Physics, B.S.

This major requires an in-depth study of the core areas of physics and a selection of upper-division courses such as thermal physics, atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics, or other engineering electives. This program provides a solid preparation for graduate study in physics, materials science, or medical physics.

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.

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

Students will:

1. Demonstrate a solid understanding of the core principles and concepts of physics and gain understanding in selected additional advanced topics in 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

48 credit hours:

Plus 6 credit hours of upper-division technical electives approved by the physics department (normally PH, EP, MT, or CS courses).

Required Support Courses

Plus one additional lecture/lab combination chosen from:

Note: For all B.S. programs, up to 8 hours of electives (up to 2 hours of lab credit) may be satisfied by courses in science or engineering offered at other colleges and universities participating in the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education Cross Registration Program (subject to approval by the physics department).