SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY   2000-2001 Catalog
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Physics
Science 166
541-552-6476
Panos J. Photinos, Chair

Professors: Panos J. Photinos, Gene A. Stringer

Associate Professors: Thomas P. Marvin, Peter Wu

Adjunct Faculty: Sidney C. Abrahams, George Blount

Careers in physics include astronomy; astrophysics; cosmology; electronics; high school teaching; forensics; health; medical and nuclear physics; high-energy physics; elementary particles; lasers and materials science; computer physics; environmental and atmospheric physics; and theoretical, computational, and mathematical physics. A BS or BA in physics is excellent preparation for a career in law, medicine, or engineering (see the Applied Physics Option and the Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Option below). Through hands-on training, students acquire skills in computing, computer interfacing, and digital electronics, all of which provide highly marketable career paths.

Our graduates have strong placement records with industries in the state and graduate and professional schools nationwide.

Degrees

BS or BA degree in physics with the following options: the standard option, the applied physics option, and the physics-engineering dual degree option.

Co-Major

Business-physics (see printed catalog page 137 for a description of this program)

Minor

Physics

Engineering

The Department of Physics offers a preprofessional engineering program equivalent to the program at Oregon State University. Students completing this program normally apply for admission to the professional engineering program (junior standing) at Oregon State University in the civil, environmental, electrical, nuclear, agricultural, chemical, computer, industrial, or mechanical engineering. See Engineering, printed catalog page 84, for course offerings.

Cooperative Education

A limited number of positions is available each year for students interested in combining practical work experience with their undergraduate program in physics. The University currently has such cooperative agreements with NASA, Johnson Space Center, and other national laboratories. Students in this program receive a salary and other employee benefits. They are also given high consideration for permanent employment upon completion of their degrees. Interested students may apply through the Department of Physics.

Degree Programs

Three degree options are available for students who desire to major in physics:

1. The Standard Option. Emphasizes the coursework expected of students planning to do graduate studies in physics and closely related fields. Students have the flexibility to choose upper division electives in physics and related areas.

2. The Applied Option. Prepares students for industrial employment or graduate work in an engineering program. Allows students to use most engineering coursework to meet degree requirements.

3. The Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Option. Allows a student to earn, in a total of five years, a BS/BA degree in physics from Southern Oregon University and a BS degree in engineering from Oregon State University. The first three years are designed to satisfy all of the engineering requirements for admission to the OSU professional engineering program in the chosen department and most of the requirements for the applied physics option at Southern Oregon University.

During their last two years at OSU, students complete the requirements for the degree in physics from SOU along with the professional engineering requirements. Students are eligible to receive a degree from SOU upon completion of SOU's requirements. For students interested in both physics and engineering, this program provides significant career options.

Teacher Licensing

Students who want to teach physics at the middle school or high school level in Oregon public schools must complete a bachelor's degree in physics before applying for admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at SOU. Interested students should consult the department chair for an appropriate advisor and the Education Department regarding admission requirements for the MAT teacher education program.

This competitive program requires students to prepare in advance to enhance their chances of acceptance into the program. Practica, internships, and volunteer experiences working with children in the public schools prior to application to the MAT program are required.

In addition, proficiency in a second language is required for admission. This requirement can be met by successfully completing two years of a second language at the college or university level or by passing a second language proficiency test at the intermediate level.

Requirements for Major

Candidates for a bachelor's degree in physics must:

1. Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on printed catalog page 30.

2. Complete the core requirements for the major in physics.

3. Complete the requirements for one of the options: the standard option, the applied physics option, or the physics-engineering dual degree option.

4. Complete all of the upper division coursework for the major with a GPA of 2.5 or greater.

5. Complete the departmental writing, computer literacy, and capstone requirements.

Core Requirements

(51 credits)

The following courses are required of all students majoring in physics:

Standard Option

Additional Requirements

Electives

Applied Physics Option

Complete core requirements and 28 credits from the following:

Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Option

Complete core requirements and 28 credits from the following:

Writing, Computer Literacy, and Capstone Requirements

Writing. After completion of the writing requirement stipulated in general University graduation requirements, the department requires majors to develop the written communication skills expected of a professional scientist. These skills may be demonstrated by successful completion of Ph 332 or 345.

Computer Literacy. Recognizing the importance of the computer as a tool of physicists, the department provides training as an integral part of the curriculum. This requirement includes completion of Ph 380 or Ch 371.

Capstone Experience. The departmental capstone requirement is the culmination of the undergraduate educational experience. During the junior year, students must register for Ph 331 in winter and Ph 332 in spring to become familiar with the research of three different faculty members. During the second half of spring quarter, the student submits a capstone proposal for departmental approval after consultation with an appropriate faculty member, who has agreed to assume supervisory responsibility. During the senior year, students earn 3_6 credits for the capstone project through approved activities. Possible capstone experiences include an approved independent research project, practicum project, cooperative education experience, or summer internship program. Upon completion, the project should be described and analyzed through either a written or oral report to the department and an approved group of peers.

Minor

A total of 51 credits is required for the minor in physics.

Lower Division

(38 credits)

Upper Division

(13 credits)

This material is from the 2000-2001
Southern Oregon University Catalog.

Page revised July 23, 2000
Copyright 2000, Southern Oregon University.
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