Physics Minor

Introductory Mechanics (5-6 credits)

This requirement may be satisfied with University Physics I only or with the engineering sequence of Statics and Dynamics.  

Students who took or transferred in with credit for PHYS-241 College Physics I and are considering a Physics minor are encouraged to request a substitution with the minor advisor.  If possible, students who have taken PHYS-241 are encouraged to take PHYS-282 for Physics II.  The College Physics sequence is not preferred because it doesn’t satisfy the prerequisite requirements for required upper-level physics courses, so each will require enrollment approval from the instructor.  

• PHYS-281 University Physics I (5 cr.)

• or both of the following

• PHYS-291 Statics (3 cr.)
• ENGR-292 Dynamics (3 cr.)

Introductory Electricity and Magnetism (5 credits)

Students who took or transferred in with credit for PHYS-242 College Physics II and are considering a Physics minor are encouraged to request a substitution with the minor advisor.  The College Physics sequence is not preferred because it doesn’t satisfy the prerequisite requirements for required upper-level physics courses, so each will require enrollment approval from the instructor.  

• PHYS-282 University Physics II (5 cr.)

Electives (11 credits)

These courses add breadth and depth to the physics experience. 

Take at least 11 additional credits of courses that are PHYS 300-level or higher or that belong to the following list.

Students are highly encouraged to choose as one of their electives PHYS-313 Introduction to Quantum Physics: A Modern Physics Approach, but this is not mandatory.

• PHYS-139 Introduction to Research Methods in Physics (3 cr.)
• CEE-355 Applied Electromagnetics (4 cr.)

• At most one of the following Thermodynamics courses will count as an elective:

• PHYS-222 Thermodynamics and Renewable Energy (3 cr.)
• ENGR-275 Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer (3 cr.)
• ME-390 Engineering Thermodynamics (4 cr.)