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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Physics, BS


Banner Code:  SC-BS-PHYS

College: College of Science  
Department: Physics and Astronomy  

The Physics, BS  prepares students for graduate school and careers in education, business, or industry. Students in the fields of mathematics, science, and engineering who are considering a double major in physics should discuss this option with the respective undergraduate coordinators. Note that at least 18 credits used to fulfill the Physics, BS  cannot be used to fulfill another major or minor. Some course substitutions are allowed for double majors, but these should be discussed in advance.

Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees  including the Mason Core . In addition, students must complete a total of 45 credits in the major and 17 in mathematics, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, distributed as follows. The intensive writing requirement is fulfilled by taking PHYS 407 .

This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the Physics, BS/Applied and Engineering Physics, Accelerated MS  or the Physics, BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Physics Concentration) . See each listing for specific requirements.

Alternative Introductory Sequence

Normally, students who intend to major in physics should take the physics introductory sequence (PHYS 160 , PHYS 161 , PHYS 260 , PHYS 261 , PHYS 262 , and PHYS 263 ). Students who decide to major in physics after completing PHYS 243 , PHYS 244 , PHYS 245 , and PHYS 246  may do so but only with written permission of the Department of Physics and Astronomy . Those students are required to take 4 additional credits in approved physics courses.

Degree Requirements


Analytical Methods (3 credits)


Choose one of the following:

Additional Science Courses (12 credits)


Choose no more than 5 credits from the following courses:

Emphasis Options


In meeting all or part of the requirement for 12 credits of Additional Science Courses (above), students may be guided by the following model emphases. Students should plan a program of study in consultation with their advisor.

Emphases and suggested courses for each are listed below.

Emphasis in Applied Solid State Physics

This emphasis is for students who wish to pursue a career in the semiconductor industry. To complete this emphasis, students should take 12 credits selected from the following courses:

Emphasis in Astrophysics

This emphasis is for students who are planning to attend graduate school in astrophysics or pursue a career in industry. To complete this emphasis, students should take 12 credits selected from the following courses:

Emphasis in Computational Physics

This emphasis is for students who wish to pursue a career that applies computers to the solution of physical problems and data analysis. To complete this emphasis, students should take 12 credits selected from the following courses:

Emphasis in Electronics

This emphasis is for students who wish to pursue a career in industry, applying a strong background in electronics to physical problems. To complete this emphasis, students should take 12 credits selected from the following courses:

Emphasis on Graduate School Preparation

Although any of the options listed here provide the successful student with a fully adequate background to enter graduate school, this emphasis is for students whose career goals definitely include graduate work in physics. To complete this emphasis, students should take 12 credits selected from the following courses:

Emphasis in Medical Physics

Physics majors generally have an excellent acceptance record in applying to medical, dental, or veterinary schools. Although there is no formal set of courses within physics that is uniquely suitable, students should meet with a physics advisor and Health Professions Advising.

Because schools in the health sciences vary both in their philosophies and specific requirements, it is wise for students to become aware of such information well in advance of applying for admission. Although specific requirements vary, most programs do require applicants to complete at least one year of biology. Other requirements generally include organic chemistry.

Emphasis in Physics Education

This emphasis is intended for students wishing to pursue a career teaching secondary school physics. The goal of the program is to allow students to receive a license to teach physics in Virginia secondary schools within 120 credits.

It is recommended that students seeking a career in physics education take PHYS 306  and PHYS 307  to fulfill the additional physics requirement (see above) for the major. In addition to the standard requirements for the physics major, students should enroll in 3 credits of directed study in physics laboratory instruction under PHYS 390 .

The following courses are required to qualify for the teaching license. A grade of ‘C’ or better is required for all licensure coursework. Students who complete EDRD 419  and either EDCI 473  or EDCI 483  fulfill 6 of the 12 credits of the Additional Science Courses requirement (see above) and should consult the physics advisor on which courses fulfill the remainder of the requirement.

Mason Core and Elective Credits (55 credits)


In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 55 credits, which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core  requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits