Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current] 
    
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current]

Physics (Minor)

Location(s): Main Campus



Program Summary

Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. The subject of physics finds application and provides a deeper level of understanding to many other scientific disciplines. The study of physics is accompanied by the development of problem-solving and analytical skills. The mission of the physics faculty is to ensure academic excellence through the development of critical thinking and scientific reasoning. Our mission is met through the following:

  1. Establishing a learning environment that provides students with a quality, current, comprehensive, and rigorous course of study.
  2. Developing successful students by stimulating curiosity and instilling a lifelong love of learning.
  3. Ensuring students develop communication, creativity, information gathering, and processing skills.
  4. Expectations of faculty excellence in classroom and laboratory instruction.
  5. Support of faculty scholarly activities in pursuit of understanding, knowledge, and discovery.
  6. Service to the university and broader community through engagement and education.

Program Information

  • All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the minor.
  • All prerequisite courses must be passed with “C” (2.0) or better.
  • Courses greater than 10 years old will not be accepted in the minor.
  • Some courses are taught every other year or as needed. Consult your Student Success Advisor for scheduling help.

Physics Minor Curriculum (27-28 Credits)


Elective Courses (3-4 Credits)


Complete one of the following (lecture/lab pairings count as one):

Total Credits, Minor: 27-28


Program Learning Outcomes


Undergraduate students who complete the physics program will be able to demonstrate they:

  1. Understand and can utilize the scientific method.
  2. Have attained a firm foundation in the fundamentals and application of current scientific theories within physics.
  3. Are able to carry out, record, and analyze the results of physics experiments.
  4. Are able to use instrumentation, classical techniques, mathematical methods, and modeling to carry out experiments.
  5. Are able to properly record experimental results and develop conclusions from these experiments.
  6. Are able to identify and solve problems within physics.
  7. Are able to use information searching and retrieval methods to obtain relevant information to a topic, technique, or issue related to physics.
  8. Are able to effectively communicate information and scientific data to scientists and non-scientists.
  9. Are ready to pursue and excel in further education or employment opportunities.