Physics, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, students in the Physics Program at SRU will be:
- Proficient in the basic and advanced concepts of classical and modern physics.
- Accomplished problem solvers capable of applying inductive and deductive logic, mathematical modeling, computational tools, and principles of physics to novel situations.
- Skilled at constructing and assembling experimental apparatuses, conducting and analyzing measurements of physical phenomena, and drawing valid conclusions from experimental data.
- Effective communicators, capable of presenting scientific results effectively to diverse audiences.
- Prepared for a career in science, industry, and education or to pursue a graduate program in physics or related areas.
Related Links
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.00 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.00 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 45 | |
| Modern Language Requirements | 0-9 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Major Requirements | 39 | |
| Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements | 12 | |
| Electives | 36 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
Rock Studies 2 Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 225 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| CHEM 107 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| Physical Sciences Inquiry | ||
| PHYS 211 | General Physics I with Lab | 4 |
| Subtotal | 17 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
BA Modern Language Requirement
BA degree requires language proficiency at the 103 class level. Exemption by placement or examination is possible.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 0-9 credits | 0-9 | |
| Total Hours | 0-9 | |
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
Major Requirements
- 20 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 20 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Physics Courses | ||
| PHYS 212 | General Physics II with Lab 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 213 | General Physics III/ Lab 1 | 4 |
| PHYS 312 | Modern Physics 1 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 314 | Statics 1 | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Mathematical Methods of Physics 1 | ||
| Mathematical Methods of Physics 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 2 | |
| Advanced Physics Laboratory 1 | ||
| Optics Laboratory 1 | ||
| PHYS 412 | Modern Physics 2 1 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 19 | |
| Required Physics Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Dynamics 1 | ||
| Thermal Physics 1 | ||
| Computational Physics 1 | ||
| Electricity and Magnetism 1 | ||
| Quantum 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Related Field Work | ||
| CPSC 146 | Programming Principles 1 | 3 |
| MATH 230 | Calculus II 1,2 | 4 |
| MATH 231 | Calculus III 1 | 4 |
| MATH 240 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 1 | 3 |
| Subtotaal | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 39 | |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- 2
Course can be counted as a Rock Studies 2 Requirement, but earns credit only once toward your 120-credits total.
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Students must take the following four courses: | ||
| CHEM 107 | General Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab 1 | 1 |
| MATH 225 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| PHYS 211 | General Physics I with Lab 1 | 4 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
- 1
Course can be counted as a Rock Studies 2 Requirement, but earns credit only once toward your 120-credits total.
PHYSICS - BA (6 64)
This program is effective as of Fall 2019.
Revised 07-2019
UCC 2.5.2019
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
Recommended Four-Year Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| MATH 225 | Calculus I | 4 |
| PHYS 211 | General Physics I with Lab | 4 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| PHYS 213 | General Physics III/ Lab | 4 |
| MATH 230 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Rock Studies Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus III | 4 |
| PHYS 213 | General Physics III/ Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 107 & CHEM 111 |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 108 & CHEM 112 |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| MATH 240 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | 3 |
| CPSC 146 | Programming Principles | 3 |
| Rock Studies Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 312 | Modern Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 314 | Statics | 3 |
| Rock Studies Requirement | 3 | |
| Rock Studies Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 412 | Modern Physics 2 | 1 |
| Rock Studies Requirement | 3 | |
| Physics Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 331 | Mathematical Methods of Physics | 3 |
| Rock Studies Requirement | 3 | |
| Physics Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 381 or PHYS 382 |
Advanced Physics Laboratory or Optics Laboratory |
2 |
| Rock Studies Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours** | 123 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses. However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year.
Major Code: 6 64
Revised: 09.2019