Physics Major, B.S. in Education, Standard Secondary Certificate
B.S. in Education, Standard Secondary Certificate
Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
Several MTH courses are required as prerequisites for the physics courses listed below. Prospective majors are urged to begin their study of mathematics in the fall of the freshman year with MTH 132 (or MTH 130, if necessary), and to consult with a departmental advisor as soon as possible for help in scheduling additional MTH courses.
No more than 5 semester hours of credit taken on a credit/no credit basis may be counted toward the physics major or minor. Since the department permits credit/no credit registration only for beginning physics courses, the restriction refers specifically to PHY 145QR and 175.
Although not recommended, the following course substitutions can be allowed for a student who successfully completes PHY 247:
- PHY 130QR in place of 145QR,
- 131 for 146,
- 170 for 175,
- 171 for 176.
Transfer students from two-year colleges can complete a major in physics in two additional years if they have satisfactorily completed a one-year course in calculus and a one year course in general physics (preferably utilizing calculus). Transfer students should consult the chairperson of this department at their earliest opportunity, and in any case, prior to initial registration.
Physics Teaching Majors and Minors
- A minimum 2.7 GPA (B-) must be earned in all teaching majors and minors.
- CHM 131 and 132 are prerequisites for one of the required courses for teaching majors and minors. Students should plan to take these courses early in their careers.
- For students seeking the department’s recommendation for student teaching in physics, the following requirements must be met:
- At least 20 hours of physics (including PHY 505) must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.7.
- At least 6 hours of physics (excluding PHY 505) must be completed at CMU.
Program Requirements
Required Courses (37 hours)
| PHS 563 | Physical Science Practicum | 2(Spec) |
| PHY 145QR | University Physics I | 4(4-0) |
| PHY 146 | University Physics II | 4(4-0) |
| PHY 175 | University Physics Laboratory I | 1(0-2) |
| PHY 176 | University Physics Laboratory II | 1(0-2) |
| PHY 247QR | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3(3-0) |
| PHY 252 | Modern Concepts in Nuclear and Particle Physics | 1(1-0) |
| PHY 277 | University Physics Laboratory III | 1(0-3) |
| PHY 312 | Introduction to Mathematical Physics | 3(3-0) |
| PHY 322 | Intermediate Mechanics | 3(3-0) |
| PHY 332 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3(3-0) |
| PHY 442 | Introductory Quantum Theory | 4(4-0) |
| PHY 450 | Thermal Physics | 3(3-0) |
| PHY 505/CHM 505 | Teaching Chemistry and Physics in the Secondary School | 3(3-0) |
| PHY 507/CHM 507 | Field Experience in Teaching Chemistry/Physics | 1(Spec) |
Physics Electives (1 hour)
With the help of an advisor, select a minimum of one additional hour from courses having as prerequisite a course in the required major sequence.
Cognate Courses (0-20 hours)
Group 1 - Mathematics Prerequisites
Group II - Chemistry Prerequisites
Select one of:
| CHM 132 | General Chemistry II | 4(3-3) |
| CHM 161 | Principles of Chemistry | 5(4-4) |
Total: 38-58 semester hours