Minor in Physics or in Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers two minors and seven clusters.
Minors
The department offers minors in both physics and astronomy.
Physics
To minor in physics, a student must attain an average of at least 2.0 in the introductory physics sequences and in all introductory mathematics courses.
Physics Minor Requirements
One of the following introductory sequences:
- PHYS 121, 122 and 123
- PHYS 141, 142 and 143
Three 200-level physics courses, two of which must be from the following:
- PHYS 217: Electricity and Magnetism I
- PHYS 218: Electricity and Magnetism II
- PHYS 220: Practical Electronics
- PHYS 227: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
- PHYS 235W: Classical Mechanics
- PHYS 237: Quantum Mechanics of Physical Systems
- PHYS 243W: Advanced Experimental Techniques I
- PHYS 244W: Advanced Experimental Techniques II
- PHYS 245W: The Advanced Nuclear Science Education Laboratory
- PHYS 246: Quantum Theory
- PHYS 251: Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
- PHYS 254: Nuclear and Particle Physics
- PHYS 256: Computational Physics
- PHYS 265: Introduction to Quantum Computing
The undergraduate physics advisor must approve all course choices.
Astronomy Minor
To minor in astronomy, a student must attain an average of at least a 2.0 in all the introductory 100-level astronomy, physics and mathematics courses. Physics majors can minor in astronomy.
Minor Requirements
One of the following introductory sequences:
- PHYS 121, 122 and 123
- PHYS 141, 142 and 143
AST 142: Elementary Astrophysics
Two 200-level astronomy courses.
One additional introductory astronomy course:
- ASTR 102: Relativity, Black Holes and The Big Bang
- ASTR 104: The Solar System
- ASTR 105: Milkyway Galaxy
- ASTR 106: Cosmic Origins of Life
- ASTR 111: The Solar System and Its Origin*
*ASTR 111 covers the material in more depth than ASTR 104, and is recommended for the minor.
The undergraduate astronomy advisor must approve all course choices.
Clusters
The department offers seven clusters, all in the natural sciences and engineering academic division.
An Introduction to the Physical World (N1PAS002)
This cluster is designed especially for students in the humanities and other non-scientific fields who are interested in learning about the physical world. No background knowledge is required and the material will be presented with very little mathematics.
Science — Discovery, History and Methodology (N1PAS001)
Students examine scientific discoveries in physics and astronomy from the scientist's point of view and compare them to the understanding of science and the scientific process from other disciplines. No background knowledge is required and the material will be presented with very little mathematics.
The Nature of the Universe (N1PAS003)
This cluster provides students with an overview of the study of the universe. Emphasis is on the important concepts with a minimal amount of mathematics.
Quantitative Physics (N1PAS004)
Students in this cluster get an overview of physics using mathematics, including calculus, so that quantitative calculations can be performed.
Honors Physics (Quest) (N1PAS005)
This cluster provides students with an overview of physics using honors-level mathematics, including calculus, so that quantitative calculations can be performed.
Physics in Seafaring (N1PAS006)
Students in this cluster explore the nature of forces affecting or employed by a ship on the high seas.
Science and Technology by Inquiry (N1PAS007)
Students explore what constitutes a scientific theory by engaging in scientific hypothesis testing in the laboratory. This cluster will also expose the students to the design process, specifically the process of determining constraints and optimization of a design.