Minor in Physics

Program Overview

The Minor in Physics offers an in-depth exploration of advanced physics concepts, preparing students with a deep understanding of physical principles and system analysis skills. It emphasizes proficiency in laboratory techniques and scientific method application. Students refine their communication and teamwork abilities and engage in addressing scientific challenges within diverse communities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Minor in Physics is designed for students who want to delve deeper into physics beyond the introductory sequence. It focuses on upper-division courses.

Requirements:

To be admitted, students must complete the calculus sequence MATH 226, MATH 227, and MATH 228. Additionally, they must finish either MATH 245 or both MATH 225 and MATH 376.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding Physical Principles: Students will comprehend universal physical principles across various areas, such as classical mechanics, electricity & magnetism, relativity, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, astronomy, and astrophysics.
They will also connect fundamental conservation principles to underlying symmetries in nature.
• System Analysis: Students will gain the ability to analyze real-world physical systems, both on Earth and in space.
They'll create simplified models, translate principles into mathematical language, and use appropriate tools (vector calculus, linear algebra, etc.) to predict system evolution. They'll understand limitations due to model approximations and mathematical/computational techniques.
• Laboratory Skills: Students will demonstrate proficiency in basic laboratory skills, including electronics, lasers, sensors, detectors, and microscopes.
They'll prioritize safety practices.
• Scientific Method Proficiency: Students will articulate and apply the scientific method, encompassing model development, hypothesis formulation, experimental design, data analysis, theory consistency evaluation, and result sharing with the scientific community.
• Communication: Students will refine their writing, speaking, and visual data presentation skills to communicate scientific information effectively to various audiences.
• Teamwork and Participation: Students will develop social and communication skills for effective participation in diverse scientific teams.
They will recognize the human aspect of science and the importance of inclusivity in scientific endeavors.
• Engaging with Communities: Students will engage with local, state, national, and global communities to address scientific and technological challenges in sustainable and equitable ways.

Other:

• Minimum Grade Requirements: Lower-division courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.
PHYS 320 needs a grade of C-minus or better.
• Credit Restrictions: No more than 3 units of electives can be taken on a CR/NC basis in courses where CR/NC is permitted.
• GPA Minimum: All coursework for the minor must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
• Upper-Division Requirement: A minimum of 6 upper-division units are necessary for completing the minor.
• Required Courses (15 Units):
• PHYS 230 & PHYS 232: General Physics with Calculus II and Laboratory
• PHYS 240 & PHYS 242: General Physics with Calculus III and Laboratory
• Electives (6 Units):
• Two upper-division ASTR or PHYS courses.
• No more than 3 units of 600-level ASTR or PHYS courses can be used as electives.