Physics,
the science of matter and energy, is the study of the deepest mysteries of
our universe, ranging from subatomic particles to cosmology. Exploring
ideas of space, time, matter, energy, and radiation, it serves as the
basis for the physical sciences. Modern society is influenced by physics
in countless ways, including recent developments in such fields as laser
optics, miniaturized electronics, nuclear energy, and medical
instrumentation.
Beyond the earth, astronomy
applies the ideas of physics to the study of planets, stars, galaxies and
all celestial phenomena within reach of our telescopes. Since the two
areas share a vast array of common ideas and knowledge, new discoveries in
physics often aid progress in astronomy and vice versa.
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MAJOR:
PHYSICS, Liberal Arts
All liberal
arts physics emphases require 36 semester credits of physics course work
including Phys 231, 232, 332, 350, and 485, with the remaining credits
selected from Phys 226 or 229 (one not both) or any physics course above
325. Math 311 is also required.
NOTE: An
approved research project must be completed prior to or concurrently with
Phys 485 (see Phys 485 course description for details).
Students
selecting this major will choose one of the following emphases.
Liberal Arts
Emphasis (Code
230-201)
The Liberal
Arts Emphasis is the traditional physics major, providing preparation for
graduate school as well as a broad range of careers in business and
industry following completion of the baccalaureate degree. In
addition to the requirements above, this emphasis requires Phys 333,
either Phys 340 or 360, Phys 365, and CS 163 or 170 (it is
strongly recommended that CS 163 or 170 be completed within the first
three semesters). One course in chemistry (Chem 115 or 101, 104) is
strongly recommended.
Applied
Physics Emphasis
(Code 230-203)
This emphasis
focuses on physics applications of relevance to industrial and engineering
employment environments following completion of the baccalaureate degree.
In addition to the requirements above, this emphasis requires Phys 340,
360, either 365 or 375, 430, Math 345, CS 163 (it is strongly
recommended that CS 163 be completed within the first three semesters),
Chem 115 (or both 101, 104), and Engl 305. Math 443 and CJ 202 are
recommended.
Dual Degree
Emphasis (Code
230-204)
This emphasis
combines the benefits of a traditional physics degree with those of a
formal engineering education. In this program students receive a UW-Eau
Claire physics degree in conjunction with a bachelor’s degree in
engineering from either the University of Minnesota Institute of
Technology or the UW-Madison College of Engineering. In addition to the
requirements above, this emphasis requires Phys 340, Phys 365 or both Math
255 and Math 256*, CS 163, and Chem 101 or Chem 115. Students must enroll
in Phys 485 during the fall semester of their junior year. To receive the
UW-Eau Claire Dual Degree Emphasis physics degree the student must
complete an engineering degree from one of the above schools. Students
will typically complete most of the UW-Eau Claire University requirements
and Dual Degree physics requirements while at UW-Eau Claire before
transferring to the engineering school. Students must complete a minimum
of 84 semester credits before transferring to the engineering school, 56
of which must be taken in residency at UW-Eau Claire, a minimum of 12
upper division credits of physics courses taken at UW-Eau Claire, and a
minimum of six credits of mathematics courses taken at UW-Eau Claire.
* Note: Math
255 and Math 256 together count for four semester credits of physics
coursework.
MAJOR:
PHYSICS, Teaching (Code 230-202)
Thirty-six
semester credits of Physics, including Phys 231, 232, 332, 340, 350, and
at least 15 credits selected from Phys 226, 229, or any physics course
numbered above 325. Chem 101, 104, and Math 114, 215, 216 are also
required. This major leads to licensure to teach in Early Adolescence
through Adolescence classrooms (formerly grades 9-12). It is often
combined with a mathematics or chemistry minor.
NOTE:
Completion of the following requirements and CI 367 may be used in lieu of
a minor and adds Broadfield Science licensure to the teaching major:
A. Fourteen
credits from one of the following areas: (1) Biol 110, 111, 195, and 312;
(2) ten credits in chemistry courses (101, 104) required for physics
major, plus Chem 213; (3) Geol 110, Geog 104, Phys 226, plus one course
from Geol 102, 301, 308, 318, or Phys 229.
B. Eight
credits in each of the two areas not selected in A above: (1) Biol 110,
111; (2) ten credits in chemistry courses (101, 104) required for physics
major; (3) Geol 110, Geog 104, Phys 226, 229.
COMPREHENSIVE
MAJOR: PHYSICAL SCIENCE, Teaching
(Code 240-003)
See Multidisciplinary
Programs.
COMPREHENSIVE
MAJOR: PHYSICS-MATHEMATICS, Teaching
See Multidisciplinary
Programs.
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MINOR:
PHYSICS, Liberal Arts (Code 230-401)
Twenty-four
semester credits of Physics including Phys 231, 232, and 332 and 11 or
more credits selected from any Physics courses except 100, 211, and 212.
Math 215 is also required. It is recommended that students minoring in
physics consult the Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy in
planning a program.
MINOR:
PHYSICS, Teaching (Code 230-402)
Twenty-four
semester credits of Physics, including Phys 231, 232, 332, 350, and at
least seven credits selected from Phys 226, 229, or any physics course
numbered above 325. Math 114, 215 and eight credits from one of the
following fields—Biology, Chemistry, or Geology—are also required.
This minor leads to licensure to teach in Early Adolescence through
Adolescence classrooms (formerly grades 9-12) when taken with an
appropriate teaching major.
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