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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
coursework 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 103, 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 103, 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 103 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 230-205)
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 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,
151, 211; (2) ten credits in chemistry courses (103, 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 (103, 104) required
for physics major; (3) Geol 110 or 115; Geog 104; Phys 226, 229.
COMPREHENSIVE
MAJOR: PHYSICAL SCIENCE, Teaching
(Code 240-004)
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 230-403)
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 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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