3460 Physics

Programs Offered:

  1. Bachelor of Science in Physics
  2. Standard Program in Physics
  3. Minor in Physics

Department of Physics and Astronomy
400 Science Annex
404/413-6033
www.Phy-Astr.gsu.edu

H. Richard Miller, Chair
D. Michael Crenshaw, Undergraduate Director
Brian Thoms, Undergraduate Director

All degree programs described below are built on a core of 21 semester hours of physics numbered 3300 or above and 3 semester hours of mathematics at the 3000 level. The standard program is designed to prepare the student for graduate school or immediate employment upon graduation. Students selecting the standard program must complete 21 semester hours of physics, astronomy and mathematics beyond the core set of physics and mathematics courses listed below. As an alternative to the standard program, courses in one of several specific areas of concentration may be chosen as described below. The available areas of concentration are applied physics, astronomy, pre-medicine, biophysics, geology, and computer science.

A central objective of Georgia State University is that all graduates from its programs will be proficient in writing, critical and analytical thinking, and use of information resources. In support of this objective, the Department of Physics and Astronomy explicitly incorporates activities to develop these skills as appropriate in each course.

To schedule an effective program of study, it is very important that all students intending to major in physics consult with the physics faculty adviser as soon as possible. Physics majors should pay special attention to the early completion of the mathematical requirements if they are to complete their physics requirements during the usual four-year span. The first calculus course should be taken during the freshman year, and the second and third calculus courses should be completed during the sophomore year. The department recommends that General Chemistry I and II be taken during the freshman year. The beginning physics sequence (Physics 2211K-2212K) should be completed before the end of the sophomore year. Students who enter the physics major after completing a non-calculus level elementary physics sequence should consult with their departmental adviser on the best method of preparing for more advanced courses in physics.

The degree programs described below do not require a foreign language. However, the department recommends that students continue their high school experience to a level of competency equivalent to Georgia State's 1002 level or higher.

Program Degree Requirements

In addition to the Program Degree Requirements, students must fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences Degree Requirements (see section 3030) and the University Degree Requirements (see section 1400).

Program Financial Information

Effective summer 2009, lab fees will be assessed automatically for students who register for certain courses. As a result, students will no longer be required to purchase lab fee cards. For more information, please feel free to contact the department. For a complete list of courses and their respective fees, go to General Registration Information at www.gsu.edu/es/20272.html.

B.S. in Physics

Areas A-E: Core Curriculum Recommendations

  1. Required course:
  2. Required course:
  3. Recommended courses:

Area F: Courses Appropriate to the Major (18)*

  1. Required Course
  2. Required Courses (Unless used to satisfy Area D requirements)
  3. To complete 18 semester hours in Area F, select additional courses from the following list that were not used to satisfy the Area A or D requirements.*

*Required Lower Division Courses

All students majoring in physics must complete the following set of courses: Phys 2211K, 2212K, Chem 1211K, 1212K, Math 2212, and 2215. Any semester hours exceeding 18 earned to complete the lower division and Area F requirements will count toward elective hours.

Area G: Major Courses

A grade of C or higher is required in all major courses. The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers several concentrations within the B.S. degree program for the physics major. The standard program is recommended for those who plan to pursue graduate study in physics, or who plan to seek immediate employment upon graduation. Other options include concentrations in applied physics, astronomy, pre-medicine, biophysics, geology, and computer science. Course requirements listed below for each of the options are in addition to the courses listed under Area F and the required lower division courses listed above. The standard program and all concentrations are centered on the 21-hour core of physics courses and the three-hour core of mathematics courses listed below.

Physics and Mathematics Core (24)

  1. Required Courses to Fulfill CTW Requirement (6)
  2. Additional Physics Requirements (15)
  3. Mathematics Requirements (3)

Standard Program in Physics (21)

To meet the requirements for the degree with the standard program, the core set of physics and mathematics courses must be completed along with additional physics and mathematics courses as described below:

  1. Required course (9)
  2. Physics and Astronomy Courses. Select nine hours from the following (9):
  3. Mathematics and Computer Science Courses: Select one course. (3)

Applied Physics Concentration (21)

In addition to the core courses in physics and mathematics, the applied physics concentration allows courses from other sciences and engineering to complete the program in physics-related areas. Engineering courses are available through cross registration at the Georgia Institute of Technology. At least 18 semester hours must be completed at the 3000 level or above, and at least nine semester hours must be selected from science and/or engineering courses offered by other departments. The overall program must be developed in consultation with a faculty adviser within the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Astronomy Concentration (21)

In addition to the core set of physics and mathematics courses, the astronomy concentration consists of 10 semester hours in astronomy courses (Astr 3500, 4000, 4010, and 4100), and others from the list below, to complete the requirements for the degree. (Although not a requirement, the department recommends that students take Astr 1010 and/or Astr 1020 before the junior year.)

  1. Required courses (10)
  2. Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science Courses. Select six hours from the following: (11)

Pre-Medicine Concentration (21)

In addition to the core set of physics and mathematics courses, the pre-medicine concentration allows courses from biology and chemistry to complete the requirements for the degree. The concentration also provides the set of physics, chemistry, and biology courses required for admission to most medical schools. Note that Biol 2107K and 2108K are prerequisites for Biol 3800 and other upper-division biology courses.

  1. Required Chemistry courses (12)
  2. Required Biology courses. Select one of the following (3):
  3. Electives. Select six hours from the following (6):

Biophysics Concentration (21)

In addition to the core set of physics and mathematics courses, the biophysics concentration allows biology and chemistry courses to complete the requirements for the degree. The courses should be chosen from the list below and provide background in several areas including biochemical, biomolecular, and neural sciences. This concentration provides excellent preparation for advanced study in biological physics and for admission to M.D./Ph.D. programs. Note that Biol 2107K and 2108K are prerequisites for Biol 3800 and other upper-division biology courses.

  1. Required courses (7)
  2. Select 14 hours from the following: (Chem 3410, Organic Chemistry II, is a prerequisite for many other courses listed.) (14)

Geology Concentration (21)

In addition to the core set of physics and mathematics courses, this concentration allows geology courses to complete the requirements for the degree. The courses should be chosen from the list below. Note that Geol 1121K and 1122K are prerequisites for upper-division geology courses.

  1. Required courses (4)
  2. Electives: Select 12 hours from the following (or other approved 3000-4000 geology courses) (12)
  3. Electives: Select six hours from the following (5):

Computer Science Concentration (21)

In addition to the core set of physics and mathematics courses, this option allows courses in computer science and related areas to complete the requirements for the degree. The courses should be chosen from the list below. Note that CSc 2010, 2310 and 2510 are prerequisites for upper-division computer science courses.

  1. Required Physics course (3)
  2. Electives: Select 12 hours of courses from the following (or other approved computer science courses) (12)
  3. Electives. Select six hours from the following (6):

Area H: Minor and/or Additional Courses

  1. Students earning a B.S. through the Department of Physics and Astronomy are not required to take a minor.
  2. Additional courses must be taken as electives to complete a minimum of 120 semester hours, exclusive of 1000/2000 physical education, health, or military science courses. Although not a requirement, the department recommends that physics majors take these elective courses at the 2000 level or above in mathematics, computer science, chemistry, biology, geology, physics, or astronomy. (Consult with the departmental academic adviser.)

Minor in Physics

Students who wish to minor in physics must take at least 15 semester hours in physics and/or astronomy courses, including at least nine semester hours at the 3000 level or above. Students taking more than 15 semester hours in these courses may count the additional hours toward their electives or may consider completing a double major. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses counting toward the minor.