Physics
Science 166
541-552-6476
Panos J. Photinos, Chair
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Physics
Panos J. Photinos, Chair |
SOU CATALOG HOME : SCHOOLS AND DEPARTMENTS : PHYSICS : COURSES
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 and cosmology; electronics and computer physics; environmental and atmospheric physics; high school teaching; forensics; health; medical and nuclear physics; high energy physics and elementary particles; lasers and materials science; 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 with graduate and professional schools nationwide.
BS or BA degree in physics with the following options: the standard option, the applied physics option, and the physics-engineering dual-degree option.
Business-Physics. See page printed catalog page 136 for a description of this program.
Physics
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 fields. See Engineering, page 87, for course offerings and a typical program.
A limited number of positions are 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 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.
Three degree options are available for students who desire to major in physics:1. The Standard Option. Emphasizes the coursework that is expected for students planning to do graduate studies in physics and closely related fields. It also includes 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. It allows the student to use most coursework in engineering 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 department of their choice and most of the requirements for the applied physics option at Southern Oregon University.
In the 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 the degree from SOU upon completion of SOU's requirements. This is a program for students with interest in both physics and engineering and provides significant career options.
Students who want to teach physics at the middle school and/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 also consult the Education Department regarding admission requirements for the MAT teacher education program.This competitive program requires students to prepare in advance to enhance their 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, admission requires proficiency in a second language. 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.
Candidates for a bachelor's degree in physics must:1. Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on printed catalog page 31.
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.
(51 credits)
Complete core requirements and 28 credits from the following:
Complete core requirements and 28 credits from the following:
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 345 or 332.Computer Literacy. In recognition of 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 36 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/or an approved group of peers.
(38 credits)
(13 credits)