Sep 16, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Physics, B.S.


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Physics

The Physics Major

The physics program includes a core of physics courses that will give students the quantitative problem solving skills that are the hallmark of a physics degree.  For students wishing to continue to graduate school in physics, the faculty in physics at RWU engage in research and have been active in incorporating students into their work.  The physics major also allows students who choose to work in industry to select electives from a variety of departments to tailor their degree plan to any of the number of fields open to physics graduates. 

After completing the requirements for a B.S. in Physics, students will be able to:

1. Construct mathematical solutions to quantitative problems involving physical systems at the advanced undergraduate level.

2. Communicate the major ideas of physics to a non-technical audience.

3. Communicate both advanced and fundamental concepts and ideas in physics to a technical audience.

4. Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge of disciplines outside of physics that prepares the student for further work either in industry or academia.

5. Apply the principles of problem solving used in physics to real world scenarios to find innovative solutions.

        

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS            

Majors pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physics must satisfy University General Education requirements and the College speech requirement, COMM 210. They must complete eight required courses in physics and mathematics.  Students must also complete 9 credit hours of physics electives, and 18 hours of general electives.  Majors can choose to specialize in a discipline of physics using these electives, and are encouraged to double major.

 

 

Advanced Theoretical Work


Students must take atleast one of the following courses.  Note that MATH370/PHYS370 and PHYS405/ENGR460 are crosslisted.

Physics Electives


Students will complete an additional nine (9) credit hours of physics electives.  Any course with a PHYS prefix except PHYS109, PHYS110, PHYS201, PHYS202 and PHYS320 will count towards this requirement.  In addition, a course can not count for both the advanced theoretical requirement and as a physics elective.  Courses include, but are not limited to, the following list.

Other Elective Courses


Students must choose an additional 18 credit hours, 9 of which are at the 300 level or above, from the following lists of approved electives.  Note that some of these courses have prerequisites that are not approved electives, but will count toward a student’s 120 credit hour requirement or a second major.

Physics


Any course with a PHYS prefix.

Examples of Specializations


Physicists use many different tools to solve the complex quantitative problems they are interested in.  Some use advanced computational algorithms, while others use good old pen and paper, depending on their own preference and abilities.  In addition, many physicists turn their analytical abilites to solving problems found in other fields, such as engineering or chemistry. 

Physics majors are required to take nine additional hours of physics electives and an additional 18 hours of approved electives.  Students may choose to specialize in a specific discipline using these electives.  Below are suggested choices for different specializations. Other combinations of electives may be designed in consultation with your advisor to allow students to specialize in other fields.  Note that some electives have prerequisites not listed.

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