Objectives
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics is an interdisciplinary program that integrates the core physics curriculum with those of other majors. Students will choose the appropriate sequence of courses that matches their career aspirations in consultation with their advisor. By combining different perspectives, tools, and ideas, Applied Physics majors will be prepared to address some of today’s and tomorrow’s most challenging problems. In addition to regular coursework, all Applied Physics majors must complete a senior thesis project as a graduation requirement. This hands-on research experience with faculty from Physics and other disciplines exposes students to the type of work encountered in graduate school and industry, and enhances their undergraduate portfolio. Upon graduation, students are prepared to be successful in traditional physics career as well as in new and emerging fields.
Learning Outcomes
Applied Physics majors will be able to:
- Comprehend the concepts and theories of classical and modern physics, as well as the discoveries and inquiries of contemporary physics.
- Solve problems using the relevant mathematical methods.
- Design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret the resulting data.
- Form new inferences about the physical world by carrying out scientific investigations.
- Communicate effectively core physical principles, experimental results, and analysis of physical problems.
- Demonstrate ethical and unbiased behaviors while engaging in scientific endeavors.
Applied Physics Curriculum
(127-128 S.H.)
Plan of Study Grid
| First Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| CHEM 111 |
General Chemistry I Lab |
1 |
| CHEM 114 |
General Chemistry for Engineers |
3 |
| FFYS 1000 |
First Year Seminar |
4 |
| MATH 131 |
Calculus I |
4 |
| PHYS 1600 |
Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics |
4 |
| | Semester Hours | 16 |
| Spring |
|---|
| ENGR 1300 |
Engineering Visualization |
2 |
| MATH 132 |
Calculus II |
4 |
| PHYS 1100 |
Introduction to Mechanics |
4 |
| PHYS 1200 |
Computational Lab |
2 |
| RHET 1000 |
Rhetorical Arts |
3-4 |
| | Semester Hours | 15-16 |
| Sophomore Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| PHYS 2100 |
Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism |
4 |
| MATH 234 |
Calculus III |
4 |
| MATH 246 |
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra |
4 |
| EECE 2110 |
Circuits I |
3 |
| EECE 2100 |
Circuits I Lab |
1 |
| | Semester Hours | 16 |
| Spring |
|---|
| PHYS 2600 |
Foundations of Modern Physics |
4 |
| EECE 2210 |
Circuits II |
4 |
| EECE 2240 |
Introduction to Digital Systems |
4 |
|
4 |
| | Semester Hours | 16 |
| Junior Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| PHYS 3100 |
Electrodynamics |
4 |
| EECE 3100 |
Junior Lab I |
4 |
| EECE 3130 |
Electronics |
4 |
| MATH 356 |
Methods of Applied Mathematics |
4 |
| | Semester Hours | 16 |
| Spring |
|---|
| PHYS 3300 |
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
4 |
| PHYS 3800 |
Junior Project |
1 |
|
4 |
|
Signals and Linear Systems |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
4 |
| | Semester Hours | 17 |
| Senior Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| PHYS 3200 |
Quantum Mechanics |
4 |
| PHYS 4800 |
Capstone Experience |
2 |
|
4 |
|
Microprocessor and Microcontroller Systems |
|
|
|
|
4 |
| | Semester Hours | 14 |
| Spring |
|---|
| PHYS 4810 |
Senior Thesis |
1 |
| PHYS 3400 |
Advanced Laboratory |
4 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
| | Semester Hours | 17 |
| | Minimum Semester Hours | 127-128 |
Note:
Senior Year Fall Semester Dean’s List requires a minimum of 14 semester hours
Applied Physics majors are required to take a minimum of 32 semester hours to fulfill the University Core. If a student chooses to take one or more core courses that are not 4 semester hours, they may need to take additional core courses to meet the 32 unit requirement.
