CSU-PUEBLO PHYSICS MAJOR

Faculty: Spenny, Wallin

The major in physics leads to a bachelor of science (BS) degree. In addition, supporting courses and general education courses in physics and astronomy are available for students with a wide spectrum of interests, backgrounds and needs. Physics majors must consult with a program adviser as early as possible and must file a departmentally approved plan of study by the beginning of the junior year.

The bachelor of science degree in physics is offered with several options:

For the first three (non-teacher) options, the recommended sequences of courses presume that the student is ready to begin MATH 126 in the first semester of the freshman year. If not, MATH 124 should be taken in the fall and MATH 126 in the spring of the freshman year concurrently with PHYS 221. Otherwise it may not be possible to complete the requirements for a physics degree within four years. Students, especially transfers, who do not strictly adhere to the plan of study may find that the term of attendance at USC will be extended beyond four years.

Physics Option:

Primarily for students planning graduate study toward a professional career in physics, astronomy or other related fields.

Physics/Engineering Option or Electronics
Engineering Technology Option:

For students planning to enter positions in industry upon graduation. Courses in engineering and technology enhance the utility of the graduate to potential employers.

Physics Options in Chemical Physics, Biophysics, or Mathematical Physics:

These options are designed to meet specific career objectives for an individual.

Physics/Teaching Option:

Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain Colorado Department of Education certification as science teachers with an emphasis in physics.

Physics/Physical Science Teaching Option:

Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain Colorado Department of Education Certification as science teachers with emphases in physics and chemistry.

Minors

Minors also are available in physics and physical science for students who need a specialized science minor in these fields.

Program Goals

· To supply students with the necessary background to successfully pursue graduate study towards a professional career in physics, astronomy or a related field.

· To prepare students upon graduation to enter technical positions in government or industry.

· To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain Colorado Department of Education Certification as science teachers of physics or physical science.

Expected Student Outcomes

General Requirements

· Students graduating with a BS in physics must have at least a 2.000 grade-point average in physics courses and no more than four credits in physics with grades of D.

· Students graduating with a minor in physics must have at least a 2.000 grade-point average in physics.

· A 2.500 grade-point average in the major area is required for admission to the teacher education program.

· At least 12 physics credits applied to the major (seven for minor) must be earned at USC with a C or better average.

· Students must have earned a C or better grade in lower-division prerequisite courses before being admitted to upper-division courses in physics.

· In all but the teaching options, students must demonstrate a knowledge of computer programming.

· In all but the teaching options, majors are required to take the senior research course, in which students become involved in a theoretical or experimental research problem relating to physics under the supervision of a department faculty member; and

· A fundamental understanding of chemistry and its lab techniques also is required of all majors in all options.

Specific Requirements for the Physics Option

PHYS Courses Titles Credits
PHYS 221/L General Physics I/Lab I 5
PHYS 222/L General Physics II/Lab II 5
PHYS 301 Theoretical Mechanics 4
PHYS 321 Thermodynamics 3
PHYS 322 Advanced Laboratory - Heat 1
PHYS 323/L General Physics III/Lab III 5
PHYS 341 Optics 3
PHYS 342 Advanced Laboratory - Optics 1
PHYS 431 Electricity and Magnetism 4
PHYS 432 Adv Lab Electricity & Magnetism 1
PHYS 441 Quantum Mechanics 4
PHYS 480 Practicum in Lab Instruction 1
PHYS 492 Research 1
PHYS 493 Seminar 1
PHYS 499 Thesis Research 1
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TOTAL 40

Other Required Courses

Courses Titles Credits
CHEM 121/L General Chemistry I/Lab I 5
CHEM 122/L General Chemistry II/Lab II 5
EN 105 Fortran 3
MATH 126 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 5
MATH 207 Matrix & Vector Algebra w/Appl 2
MATH 224 Calculus and Analytic Geom II 5
MATH 325 Intermediate Calculus 3
MATH 337 Differential Equations I 3
MATH 338 Differential Equations II 3
Approved Math Elective 3-4
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TOTAL 37-38

Institutional and General Education