SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
Why Minor in Physics?
Physics is the fundamental science from which many fields of science and engineering developed. Understanding it gives you insights into your field at broad and fundamental levels. This strengthens your abilities to innovate and to see basic connections in your specialization or across disciplines.
Who can benefit from the minor?
A physics minor can provide you with a cross-disciplinary background that is highly valued by industry and academics.
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For engineering majors, a physics minor provides a strong background in fundamentals, giving you the depth and flexibility to explore a wider range of career opportunities, such as in optics or solid state applications.
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A math major with an interest in applied math will find that a physics minor provides the hands-on experience and intuitive background that is helpful in understanding and building mathematical models.
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There are many overlapping areas in biology and physics, especially in biotechnology and biophysics. In medicine, a physics minor differentiates you among the applicants for medical school.
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For chemistry majors, particularly those interested in physical chemistry, a physics minor gives a better understanding of the many overlapping areas of the two disciplines.
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Students can also combine a business or humanities major and a physics minor. In an increasingly technical society, there is a need for managers who understand the science behind the product.
What's involved?
If you are already an engineering or science major, you already, or soon will, have taken several of the courses required for the physics minor.
The minor requirements include the introductory 200-level physics courses, PHYS 237, and several 400-level physics courses for a total of 22 credits. At the 400-level, you can design your own program to include interests in optics, solid-state physics, mechanics, electro-magnetic fields, thermodynamics, or other areas. Note that, depending on your major, some of the classes may fullfill technical elective requirements in your major.
You should carefully plan your program with the help of your major advisor and a physics advisor. Upper division 400-level courses are taught on a rotating basis; each course taught once every two years.
Physics Minor Requirements
PHYS 211 (4 credits)
PHYS 212 (4 credits)
PHYS 213 (2 credits)
PHYS 214 (2 credits)
PHYS 237 (3 credits)
In addition, select 7 or more credits of any 400 level PHYS course, (including no more than 1 credit of PHYS 446, and not including PHYS 494, 496, or 497) for a total of 22 credits.
Career Opportunities
The pace of technological change is increasing. People are expected to chance careers often in the future, and to be involved in continuous education.
Cross-disciplinary knowledge and perspective is increasingly important.
A minor in physics provides a person with basic knowledge and how the physical world works, and skills useful in solving technical problems. Applications of physics can be found in all technical fields.