Physics Minor

An optional physics minor is available to students majoring in any other department. The physics minor provides students with a broad understanding of fundamental topics in both classical and modern physics. It can be a great compliment to a variety of majors, including Chemistry or Mathematics.

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 Minor

Students will:

1. Demonstrate a solid understanding of the core principles and concepts of physics at an introductory level.

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.

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

Required Courses

20 credit hours, including:

Plus six more PH or EP credits at the 200-400 level.

Required Mathematics Support Courses