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Physics Area (Computational Physics Track) – Bachelor of Science

Program Competencies

Students will:

  1. Develop enough learning techniques to adapt to new vocational and educational situations, i.e. be able to self-educate in new applied areas and keep up with progress in the field.

  2. Develop enough self-confidence, personal independence and understanding of scientific methods to carry out a technical project on one's own with only consultant-style help.

  3. Read technical literature with good comprehension.

  4. Write technical reports in a clear and logical way.

  5. Present oral reports on technical material in a clear and logical way.

  6. Be able to retrieve any needed information from the scientific literature.

  7. Analyze laboratory data for its correctness and locate probable sources of error, including an understanding of standard statistical tests and the concepts of error and uncertainty, and an understanding of the advantages and limitations of current instrumental and other laboratory techniques.

  8. Be able to use the basic principles of physics as presented in the first-year class in a wide variety of contexts, especially the relationship force to motion. Be able to relate scientific principles to observed behavior.

  9. Comprehend the major concepts of Newtonian analysis of motion, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, electric and magnetic fields and optics, including interference.

Assessment

  1. Force Concept Inventory
  2. Capstone Presentation
  3. Research Project Knowledge Scores
  4. Research Presentation Communication Scores
  5. Research Paper Scores

Program Requirements

General Education

MATH 175Calculus I

4
PHYS 499CCapstone and Senior Thesis I

2
PHYS 499DCapstone and Senior Thesis II

1
Total Credit Hours:37

Refer to the General Education section for a complete listing of general education requirements for the University.

Area Requirements

Physics Core Courses

CHEM 111Principles of Chemistry I

4
CHEM 112Principles of Chemistry II

4
PHYS 270Introduction to Scientific Computing

3
PHYS 231Engineering Physics I

4
PHYS 231AEngineering Physics I Lab

1
PHYS 232Engineering Physics II

4
PHYS 232AEngineering Physics II Lab

1
MATH 275Calculus II

4
MATH 276Calculus III

4
PHYS 340Experimental Physics

3
PHYS 353Concepts of Modern Physics I

4
PHYS 354Concepts of Modern Physics II

3
MATH 363Differential Equations

3
PHYS 381Computer Solutions to Engineering and Science Problems

3
PHYS 481Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers

3
Total Credit Hours:48

Computational Physics Requirements

CS 170Introduction to Computer Science

4
CS 303Data Structures

3
MATH 312Numerical Methods

3
PHYS 391Dynamics

3
PHYS 411Thermodynamics

3
CS 420Data Mining Concepts

3
Total Credit Hours:19

Computational Physics Electives

MATH, PHYS, CS, or SSE (electives approved by advisor)

6
Total Credit Hours:6

Free Electives

Free Electives (chosen by student)

10
Total Credit Hours:10

Total Credit Hours: 120