills to model the behavior of physical systems, solve a wide range of physics problems, design and conduct experiments to measure and interpret physical phenomena, and critically evaluate scientific results and arguments, both their own and those of others.

3. Effectively communicate scientific hypotheses, research methods, data and analysis both orally and in writing and in a variety of venues.

4. Demonstrate awareness of professional responsibilities and good citizenship as members of the scientific community.

5. Be prepared to enter graduate school or employment appropriate to their chosen career path.

Major Requirements

39 credit hours:

Plus at least 12 more PH or EP credits at the 300-400 level, of which 6 credits must be chosen from:

Required Mathematics Support Courses

Subtotal: 12

AYA Physics B.A.

Students who are pursuing AYA (Adolescent/Young Adult Education) coursework and have chosen Physics as their Licensure area and are planning to teach will need to complete the following coursework (64 hours) in addition to the requirements for the Education major. 

Area Requirements

Physics Courses

Additional Physics and Engineering Physics Courses (14 credits)

Students will take an additional 14 Physics and Engineering Physics credits at the 300 or 400 level. Eight (8) of those credits must be chosen from the following list:

PH 315/ PH 315L and PH 365/ PH 365L are strongly recommended for Teacher Education candidates pursuing the Physics License.

Mathematics Courses

Related Science Courses (8 credits required)

Students must also complete:

• One Biology course with lab.

• PH 115 and PH 115L Environmental Earth Science/Lab or an introductory lecture and lab in Astronomy.

• Introductory Chemistry sequence: either CH 141, CH 142, CH 143, and CH 144, or CH 151 and CH 153.

The Education Department will conduct a transcript review to establish whether this content has been adequately covered in previous coursework or whether additional coursework is needed.