Physics

Objectives: To provide background in basic physics, emphasizing laboratory skills and knowledge which students will need in industrial or government employment or a science teaching career; to stress applications of analytical software and mathematical techniques.
Requirements: Core courses are 201, 202, 311, and five additional courses selected in consultation with the department. The senior project is completed as part of a 460 or 470 course within the core. The college mathematics requirement is met by Mathematics 151, 152, 253, and 353. Students also select a minor in another discipline or the following contextual and support courses: Computer Science 180 or 190; Chemistry 111, 112, and 312; and three courses chosen in consultation with the department from Mathematics 321, 360, 440, 451, 453, 473; Computer Science 210, 240, 270, 380, and 410 (note: 190 is prerequisite for these courses); Chemistry 211, 212, 221, 313, 411, 422.Physics (B.S.)
Objectives: To provide background in basic physics preparing students for entry into graduate school or engineering programs; to stress applications of analytical software and mathematical techniques.
Requirements: Core courses are 201, 202, 311, 321, 411, and 421. Three additional courses are selected in consultation with the department from other upper division courses. The senior project may consist of satisfactory performance on the Advanced Physics section of the Graduate Record Examination, successful completion of an internship, or a comprehensive examination given during the first term of the senior year. The contextual and support courses are Chemistry 111, 112, 312; Computer Science 180 or 190; and two courses chosen in consultation with the department from Chemistry 211, 212, 221, 313, 411, and 422; Computer Science 210, 240, 270, 380, and 410 (note: 190 is prerequisite for these courses); and Mathematics 321, 360, 440, 451, 453, and 473. The college mathematics requirement is met by Mathematics 151, 152, 253, and 353. The department encourages students to consider a double major in physics and mathematics, or physics and chemistry.

Teacher Preparation (B.A. or B.S.)
Objective: To enable students to meet Virginia requirements for licensure to teach physics and, under certain circumstances, other related subjects.
Departmental requirements: Except for the senior project and the support courses, teacher preparation students should complete the above requirements for the B.A. or the B.S. degree.
General education requirements: The student should select general education courses to meet state licensure requirements while fulfilling college graduation requirements. The college mathematics requirement is met by Mathematics 151 and Statistics 161. The college computer proficiency requirement is met by Computer Information Management 140.
Requirements in professional studies: Core courses are Education 114, 115 (two enrollments), Psychology 305, Education 370, 440, 441 (student teaching), 445, 449, and 450. (Note: Education 440, 441, and 450 are taken in the professional semester.) Additional coursework must include Speech 150 and History 211 or 212. A course chosen from Physical Education 231, 232, and 251 is recommended. Student Teaching is the senior project. Students should consult with faculty advisors in the Neff Education Center for assistance in planning for fulfillment of licensure requirements. Note that requirements in some areas overlap with those in other areas, making it possible for students to complete more than one optional endorsement area.

Minor in Physics
A student may minor in physics by completing five courses or 18 semester hours as follows: 201, 202, 311, and two additional courses, both of which must be at the 300 or 400 level.