Schools
School of Natural Sciences
Physics (Bachelor of Arts)
The physics department at IUS has a vibrant atmosphere despite its small size. Small class sizes and a small student to teacher ratio are conducive to effective learning, manifested in the fact that the gain scores in national standardized assessment tests in the introductory physics courses are considerably higher than the national average. All full-time physics faculty members at IUS hold a Ph. D. degree. The faculty members engage in research and scholarship and publish regularly in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. Plenty of opportunities exists for undergraduate students to gain professional experience by working closely with faculty and getting involved in their research projects.
Student Learning Goals
- Students will understand the role of empirical data in establishing scientific knowledge.
- Students will understand that, in addition to empirical evidence, science involves skepticism and rational arguments; that it is not an opinion but is rather a reasoned consensus among informed experts that improves over time.
- Students will understand several paradigm examples of the fundamental conceptual models in Physics that underlie our current understanding of the physical world.
Physics BA Residency Requirement
In addition to the University Credit Hour & Residency Requirement, Physics Majors must complete the Capstone Course (PHYS-S406) and a minimum of two upper-level (300-400 level) Physics courses in residence at IU Southeast.
Degree Program Admission Requirements
To be fully admitted to the Bachelor of Arts in Physics degree program, students must meet the School of Natural Science's admission requirements and complete PHYS-P221 (Physics I) with a grade of C or better.
General Education Component
All students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Physics must complete the campus General Education Core Requirements. See General Education Component for all IU Southeast Baccalaureate Degrees for a complete listing of requirements.
Students must also complete the campus BA Distribution requirements as stated in Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements. Courses marked with an asterisk (*) below will satisfy a General Education or BA Distribution Requirement.
Mathematics Requirements
Dept. |
Course Number |
Title |
Credit Hours |
Minimum Grade |
MATH-M |
215* |
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I |
5 |
C |
MATH-M |
216 |
Analytic Geometry and Calculus II |
5 |
C |
MATH-M |
311 |
Calculus III |
3 |
C |
MATH-M |
313 |
Differential Equations |
3 |
C |
Chemistry Requirements
Dept. |
Course Number |
Title |
Credit Hours |
Minimum Grade |
CHEM-C |
105* |
General Chemistry I |
3 |
C |
CHEM-C |
125* |
Experimental Chemistry I |
2 |
C |
CHEM-C |
106 |
General Chemistry II |
3 |
C |
CHEM-C |
126 | Experimental Chemistry II |
2 |
C |
Computer Science Requirements
Dept. |
Course Number |
Title |
Credit Hours |
Minimum Grade |
CSCI-C |
201 |
Computer Programming II |
4 |
C |
CSCI-C |
202 | Introduction to Software Systems |
4 |
C |
Physics Requirements
Dept. |
Course Number |
Title |
Credit Hours |
Minimum Grade |
PHYS-P | 221* | Physics I |
5 |
C |
PHYS-P | 222 | Physics II |
5 |
C |
PHYS-P | 301 | Physics III |
3 |
C |
PHYS-P | 309 | Intermediate Physics Lab |
2 |
C |
PHYS-P | 331 |
Theory of Electricity and Magnetism I |
3 |
C |
PHYS-P | 340 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
3 |
C |
PHYS-P | 441 |
Analytical Mechanics |
3 |
C |
PHYS-P | 453 |
Intro. to Quantum Mechanics |
3 |
C |
PHYS-S | 406 |
Physics Research/Capstone |
1 |
C |
General & Upper-Level Electives
Students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours and 30 credit hours at the 300-level or above. Elective courses may be necessary to complete the minimum credit hour requirements.