Bachelor Degree in Physics - Saint Petersburg - FL - Florida - Eckerd College - I1626

 PHYSICS

Students who major in physics develop competency in using scientific methodology: in creating mathematical models of real-world systems, manipulating these models to obtain predictions of the system's behavior, and testing the model's predictions against the observed real-world behavior. Mechanical, electro- magnetic, thermodynamic, and atomic/molecular systems are among those with which students become familiar in the building and testing of theoretical models. Problem-solving and quantitative reasoning are among the skills which are developed.

For the B.A. DEGREE, students majoring in physics normally take the following courses:

      Fundamental Physics I and II
      Modern Physics
      Electronics Laboratory
      Classical Mechanics
      Electricity and Magnetism I and II
      Quantum Physics I
      Calculus I, II, and III
      Differential Equations
      Physics Comprehensive Exam

For the B.S. degree, additional courses required are:

      Quantum Physics II
      Advanced Physics Laboratory
      Statistical Mechanics in Thermodynamics

A minor in physics requires the completion of five physics courses with a grade of C- or better, of which at least three are numbered above PH 242.

An example of a program of courses leading to a B.S. in physics:

FRESHMAN

      Calculus I and II
      Fundamental Physics I and II

SOPHOMORE

      Calculus III
      Differential Equations
      Modern Physics
      Electronics Laboratory

JUNIOR

      Electricity and Magnetism I and II
      Classical Mechanics
      Advanced Physics Laboratory

SENIOR

      Quantum Physics I and II
      Statistical Mechanics in Thermodynamics
      Linear Algebra (or other math elective)
      Physics Comprehensive Exam

In addition, physics majors are expected to enroll in the Physics Seminar during their Junior and Senior years. This course meets once per week and one course credit is given for four semesters participation.