2007-08 Academic Catalog	home FAQs request

PHYSICS

Programs offered:

•  Major in Physics (10.0 course credits in physics plus 4.0 supporting course credits)
•  Minor in Physics (5.0 course credits in physics plus  3.0 supporting course credits)
•  Physics Education major with a teaching license, grades 9-12 (14.0 course credits plus 7.5 course credits in education)
•  General Science teaching license, grades 5-8  (see education) (8.0 course credits in science)
•  Science Area of Specialization for Elementary Education majors, grades 5-8 (see education) (6.25 course credits in science)

Physics Course Descriptions 

Faculty
Bryan A. Luther, chair
Donald Brummond, laboratory technician/instructor
Alice D. Churukian
Mark W. Gealy
Heidi L.K. Manning
Paul A. Seifert

The physics department provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes:

•  demonstrate knowledge of fundamental principles governing the behavior of physical systems
•  apply scientific methodology to identify and solve appropriate physical problems
•  demonstrate competence in experimentation
•  effectively communicate knowledge of physics orally and in writing
•  connect the knowledge and skills gained in the study of physics to holistic concerns of meaningful citizenship, employment and personal development

Major in Physics

The requirements for a major in physics are 14.0 course credits:

• PHYS 111-112 — General College Physics I and II, 1.0 credit each, may be substituted for PHYS 128 and 211, provided grades of 3.0 or better are earned in both.
•  PHYS 128 — Physics for Scientists and Engineers I, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 211 — Physics for Scientists and Engineers II, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 224 — Introductory Modern Physics I, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 225 — Introductory Modern Physics II, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 314 — Classical Mechanics, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 315 — Electrodynamics, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 327 — Techniques for Experimental Physics, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 429 — Quantum Mechanics, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 316 — Statistical Physics, 1.0 credit OR PHYS 317 — Optics, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 430 — Physics Senior Seminar, 1.0 credit

Required supporting courses:
•  MATH 121 — Calculus I, 1.0 credit
•  MATH 122 — Calculus II, 1.0 credit
•  MATH 223 — Calculus III, 1.0 credit
•  MATH 311 — Differential Equations, 1.0 credit

Courses in computer science are strongly recommended. Chemistry courses through CHEM 128 — General Chemistry II are also recommended. In addition to the course requirements listed above, students must complete a senior thesis to graduate with a physics major. The senior thesis is an undergraduate research project involving significant work in theory or experiment beyond that normally expected of students in junior/senior advanced undergraduate physics laboratory classes (such as PHYS 327 – Techniques for Experimental Physics). A formal paper describing the project, surveying the appropriate literature on the topic and discussing the results must be submitted to the department. The paper must be
submitted no later than the end of the third week of the semester in which the student intends to graduate. Approval of the paper by a majority of the full-time physics faculty is required for graduation with the physics major. Students will be able to fulfill the required research component either by working with one of the Concordia faculty on their current research or by participating in a department-approved research experience off campus.

Minor in Physics

The requirements for a minor in physics are 8.0 course credits:
• PHYS 111-112 — General College Physics I and II, 1.0 credit each, may be substituted for PHYS 128 and 211, provided grades of 3.0 or better are earned in both.
•  PHYS 128 — Physics for Scientists and Engineers I, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 211 — Physics for Scientists and Engineers II, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 224 — Introductory Modern Physics I, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 225 — Introductory Modern Physics II, 1.0 credit
•  1.0 credit from courses above the 225 level, not including PHYS 380 — Special Topics

Required supporting courses:
•  MATH 121 — Calculus I, 1.0 credit
•  MATH 122 — Calculus II, 1.0 credit
•  MATH 223 — Calculus III, 1.0 credit

Physics Education Major with a Teaching License, Grades 9-12

Requirements for a physics education major with a teaching license, grades 9-12, are 14.0 course credits plus 7.5 course credits in education:

•  PHYS 111-112 — General College Physics I and II, 1.0 credit each OR PHYS 128-211
— Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and II, 1.0 credit each
•  PHYS 224 — Introductory Modern Physics, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 225 — Introductory Modern Physics II, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 314 — Classical Mechanics, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 315 — Electrodynamics, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 316 — Statistical Physics, 1.0 credit OR PHYS 317 — Optics, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 327 — Techniques for Experimental Physics, 1.0 credit
•  PHYS 429 — Quantum Mechanics, 1.0 credit
•  Successful completion of the secondary/K-12 curriculum requirements.

The required methods of teaching course is EDUC 372 — Methods of Teaching in Science, 1.0 credit. Required supporting courses:
•  MATH 121 — Calculus I, 1.0 credit
•  MATH 122 — Calculus II, 1.0 credit
•  MATH 223 — Calculus III, 1.0 credit
•  MATH 311 — Differential Equations, 1.0 credit

General Science Teaching License, Grades 5-8

A recommended addition to the physics education major with a teaching license, grades 9-12, is the general science teaching license, grades 5-8. The requirements for the general science teaching license, grades 5-8, are 8.0 course credits (see education).