University Catalogue: 2006-07
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.
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.
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 or 308. 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 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, 340, 360, 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.
