RockhuRst univeRsity 2012–2014 catalog

Physics (PH)(Department of Mathematics and Physics)ProfessorNancy Donaldson, Ph.D. (Chair)Robert F. Hegarty, Ph.D.An understanding of physical phenomena is essential in all fields of science, engineering,medicine, and technology. It follows that one objective of the physics program is toprovide students with a competence and base of knowledge sufficient for their specificrequirements. Physics, however, is more than the basic science: it is an art combiningtechniques (including logical and analytical reasoning, careful observation, experimentationand mathematical model-building) that can be valuable assets in any field ofendeavor.A second objective, then, is to educate the student in the basic art of formulating andsolving problems. Finally, the basic theories of physics provide a way of perceiving thenatural world. Thus, the ultimate objective of the study of physics is to provide the studentwith a way to appreciate and engage the world with greater understanding.Major Field of ConcentrationThe major concentration in physics leading to a Bachelor of Science degree consists of18–19 upper-division hours of physics and 3 hours of upper division courses in mathematics.The Physics program offers two major tracks designed to emphasize study ineither Medical Physics or Traditional Physics. The medical physics track is recommendedfor those students intending to pursue graduate studies in medicine or healthcare fields,medical physics, or biomechanics/kinesiology. The traditional physics track is recommendedfor those students considering graduate studies in research or applied physics. Agrade of C or better is required in each upper-division course counted toward fulfillmentof the minor requirements. (A grade of C- will not satisfy this requirement.)Below is a summary of degree program requirements for the two physics majortracks:Medical Physics Major TrackPrerequisite:PH 2800 or PH 2850 & 2810 (4)PH 2900 or PH 2940 & 2910 (4)orPH 1700/1710 & PH 1750/1760with instructor’s approval (8)andMT 1800 Calculus I (4)MT 1810 Calculus II (4)Traditional Physics Major TrackPrerequisite:PH 2800 or PH 2850 & 2810 (4)PH 2900 or PH 2940 & 2910 (4)orPH 1700/1710 & PH 1750/1760with instructor’s approval (8)andMT 1800 Calculus I (4)MT 1810 Calculus II (4)Undergraduate College of Arts Programs & SciencesCollege of Arts and Sciences149