Minor Engineering Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program Degree Programs Teacher Licensing Requirements for Major Capstone Experience Minor Physics Courses Course Equivalencies for Physics and Engineering Courses |
PhysicsSciences 166
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Panos Photinos, Chair The physics major prepares students for careers in physics, including astronomy; astrophysics; computer physics; cosmology; electronics; elementary particles; environmental and atmospheric physics; forensics; health; high-energy physics; high school teaching; lasers and materials science; medical and nuclear physics; and theoretical, computational, and mathematical physics. A BS or BA in physics is also excellent preparation for careers 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. Our graduates have strong placement records at industries in the state and graduate and professional schools nationwide. Back to top of page.MinorPhysics Back to top of page.EngineeringThe Department of Physics offers a preprofessional engineering program equivalent to the program at Oregon State University. Students completing this program typically apply for admission to the professional engineering program (junior standing) at Oregon State University in agricultural, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial, mechanical, or nuclear engineering. Refer to the Engineering section on page 93 for course offerings. Back to top of page.Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree ProgramPhysics majors may participate in the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program, which enables students to complete the physics degree requirements in three years. For more information, please see page 37 or visit our Web site at: www.sou.edu/admissions/3yb.shtml. Back to top of page.Degree ProgramsFive degree options are available for physics majors: - The Standard Option. Emphasizes the coursework expected of students planning graduate studies in physics or a closely related field. Students have the flexibility to choose upper division electives in physics and related areas.
- The Applied Option. Prepares students for industrial employment or graduate work in applied physics, including biophysics, medical physics, environmental physics, and geophysics.
- The Materials Science Option. Emphasizes the materials aspects of physical science. This option is available through a cooperative agreement between the University of Oregon (UO) Materials Science Institute and SOU.
- The Engineering Physics Option. Prepares students for graduate school or careers at technical companies. Coursework is designed with flexibility that allows students to focus on their engineering emphasis of choice (e.g., biomedical, chemical, electrical/computer, environmental engineering).
- The Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Option. Allows a student to earn, in a total of five years, a BA or BS in physics from Southern Oregon University and a BS in engineering from Oregon State University. The first three years are designed to satisfy all of the engineering requirements for admission to the chosen department of the OSU professional engineering program, in addition to most of the requirements for the SOU applied physics option. During their last two years at OSU, students in this program complete SOU's physics degree requirements, along with OSU's professional engineering requirements. Students are eligible to receive a degree from SOU upon completion of the University's requirements and a minimum of 24 credits of upper division engineering at OSU. This program provides many career options for students interested in physics and engineering.
Back to top of page.Teacher LicensingStudents who would like 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 SOU’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program. Interested students should consult the Physics Department chair. Back to top of page.Requirements for MajorCandidates for a bachelor’s degree in physics must: - Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 33.
- Complete the core requirements for the physics major.
- Complete the requirements for one of the following options: the Standard Option, the Applied Physics Option, the Engineering Physics Option, the Materials Science Option, or the Physics-Engineering Dual Degree Option.
- Complete all of the upper division coursework for the major with a GPA of 2.5 or greater.
- Complete the applicable capstone requirements.
Core Requirements
(51 credits)
The following courses are required of all physics majors:
| General Chemistry (Ch 201, 202, 203) | 9 | | General Chemistry Lab (Ch 204, 205, 206) | 6 | | Calculus I (Mth 251) | 4 | | Calculus II (Mth 252) | 4 | | General Physics (Ph 221, 222, 223) or General Physics (Ph 201, 202, 203) and Problem Solving in the Sciences (Ph 220) | 12 | | General Physics Lab (Ph 224, 225, 226) | 3 | | Methods of Research in Physics (Ph 331, 332) | 2 | | Modern Physics (Ph 341) and Modern Physics Lab (Ph 344) | 4 | | Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences (Ph 371) | 4 | | Computer Methods (Ph 380), Computer Applications in Chemistry (Ch 371), or Computational Methods in Engineering (Engr 373) | 3 |
Additional RequirementsStandard OptionBA degree (25 credits)
BS degree (34 credits)
ElectivesElectives may be chosen from Ph 333, 336, 339, 354, 361, 362, 416, 417, 424, 425, 431, 432, 439, 441, 461, and 471. Up to 12 credits may be substituted with departmentally approved upper division courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, or mathematics. Applied Physics OptionComplete core requirements and 28 credits from the following: | Engr 201, 211, 212 | 6–9 | | Ph 333, 336, 339, 354, 361, 362, 416, 417, 424, 425, 431, 432, 439, 441, 461, 471 | 19–22 |
Up to 10 credits may be substituted with Ph 308, 309, or other departmentally approved upper division courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, or mathematics.
Engineering Physics OptionComplete physics core requirements, including Engr 101, 102, 103, 201, 211, 212, 311, 322, and 323. Complete 24 credits from the following: Ph 333, 336, 339, 416, 424, 425, 431, 432, 439, 441, 461, 471. Up to 10 credits may be substituted with approved upper division courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, or mathematics. Complete 6 credits of the engineering practicum (Engr 409) in a departmentally approved engineering capstone project. Physics-Engineering Dual Degree OptionComplete core requirements and 28 credits from the following: | Engr 201, 211, 212 | 6–9 | | Upper division physics electives (choose from Ph 333, 336, 339, 354, 361, 362, 416, 424, 431, 439,441, 461 or departmentally approved upper division engineering or wood science and technology courses at OSU) | 19–22 |
Materials Science Option
Must satisfy all of the following requirements:
| Complete core requirements | | | Ch 334, Ch 337, Ch 441, Mth 321, and Ph 461 | | | Two approved summer sessions at UO and SOU, total 12-15 credits. | | | 42 credits from the following courses: Ch 335, 336, 340, 341, 442, 443 444, 445, 411, 414, 371; Ph 361, 362, 333, 336, 339, 424, 425, 431, 432, 416, 417, 380, 471, and Mth 421 | |
Back to top of page.Capstone ExperienceThe departmental capstone requirement is the culmination of the undergraduate educational experience. In the junior year, students must register for Ph 331 in winter and Ph 332 in spring; these courses will familiarize students with the research of three different faculty members. During the second half of the spring quarter, students submit a capstone proposal for departmental approval after consulting 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 a written and oral report to the department and an approved group of peers. Back to top of page.MinorA total of 51 credits is required for the minor in physics. Lower Division
(38 credits)
| General Chemistry (Ch 201, 202, 203) | 9 | | General Chemistry Lab (Ch 204, 205, 206) | 6 | | Calculus I (Mth 251) | 4 | | Calculus II (Mth 252) | 4 | | General Physics (Ph 221, 222, 223) or | |
Upper Division
(13 credits)
| Modern Physics (Ph 341) | 3 | | Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences (Ph 371) | 4 | | Physics electives (upper division) | 6 |
Back to top of page.Physics CoursesSee Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses| Ph 100 Fundamentals of Physics | | 3 credits | | Introduces physics, with an emphasis on the relationship of physics to everyday experience. Uses physics principles to examine common questions about the universe. Concurrent enrollment in Ph 104 is recommended. Three 1-hour lectures. | | Approved for general education (Explorations) |
| Ph 104 Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory | | 1 credit | | Laboratory activities designed to complement Ph 100. One 2-hour laboratory. | | Corequisite: Ph 100 | | Approved for general education (Explorations) |
| Ph 112 Astronomy: The Solar System | | 3 credits | | Introduces astronomy, with an emphasis on the solar system. Topics include the origin and history of the solar system; the sun, planets, and moons; comets, meteoroids, and asteroids; a discussion of life in the universe; and the instruments and techniques used in the study of astronomy. Approved for general education (Explorations) if taken with Ph 114. |
| Ph 113 Astronomy: The Stars | | 3 credits | | Introductory stellar astronomy. Explores historical and contemporary ideas about the origin and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the universe; cosmology; and the techniques and instruments of deep space astronomy. Prerequisite: Ph 112. Approved for general education (Explorations) if taken with Ph 115. |
| Ph 114 Astronomy Workshop: The Solar System | | 1 credit | | Practical exercises to accompany Ph 112. | | Corequisite: Ph 112 | | Approved for general education (Explorations) |
| Ph 115 Astronomy Workshop: The Stars | | 1 credit | | Practical exercises to accompany Ph 113. | | Corequisite: Ph 113 | | Approved for general education (Explorations) |
| Ph 151 Fundamentals of Space Physics | | 3 credits | | Describes solar-driven processes and their impact on the earth. Discusses effects such as the solar cycle, solar wind, aurora, atmospheric ozone depletion, disruption of electrical power grids, telecommunications systems, and space weather. | | Prerequisite: Ph 100 or 112 |
| Ph 190 Calculus for Physics | | 1 credit | | For students who wish to begin Ph 221 before completing Mth 252 or who need to review calculus while taking Ph 221. Uses an intuitive approach to the calculus of derivatives and integrals. States and uses elementary theorems without proofs. Meets two hours a week for the first five weeks of the term. Offered P/NP only. | | Prerequisite: Mth 251 and previous or concurrent enrollment in Ph 252 | | Corequisite: Mth 221 |
| Ph 199 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ph 201, 202, 203 General Physics | | 3 credits each | | Algebra-based introduction to general physics for science majors. Emphasizes the application of the major concepts of classical and modern physics and the mathematical techniques of problem solving. Concurrent enrollment in Ph 224, 225, 226 is strongly recommended. Ph 201 and 202 are approved for general education (Explorations). | | Corequisite: Mth 112. Concurrent enrollment in Ph 224, 225 is required for general education credit. |
| Ph 209 Practicum | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ph 220 Problem Solving in the Sciences | | 3 credits | | Prepares precalculus students for the Ph 221, 222, 223 sequence. Covers the study of motion and other areas of physics. Required for students from the Ph 201 sequence who plan on pursuing the physics major or minor. | | Prerequisite: Mth 112 |
| Ph 221, 222, 223 General Physics | | 4 credits each | | Studies the physics principles necessary for further study in the physical sciences, engineering, and modern biology. Topics include mechanics, waves, sound, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and optics. Three lectures and one recitation. | | Prerequisite: Mth 252 or concurrent enrollment in Ph 190 | | Corequisite: Ph 224, 225, 226 (sequence) |
| Ph 224, 225, 226 General Physics Laboratory | | 1 credit each | | Laboratory activities designed to complement Ph 201, 202, 203 or 221, 222, 223. One 3-hour laboratory. Ph 224 and 225 are approved for general education (Explorations). |
Upper Division Courses| Ph 308 Energy and the Environment | | 3 credits | | Offers a systematic study of current energy-related issues, with an emphasis on the environmental impact of energy production and use. Discussions focus on resource limitations, social values, economics, and the politics accompanying energy issues. Offers an introductory-level review of the physics of energy and analysis methods. | | Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division general education requirements. | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) |
| Ph 309 Solar Energy | | 3 credits | | Explores soft energy paths that have emerged from the general awareness of resource limitations. Studies include solar-related options available to a modern society at both global and local levels. Examines the many facets of solar energy technology, including solar electric, hydrogen production, transportation, energy storage, and conservation. | | Prerequisite: Ph 100
| | Prerequisite: Upper division standing |
| Ph 312 Space, Time, and the Cosmos | | 3 credits | | Introduces the basic concepts of modern physics for non-science majors. Major topics include the theories of relativity, quantum mechanics, particle physics, and cosmology. Covers black holes, curved space, and models of the universe. | | Prerequisite: Ph 100 or 112
| | Prerequisite: Upper division standing |
| Ph 313 Acoustics, Sound, and Music | | 3 credits | | Surveys the production of sound in nature and by musical instruments. Emphasizes the scientific analysis of sound characteristics and sound production, from ancient instruments to synthesizers and computers. | | Prerequisite: Completion of general education science requirements
| | Prerequisite: Upper division standing | | Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division general education requirements. | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) |
| Ph 314 Light, Vision, and Optical Phenomena | | 3 credits | | Introduces the basic laws of light, optical instruments, natural and optical phenomena, and vision. Covers the production, transmission, and detection of light; photography; and the processing of optical/visual information. | | Prerequisite: Completion of the general education science requirements
| | Prerequisite: Upper division standing | | Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division general education requirements. | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) |
| Ph 315 Cosmology | | 3 credits | | Discussion of cosmological models through the ages and cultures. Covers forces and fields in the universe as well as prevailing theories of cosmology, assumptions, supporting observational evidence, predictions for the future of the universe, and their ancient parallels. | | Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division general education requirements
| | Prerequisite: Upper division standing | | Approved for general education (Synthesis) |
| Ph 331, 332 Methods of Research in Physics | | 1 credit each | | Introduces ongoing experimental and theoretical research in the department. Juniors should register for this course during winter and spring terms and should spend the last five weeks of spring term preparing their written capstone proposal. P/NP only. | | Prerequisite: Ph 344 |
| Ph 333 Optics and Waves | | 3 credits | | Offers an introduction to optics for science majors. Topics include imaging systems, wave theory, aberrations, diffraction, and interference. | | Prerequisite: Mth 252
| | Prerequisite: Ph 203 or 223 |
| Ph 336 Optics Laboratory | | 1 credit | | Laboratory course in optics designed to complement Ph 333. Provides practical experience with lasers, optical devices, imaging systems, and fiber optics. One 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite or corequisite: Ph 333. |
| Ph 339 Lasers | | 3 credits | | Designed for physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering majors. Covers the fundamental types of lasers and operational characteristics and applications of lasers in physics, chemistry, communications, engineering, industry, and medicine. Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. | | Prerequisite: Ph 203 or 223 |
| Ph 341 Modern Physics | | 3 credits | | Introduces special relativity, quantum theory, the electronic structure of atoms, and selected topics, including band theory of solids, nuclear structure, accelerators and elementary particles, and cosmology. | | Prerequisite: Mth 252
| | Prerequisite: Ph 203 or 223 |
| Ph 344, 345 Modern Physics Laboratory | | 1 credit each | | Includes experiments in modern physics. Emphasizes measurements that give values for the fundamental constants of nature, such as the electronic charge or Planck’s constant, along with computer-based data analysis. One 3-hour laboratory. | | Prerequisite: Ph 226
| | Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in Ph 341 |
| Ph 351 Introduction to Space Physics | | 3 credits | | Uses physical processes and models to describe the flow of particles and fields from the sun to the earth. Emphasizes processes occurring in the earth’s magnetosphere. | | Prerequisite: Mth 252
| | Prerequisite: Ph 203 or 223 |
| Ph 354 Thermal Physics | | 4 credits | | Offers a statistical approach to thermodynamics. Employs the fundamental ideas of probability for small systems of particles to derive concepts such as entropy, internal energy, and chemical potential. Covers applications to a wide variety of classical and quantum systems. | | Prerequisite: Mth 252
| | Prerequisite: Ph 203 or 223 |
| Ph 361, 362 Electronics | | 4 credits each | | Introduces analog and digital circuits, with emphasis on applications in scientific instrumentation, integrated circuits, microprocessors, and computer interfacing. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. | | Prerequisite: Mth 252 |
| Ph 371 Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences | | 4 credits | | Previews basic applied mathematical methods for intermediate students in the physical sciences. Covers infinite series, complex functions, partial differentiation, multiple integration, and vector analysis. | | Prerequisite: Mth 252 |
| Ph 380 Computer Methods | | 3 credits | | Introduces the use of computers for problem solving in science and engineering. Applies programming techniques to integration, differentiation, and modeling. | | Prerequisite: Mth 252
| | Prerequisite: Ph 201 or 221 |
| Ph 399 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ph 401/501 Research | | Credit to be arranged | | Prerequisite: Ph 331 |
| Ph 403/503 Thesis | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ph 405/505 Reading and Conference | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ph 407/507 Seminar | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ph 408/508 Workshop | | Credit to be arranged |
| Ph 409/509 Practicum | | Credit to be arranged (maximum 15 undergraduate credits) |
| Ph 411/511 Physics Laboratory and Instruction Practices | | 1–3 credits | | Involves preparation for instruction of general physics laboratory courses. Students intern with a faculty mentor to prepare lower division lab classes or lecture demonstration materials. Students obtain direct, hands-on experience with preparation for K–12 or graduate school teaching assignments. | | Prerequisite: Senior standing |
| Ph 416/516, 417/517 Quantum Physics | | 3 credits each | | Introduces the basic principles of quantum mechanics. Solves the Schrodinger equation for several elementary systems, including the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, and spin systems. Covers wave-particle duality, degeneracy, parity, and tunneling. | | Prerequisite: Ph 371
| | Prerequisite: Ph 341 |
| Ph 424/524, 425/525 Analytical Mechanics | | 4 credits each | | Covers Newtonian mechanics of particles, rigid bodies, conservation laws, and generalized coordinates. | | Prerequisite: Ph 223
| | Prerequisite: Ph 371 |
| Ph 431/531, 432/532 Electricity and Magnetism | | 4 credits each | | Examines electric and magnetic fields and their interactions with matter. Introduces Maxwell’s equations, which are used to study the electromagnetic properties of matter, electromagnetic energy, and radiation. | | Prerequisite: Ph 223
| | Prerequisite: Ph 371 |
| Ph 434/534 Advanced Physics Laboratory (various topics) | | 1–2 credits each | | Selected experiments in classical and modern physics. Students may register for a total of six courses under these numbers. One lecture and one 3-hour laboratory, or one 3-hour laboratory. | | Prerequisite: Ph 226 |
| Ph 439/539 Modern Optics | | 3 credits | | Involves the analysis and application of Fourier optics, coherence, holography, crystal optics, electro-optics, optical modulation, and nonlinear optics. Two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. | | Prerequisite: Ph 333 or 339 |
| Ph 441/541 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics | | 3 credits | | Explores the theory and experimental techniques of nuclear reactions and elementary particle physics. | | Prerequisite: Ph 341 |
| Ph 451/551 Topics in Atmospheric Physics | | 3 credits | | Involves studies of the sun-driven processes that occur in space near the earth. Topics include thermodynamic and transport processes, measurement methods, computational modeling, and applications to environmental studies. | | Prerequisite: Ph 223 |
| Ph 461/561 Solid State Physics | | 4 credits | | Explores crystal structure and binding; reciprocal lattice; and mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, magnetic, and transport properties of solids. | | Prerequisite: Ph 371 |
| Ph 471/571 Advanced Topics in Mathematical Physics | | 3 credits | | Topics include tensor analysis, Fourier analysis, analytic function theory, partial differential equations, and integral equations. Strongly recommended for students in physics and engineering who are planning graduate studies. | | Prerequisite: Ph 371 |
| Ph 499 Capstone Project | | 1–2 credits a term (maximum 6 credits) | | Involves research inside or outside the department under supervision of a physics faculty member. Project proposals are submitted and reviewed in Ph 331 and 332 during the spring quarter of the student’s junior year. Requires prior departmental approval, a written progress report each term, and a seminar or symposium presentation at the completion of the project. | | Prerequisite: Ph 331, 332
| | Prerequisite: Senior standing |
| Ph 512 Environmental Measurements | | 3 credits | | Examines the instruments and techniques of environmental monitoring. Explores the science of measuring such factors as water and air conditions, solar radiation (e.g., ozone and UV), and radioactive levels. Emphasizes hands-on laboratory and field computer data acquisition and analysis. | | Prerequisite: Ph 223 |
Back to top of page.Course Equivalencies for Physics and Engineering Courses
The following courses are cross-listed in Physics and Engineering:
| Engr 221-3 = Ph 221-3 | | | Engr 224-6 = Ph 224-6 | | | Engr 311 = Ph 354 | | | Engr 322 = Ph 361 | | | Engr 323 = Ph 362 | | | Engr 333 = Ph 333 | | | Engr 336 = Ph 336 | | | Engr 371 = Ph 371 | | | Engr 373 = Ph 380 | | | Engr 461 = Ph 461 | |
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