School of Arts and Sciences
Physics

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Course listings for Physics

Professor
Gerald Crawford

Associate Professors
Martha S. Iverson
Ashley Shultz

The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics is designed to allow students to attain their professional goal of entering graduate work in physics or astrophysics; to obtain technical positions in industry in such areas as energy science, engineering, and electronics; or to obtain preparation for secondary certification in teaching physics in public schools. The geologist, engineer, chemist, and biologist all deal with matter and energy in their various forms. Since physicists probe the physical laws underlying all physical processes, the study of physics becomes the cornerstone for all the natural sciences.

The physics curriculum is predicated upon the role physicists play in a modern, technological world society that is currently experiencing shortages of trained personnel in various scientific areas and in science education. Coursework in physics will provide the student pursuing entrance to graduate school in physics or astronomy with a strong grounding in mathematics and physics, while being immersed in an atmosphere of a broad, liberal education in the humanities and social sciences. This curriculum also will enable a student to enter applied technical fields in industry such as electronics, optics, and aerospace, where there is currently a high demand. Students seeking a degree in physics should consult early in their college career with staff members of the Physics Department.

Fort Lewis College offers three options to the BS degree in physics: traditional Physics, Engineering-Physics and preparation for secondary education teachers in physics. A minor in physics is available for students majoring in other disciplines. Requirements for each option and the minor are listed at the end of this section.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN PHYSICS:
Courses: Credits:
Physics Option:  
General Education 35-46
** Courses marked with double asterisks may also be counted toward TS 1 requirements.
All courses listed under Specific Departmental Requirements, Additional Departmental Requirements, and Auxiliary Requirements from other departments must be passed with a grade of C- or higher.
Specific Departmental Requirements:
**Phys 217Tx, 218 Physics for Science and Engineering I, II 10
Phys 320 Modern Physics 3
Phys 354 Theoretical Mechanics 3
Phys 361 Principles of Electricity and Magnetism 4
Phys 380 Advanced Lab I 1
Phys 381 Advanced Lab II 1
Phys 397W Writing in Physics 3
Phys 400 Science and Human Values 2
Phys 420 Introductory Quantum Mechanics I 3
Phys 496 Senior Seminar 2
Subtotal Specific Departmental Requirements 32
Additional Departmental Requirements:
Additional physics courses numbered above 300 to be chosen from:
Phys 301 Introduction to Electronics 3
Phys 340 Optics 4
Phys 370 Heat and Thermodynamics 3
Phys 421 Quantum Mechanics II 3
Phys 454 Advanced Topics in Physics 1-4
Subtotal Additional Departmental Requirements 6
Auxiliary Requirements from Other Departments:
Chem 150 Fundamentals of Chemistry I 4
**Chem 151Tx Fundamentals of Chemistry II 4
**Math 221Q, 222Q, 223Q Calculus I, II, III 12
**Math 327Q Differential Equations 4
Engr 104 Computer Programming for Scientists and Engineers 3
Engr 201 Electric Networks I 4
Engr 202 Electric Networks II* 4
Subtotal Auxiliary Requirements 35
*Can substitute Phys 301.
Recommended Additional Math - Choose one:
**Math 311Q Matrices and Linear Algebra  
**Math 320Q Numerical Analysis  
**Math 401Q Probability and Statistics  
Other math courses numbered 300 or 400 as recommended by a physics advisor.
Major Totals 73
Free Electives (variable)
TOTAL REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION 120
Note to transfer and former students: If you have taken any of your major requirements and received a different number of credits than listed above, you may need to complete additional major credit requirements.
Engineering Physics Option:  
General Education 35-46
** Courses marked with double asterisks may also be counted toward TS 1 requirements.
Specific Departmental Requirements:
**Phys 217Tx Physics for Science and Engineering I 5
Phys 218 Physics for Science and Engineering II 5
Phys 320 Modern Physics 3
Phys 354 Theoretical Mechanics 3
Phys 361 Princ. of Electricity and Magnetism 4
Phys 380 Advanced Physics Lab I 1
Phys 381 Advanced Physics Lab II 1
Phys 397W Writing in Physics 3
Phys 400 Science and Human Values 2
Phys 420 Introductory Quantum Mechanics I 3
Phys 496 Senior Seminar 2
Subtotal Specific Departmental Requirements 32
Specific Departmental Requirements in Engineering:
Engr 104 Computer Programming for Scientists and Engineers 3
Engr 103 Computer Aided Drafting 3
OR  
Engr 105 Engineering Principles 3
An additional 16 credits of engineering courses at 200-level or higher 16
Subtotal Specific Departmental Engineering Requirements 22
Auxiliary Requirements:
Chem 150 Fundamentals of Chemistry I 4
**Math 221Q, 222Q, 223Q Calculus I, II, III 12
**Math 327Q Differential Equations 4
Subtotal Auxiliary Requirements 20
Major Totals 74
Free Electives (variable)
TOTAL REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION 120
Note to transfer and former students: If you have taken any of your major requirements and received a different number of credits than listed above, you may need to complete additional major credit requirements.
Physical Science For Secondary Teachers Option:  
General Education 35-46
** Courses marked with double asterisks may also be counted toward TS 1 requirements.
Specific Departmental Requirements:
**Phys 217Tx Physics for Science and Engineering I 5
Phys 218 Physics for Science and Engineering II 5
Phys 320 Modern Physics 3
Phys 340 Optics 4
Phys 380 Advanced Physics Lab I 1
Phys 381 Advanced Physics Lab II 1
Phys 397W Writing in Physics 3
Phys 496 Senior Seminar 2
**PhSc 206Tx Astronomy 4
PhSc 405 Cosmic Time Place 3
Subtotal Specific Departmental Requirements 31
Auxiliary Requirements:
**Math 221Q Calculus I 4
**Math 222Q Calculus II 4
**Bio 112N Introduction to Org/Pop Bio 4
Chem 150 Fundamentals of Chemistry I 4
**Chem 150Tx Fundamentals of Chemistry II 4
Technical Electives:
Chosen from Physics, Chemistry, or Geology at the 300- or 400-level, or from Biology at the 200-,300-, or 400-level 8
Ed 421 Individualized Instruction in a Pluralistic Society 6
Ed 424 Language and Math Literacy 4
Ed 495 Student Teaching 15
Subtotal Auxiliary Requirements 53
Major Total 84
(See Teacher Education section of catalog for Teacher Licensing requirements).  
Free Electives (variable)
TOTAL REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION 120
Note to transfer and former students: If you have taken any of your major requirements and received a different number of credits than listed above, you may need to complete additional major credit requirements.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN PHYSICS:  
**Phys 217Tx, 218 (with departmental approval Phys 201, 202) 10
Phys 320 Modern Physics 3
Phys 380 or 381 Advanced Physics Lab I or II 1
Two additional physics courses from the following:  
Phys 301, 340, 354, 361, 370, 420, 421 6-7
Total 20-21