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Physics and
Astronomy
Phillips
230
(715) 836-3148
http://www.uwec.edu/Lists/Acad.htm
J. Erik
Hendrickson, Chair
Douglas Dunham, Matthew Evans, Lyle Ford, Jin Huang,
Lauren Likkel, Thomas Lockhart, Nathan Miller, Kim Pierson, George Stecher,
John Stupak, Paul Thomas, Scott Whitfield.
To Physics
Course Descriptions
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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MAJORS
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, 365 or both Math 255 and 256*; CS 163; and Chem 101 or
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 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.
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. 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 or 115, Geog 104, Phys 226, plus one course from Geol 102,
301, 308, 418, 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 or
115, 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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MINORS
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 when taken with
an appropriate teaching major.
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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.
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