Applied Physics, B.S. | Academic Catalog

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.

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics requires students to choose from one of the following concentrations:

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Science
Chemistry
Statistics and Data Science

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.

Major Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics requires students to choose from one of the following concentrations: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, or Statistics and Data Science

Course List
Code	Title	Semester Hours
Lower Division Requirements
Each course in MATH and PHYS must be passed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
PHYS 1600	Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics	4
PHYS 1100	Introduction to Mechanics	4
PHYS 2100	Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS 2600	Foundations of Modern Physics	4
PHYS 1200	Computational Lab	2
MATH 131	Calculus I	4
MATH 132	Calculus II	4
MATH 234	Calculus III	4
MATH 246	Differential Equations and Linear Algebra	4
CHEM 111	General Chemistry I Lab	1
ENGR 1300	Engineering Visualization	2
See below for lower division requirements of each concentration
Upper Division Requirements
To graduate, a student must have at least a 2.0 (C) average in all upper division physics courses.
PHYS 3100	Electrodynamics	4
PHYS 3200	Quantum Mechanics	4
PHYS 3400	Advanced Laboratory	4
PHYS 3300	Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics	4
PHYS 3800	Junior Project	1
PHYS 4800	Capstone Experience	2
PHYS 4810	Senior Thesis	1
MATH 356	Methods of Applied Mathematics	4
See below for upper division requirements of each concentration
*Subtotal*		61

Concentration Requirements

Statistics and Data Science Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Semester Hours
Lower Division Requirements
CHEM 114	General Chemistry for Engineers	3
CMSI 1010	Computer Programming and Laboratory	4
MATH 205	Applied Statistics	4
MATH 251	Applied Linear Algebra	4
Upper Division Requirements
MATH 304	Multivariable Statistics	4
MATH 361	Probability and Mathematical Statistics	4
Select 4 semester hours of upper-division math electives approved by and selected in conjunction with your academic advisor/chairperson.		4
*Subtotal*		27

Chemistry Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Semester Hours
Lower Division Requirements
CHEM 110	General Chemistry I	3
CHEM 112	General Chemistry II	3
CHEM 113	General Chemistry II Lab	1
CHEM 220	Organic Chemistry I	3
CHEM 221	Organic Chemistry I Lab	1
CHEM 222	Organic Chemistry II	3
CHEM 223	Organic Chemistry II Lab	1
Upper Division Requirements
CHEM 340	Physical Chemistry I	3
CHEM 341	Physical Chemistry Lab	1
Select 8 semester hours of upper-division chemistry electives approved by and selected in conjunction with your academic advisor/chairperson.		8
*Subtotal*		27

Computer Science Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Semester Hours
Lower Division Requirements
CHEM 114	General Chemistry for Engineers	3
CMSI 1010	Computer Programming and Laboratory	4
CMSI 2120	Data Structures and Applications	4
CMSI 2130	Algorithms and Analysis	4
Upper Division Requirements
Select 12 semester hours of upper-division computer science electives approved by and selected in conjunction with your academic advisor/chairperson.		12
*Subtotal*		27

Mechanical Engineering Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Semester Hours
Lower Division Requirements
CHEM 114	General Chemistry for Engineers	3
ENGR 2001	Statics	2
MECH 2100	Design and Manufacturing	3
EECE 2220	Instrumentation and Measurement	4
MECH 2210	Materials Science	4
MECH 2200	Mechanical Engineering Lab I	0
Upper Division Requirements
Select 12 semester hours of upper-division mechanical engineering electives approved by and selected in conjunction with your academic advisor/chairperson.		12
*Subtotal*		28

Electrical Engineering Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Semester Hours
Lower Division Requirements
CHEM 114	General Chemistry for Engineers	3
EECE 2110	Circuits I	3
EECE 2100	Circuits I Lab	1
EECE 2210	Circuits II	4
EECE 2240	Introduction to Digital Systems	4
Upper Division Requirements
EECE 3100	Junior Lab I	4
EECE 3130	Electronics	4
EECE 3140	Microprocessor and Microcontroller Systems	4
or EECE 3210	Signals and Linear Systems
*Subtotal*		27

Applied Physics Curriculum