University Catalogue: 2008-09
Physics and Astronomy
Phillips 230
(715) 836-3148
http://www.uwec.edu/Lists/Acad.htm
J. Erik Hendrickson, Chair
Douglas Dunham, Matthew Evans, Jill Ferguson, Lyle Ford, Jin Huang, Lauren Likkel, Thomas Lockhart, Nathan Miller, Kim Pierson, George Stecher, John Stupak, Paul Thomas, Scott Whitfield.
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.
Special learning opportunities associated with the department include the Materials Science Center (www.uwec.edu/matsci/index.htm), the L.E. Phillips Planetarium (www.uwec.edu/planetarium/index.html), and the Hobbs Observatory at the Beaver Creek Reserve.
MAJOR: PHYSICS, Liberal Arts
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. The Liberal Arts Emphasis requires 36 credits of physics coursework including Physics 231, 232, 332, 333, 350, either 340 or 360, 365, 485; Math 312; and CS 163 or 170 (it is strongly recommended that CS 163 or 170 be completed within the first three semesters). The remaining Physics credits are to be selected from: (a) any physics course above 325, and (b) up to four credits from Physics 226, 229, and Physics/MSCI 301-307. Chemistry (Chem 115 or 103 and 104) is strongly recommended. NOTE: An approved research project must be completed prior to or concurrently with Phys 485 (see Phys 485 course description for details).
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. The Applied Physics Emphasis requires 36 credits of physics coursework including Physics 231, 232, 332, 340, 350, 360, either 365 or 375, 430, 485; Math 312, 345; CS 163 (it is strongly recommended that CS 163 be completed within the first three semesters); Chem 115 (or both 103 and 104); and Engl 305 or 308. The remaining Physics credits are to be selected from: (a) any physics course above 325, and (b) up to four credits from Physics/MSCI 301-307.
NOTE: An approved research project must be completed prior to or concurrently with Phys 485 (see Phys 485 course description for details).
Dual Degree Engineering Emphasis (Code 230-206)
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 bachelors degree in engineering from either the UW-Madison College of Engineering or the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology. The Dual Degree Engineering Emphasis requires 36 credits of physics coursework including Physics 231, 232, 332, 340, 350, and either 365 or both Math 255 and 256* (option depends on engineering program), 485 or a senior design course from Madison or Minnesota which is on the list of approved engineering capstone courses that can be obtained from an adviser, computer science course (appropriate course depends on engineering program) and Math 312. The remaining Physics credits are to be selected from any physics course above 325. However, up to four of the remaining credits can be selected from Phys 226, 229, and Phys/MSCI 301-307. To receive the UW-Eau Claire Dual Degree Engineering 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 General Education and Dual Degree physics requirements while at UW-Eau Claire before transferring to the engineering school. Students must complete 84 semester credits before transferring to the engineering school, 56 of which must be taken in residency at UW-Eau Claire, with a minimum of 12 upper-division credits of physics and a minimum of six credits of mathematics taken at UW-Eau Claire.
NOTE: Student electing to take Phys 485 must enroll during fall semester of their final year at UW-Eau Claire. An approved research project or internship must be completed prior to or concurrently with Phys 485 (see Phys 485 course description for details).
*NOTE: Math 255 and 256 together count for four semester credits of physics coursework.
MAJOR: PHYSICS, Teaching (Code 230-205)
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 103, 104, and Math 114, 215, 216 are also required. This major is restricted to students in the College of Education and Human Sciences: Curriculum and Instruction: Option B and leads to licensure to teach Physics in Early Adolescence through Adolescence classrooms. It is often combined with a mathematics or chemistry teaching 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. At least 14 credits from one of the following areas: (1) Biol 110, 111, 151, 211; (2) Chem 103 and 104, or 115; additional courses selected from 213, 218, 325; (3) one of Geol 106, 110, 115, or 130 and 131; Geog 104 or 340 or 361; Phys 226; additional courses from Geol 102, 301, 303, 308; Phys 229; Geog 199, 304, 340, 361.
B. Eight credits in each of the two areas not selected in A above: (1) Biol 100, 151; (2) Chem 103 or 115, plus 104 or 150; (3) one of Geol 106, 110, 115, 130 and 131, or Geog 104; and Phys 226 or 229.
COMPREHENSIVE MAJOR: PHYSICAL SCIENCE, Teaching (Code 240-004)
See Multidisciplinary Programs.
COMPREHENSIVE MAJOR: PHYSICS-MATHEMATICS, Teaching
See Multidisciplinary Programs.
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 230-403)
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 is restricted to students in the College of Education and Human Sciences: Curriculum and Instruction: Option B or C and leads to licensure to teach Physics in Early Adolescence through Adolescence classrooms.
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN PHYSICS
Eligibility: Completion of Phys 332 and a resident GPA of 3.50 and a 3.50 GPA in the major.
Procedure: A written application for Departmental Honors in Physics must be approved by the student's adviser and the chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department.
Requirements:
1. Complete the required courses for the Liberal Arts major in Physics.
2. Complete two courses selected from among Phys 375, 430, 445, 465, and 475.
3. Maintain a 3.50 GPA.
4. For the required senior project (see Phys 485), also complete written paper approved by the project adviser.
