PHYSICS, B.A.

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

Science Building 112
(216) 687-2425
http://www.csuohio.edu/sciences/physics/physics

Petru S. Fodor, Chair
Kiril Streletzky, Undergraduate Program Director

DESCRIPTION

The study of physics provides a crucial understanding of the world around us though the study of the fundamental laws governing matter and energy. The field of physics has been instrumental in the development of advanced materials, electronic and optical devices, and medical equipment, impacting every aspect of our way of life. Studying physics fosters critical thinking, quantitative proficiency, and the ability to research and organize information, and infer new ideas.

WHAT CAREERS CAN THIS MAJOR PREPARE YOU FOR?

The ability to think critically, solve complex problems, develop effective models, and use a broad array of technical tools, makes physicists attractive to employers in the both the private as well as the government sectors. Physicists typically pursue careers in research and development (R&D), science, engineering, medicine, education, law, and finances. Some typical job titles are: R&D/Science/Engineering: Research Scientist/Associate, Material Scientist/Researcher, Optical Physicist/Engineer, Automotive Engineer, Solar Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Test Engineer, Design Engineer, Laboratory Technician; Nuclear Technician, Application Engineer, Laser Engineer, Environmental Scientist, Geophysicist, Meteorologist, Technical Specialist; Medicine/Education/Law/Finance: Medical Physicist, Radiation Health Officer Teacher/College Professor, Patent Law, Data Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, System Analyst, IT Consultant

WHAT SKILLS ARE DEVELOPED WITHIN THIS MAJOR?

Skills developed within this major include: extensive analytical capabilities to solve quantitative problems involving complex data sets; ability to conduct experiments, analyze data and develop theories; broad knowledge of natural laws and technical expertise relevant to all other sciences: biology, chemistry, geology, environmental science and all branches of engineering; proficiency in using computer technology and mathematical modeling; ability to prepare technical reports.

INFORMATION

A Bachelor of Arts in Physics gives an in-depth look into the world of Physics. Because of the significant amount of electives, it is not uncommon to combine a BA in physics with a degree in chemistry, biology, mathematics, education, or engineering!

HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE

Minimum hours required for B.A. major: 47

MAJOR-FIELD REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS OF THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for a degree, of which 42 semester credit hours must be earned in 300- and/or 400-level courses.

REQUIRED PHYSICS COURSES (20 CREDIT HOURS)

The following required physics courses:

• PHY 243 - University Physics I (Writing) or  PHY 241 or PHY 243H  
• PHY 244 - University Physics II (Writing) or  PHY 242 or PHY 244H
• PHY 320 - Introduction to Computational Physics *
• PHY 330 - Introduction to Modern Physics
• PHY 474 - Thermal Physics

•  

  *PHY 320 is required but can be substituted with a course from the following list: CIS 260, ESC 151, ESC 152, MTH 311. The student should be aware that they need 42 credit hours of 300+ courses if they substitute this way.

PHYSICS ELECTIVES (15 CREDIT HOURS)

15 credits of physics electives to be selected from all the 300- and 400-level physics courses.

MATHEMATICS COURSES (12 CREDIT HOURS)

The following required mathematics and computer science courses:

• MTH 181 - Calculus I
• MTH 182 - Calculus II
• Any course or a combination of courses from the following list: MTH 220, MTH 281, MTH 283, MTH 284, MTH 288, or ESC 250. This item must account for at least 4 credit hours.

PHYSICS WITH SECONDARY TEACHER LICENSURE

The CSUteach Program offers an option of an integrated science license (Physics) or a dual program in single-field physics and integrated mathematics. The licensure programs require coursework from the College of Sciences and Health Professions and the College of Education and Human Services. Contact the CSUteach Program for education courses required for undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Secondary Teacher Licensure programs (216-687-4625, JH 170).

Two teacher preparation tracks are available:

• BA in Physics, Integrated Science Licensure, Grades 7-12
• BA in Physics, Physics & Mathematics Licensure, Grades 7-12

See also Education, Adolescent and Young Adult with Licensure.

BA IN PHYSICS, INTEGRATED SCIENCE LICENSURE, GRADES 7-12

PHYSICS COURSES (35 CREDIT HOURS)

• PHY 241 - University Physics I or PHY 243 or PHY 243H 
• PHY 242 - University Physics II or PHY 244 or PHY 244H 
• PHY 320 - Introduction to Computational Physics *
• PHY 330 - Introduction to Modern Physics
• PHY 470 - Environmental Physics
• PHY 474 - Thermal Physics
• 12 credits of Physics electives at the 300 or 400 level

•  

  *PHY 320 is required but can be substituted with a course from the following list: CIS 260, ESC 151, ESC 152, MTH 311. The student should be aware that they need 42 credit hours of 300+ courses if they substitute this way.

BIOLOGY COURSES (12 CREDIT HOURS)

• BIO 200 - Introductory Biology I
• BIO 201 - Introductory Biology Laboratory I
• BIO 202 - Introductory Biology II
• BIO 203 - Introductory Biology Laboratory II
• BIO 304 - Population Biology and Evolution
• BIO 305 - Population Biology & Evolution Laboratory

CHEMISTRY COURSES (11 CREDIT HOURS)

• CHM 261 - General Chemistry I
• CHM 266 - General Chemistry Laboratory I
• CHM 262 - General Chemistry II
• CHM 267 - General Chemistry Laboratory II
• CHM 255 - Principles of Environmental Chemistry

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSES (10 CREDIT HOURS)

• EVS 206 - Introduction to Environmental Science
• GEO 100 - Introductory Geology
• GEO 101 - Introductory Geology Laboratory
• PHY 201 - Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies

MATHEMATICS COURSES (15 CREDIT HOURS)

• STA 145 - Intensive Statistical Concepts with Applications or STA 147 - Statistical Concepts with Applications 
• MTH 181 - Calculus I
• MTH 182 - Calculus II
• MTH 281 - Multivariable Calculus

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION COURSES (38 CREDIT HOURS)

Students will also need to complete additional CSUteach education courses. Please see Education, Adolescent and Young Adult with Licensure, Grades 7-12 for details.

BA IN PHYSICS, PHYSICS & MATHEMATICS LICENSURE, GRADES 7-12

PHYSICS COURSES (35 CREDIT HOURS)

• PHY 241 - University Physics I or PHY 243 or PHY 243H 
• PHY 242 - University Physics II or PHY 244 or PHY 244H 
• PHY 320 - Introduction to Computational Physics *
• PHY 330 - Introduction to Modern Physics
• PHY 470 - Environmental Physics
• PHY 474 - Thermal Physics
• 12 credits of Physics electives at the 300 or 400 level

•  

  *PHY 320 is required but can be substituted with a course from the following list: CIS 260, ESC 151, ESC 152, MTH 311. The student should be aware that they need 42 credit hours of 300+ courses if they substitute this way.

MATHEMATICS COURSES (36 CREDIT HOURS)

• MTH 181 - Calculus I
• MTH 182 - Calculus II
• MTH 201 - Functions and Modeling
• MTH 220 - Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
• MTH 281 - Multivariable Calculus
• MTH 288 - Linear Algebra
• MTH 301 - Introduction to Number Theory
• STA 323 - Statistical Methods
• MTH 333 - Geometry
• MTH 358 - Abstract Algebra
• STA 424 - Probability and Mathematical Statistics

SCIENCE SEQUENCE (7 CREDIT HOURS)

• BIO 380 - Biology Content for Middle School Teachers
• BIO 381 - Bio Content Mid School Teacher Lab
• CHM 380 - Principles of Chemistry for Middle School Teachers

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSE (3 CREDIT HOURS)

• EVS 206 - Introduction to Environmental Science

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION COURSES (44 CREDIT HOURS)

Students will also need to complete additional CSUteach education courses. Please see the College of Education, CSUteach program catalog for details: Education, Adolescent and Young Adult with Licensure, Grades 7-12