About Physics
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Overview
Overview
Our mission is to enhance our students’ intellectual skills through the rigorous study of physics. We offer a spectrum of courses that reflects both the integral character of physics in the liberal arts curriculum and its essential role in engineering and technology.
The program’s goals are to:
- Prepare physics majors for graduate study in physics and other professional careers
- Prepare dual-degree engineering program majors for matriculation at engineering schools
- Support the preparation of students majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics
- Assist other majors in satisfying the college’s general education requirements in science
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Outcomes
Outcomes
Physics majors should identify and understand the fundamental principles of classical and modern physics, and acquire the analytical and conceptual skills needed to apply these principles to the solution of problems of practical interest.
Students should develop an awareness of the implications of the role that scientific and technological advances play in contemporary society. -
Earn the Major
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS
Major Course of Study Requirements
In addition to completing the college’s general education requirements, a student pursuing a bachelor of science degree in physics must complete a program of study that consists of the following four components: introductory physics sequence, core physics courses, physics electives, and mathematics
requirements.
General Education (Core)
33-48 hours
Refer to the general education requirements for more information.
Physics Major
64 hours
Introductory Physics Sequence (12 hours)An introductory sequence of three elementary courses is offered for students who need preparation prior to beginning the core
physics courses.- HPHY 154— Mechanics
- HPHY 253— Electricity and Magnetism
- HPHY 254— Optics and Modern Physics
18 hours
All physics majors are required to take the following seven upper-level courses.
- HPHY 351— Junior Laboratory
- HPHY 353— Mathematical Physics I
- HPHY 360— Thermodynamics
- HPHY 361— Electromagnetic Theory
- HPHY 362— Classical Mechanics
- HPHY 363— Quantum Mechanics I
- HPHY 450— Senior Seminar
Mathematics Requirements
All physics majors are required to take the following five mathematics courses.
18 hours
- HMTH 161— Calculus I
- HMTH 162— Calculus II
- HMTH 263— Calculus III
- HMTH 271— Introduction to Linear Algebra
- HMTH 321— Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations
Physics Electives
9 hours
All physics majors are required to take three upper-level courses from one of the following seven categories.
Traditional Electives
- HPHY 354— Mathematical Physics II
- HPHY 364— Quantum Mechanics II
- HPHY 367— Advanced Optics
- HPHY 452— Senior Laboratory
- HPHY 460— Special Problems in Physics
- HPHY 470— Special Relativity
- HPHY 473— Nuclear and Particle Physics
- HPHY 474 Solid-State Physics
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Earn the Minor
Physics Minor
Although the college does not have a set of specific course requirements for a minor, a number of students find it beneficial to take additional courses beyond the introductory sequence in physics. A minor in physics is available to the student who completes 18 hours of relevant coursework at Morehouse with no grade lower than C. The selection of courses beyond the introductory physics sequence should be made in consultation with the student’s academic advisor and should take into consideration the student’s major, educational goals, and career goals.
Overview
Our mission is to enhance our students’ intellectual skills through the rigorous study of physics. We offer a spectrum of courses that reflects both the integral character of physics in the liberal arts curriculum and its essential role in engineering and technology.The program’s goals are to:
- Prepare physics majors for graduate study in physics and other professional careers
- Prepare dual-degree engineering program majors for matriculation at engineering schools
- Support the preparation of students majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics
- Assist other majors in satisfying the college’s general education requirements in science
Outcomes
Physics majors should identify and understand the fundamental principles of classical and modern physics, and acquire the analytical and conceptual skills needed to apply these principles to the solution of problems of practical interest.Students should develop an awareness of the implications of the role that scientific and technological advances play in contemporary society.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS
Major Course of Study Requirements
In addition to completing the college’s general education requirements, a student pursuing a bachelor of science degree in physics must complete a program of study that consists of the following four components: introductory physics sequence, core physics courses, physics electives, and mathematics
requirements.
General Education (Core)
33-48 hours
Refer to the general education requirements for more information.
Physics Major
64 hours
Introductory Physics Sequence (12 hours)
An introductory sequence of three elementary courses is offered for students who need preparation prior to beginning the core
physics courses.
- HPHY 154— Mechanics
- HPHY 253— Electricity and Magnetism
- HPHY 254— Optics and Modern Physics
18 hours
All physics majors are required to take the following seven upper-level courses.
- HPHY 351— Junior Laboratory
- HPHY 353— Mathematical Physics I
- HPHY 360— Thermodynamics
- HPHY 361— Electromagnetic Theory
- HPHY 362— Classical Mechanics
- HPHY 363— Quantum Mechanics I
- HPHY 450— Senior Seminar
Mathematics Requirements
18 hours
- HMTH 161— Calculus I
- HMTH 162— Calculus II
- HMTH 263— Calculus III
- HMTH 271— Introduction to Linear Algebra
- HMTH 321— Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations
Physics Electives
9 hours
All physics majors are required to take three upper-level courses from one of the following seven categories.
Traditional Electives
- HPHY 354— Mathematical Physics II
- HPHY 364— Quantum Mechanics II
- HPHY 367— Advanced Optics
- HPHY 452— Senior Laboratory
- HPHY 460— Special Problems in Physics
- HPHY 470— Special Relativity
- HPHY 473— Nuclear and Particle Physics
- HPHY 474 Solid-State Physics
Physics Minor
Although the college does not have a set of specific course requirements for a minor, a number of students find it beneficial to take additional courses beyond the introductory sequence in physics. A minor in physics is available to the student who completes 18 hours of relevant coursework at Morehouse with no grade lower than C. The selection of courses beyond the introductory physics sequence should be made in consultation with the student’s academic advisor and should take into consideration the student’s major, educational goals, and career goals.