MATHEMATICAL CORE

Take the following courses:

MA-130 Calculus I

4 CreditsN, QM

MA-230 Calculus II

4 CreditsN, QMPrerequisite: MA130

MA-235 Calculus III

4 CreditsN, QMPrerequisites: MA230.

MA-335 Differential Equations

4 CreditsN, QMPrerequisites: MA130 and MA230 and MA235 or MA233.


PHYSICS CORE

Take the following courses:

PC-189 Physics Seminar

1 Credit  

PC-202 Intro Physics I

3 CreditsN, QM, WK-FRCorequisite: PC-202L. Corequisite or Prerequisite: MA-130 or MA-230.

PC-202L Intro Physics Lab I

1 CreditNCorequisite: PC-202. Prerequisite or corequisite: MA-130 or MA-230.

PC-203 Intro Physics II

3 CreditsN, QMPrerequisite: Take PC-202 or PC-204. Corequisite: PC-203L.

PC-203L Intro Physics Lab II

1 CreditNPrerequisite: PC-202 or PC-204. Corequisite: PC-203.

PC-301  Modern Physics

3 CreditsNPrerequisite: MA-230 or PC-203

PC-302 Experimental Methods

4 Credits Prerequisites: MA-230 and PC-203

PC-309 Research Methods

3 Credits Prerequisite: PC-302.

PC-350  Thermal Physics

4 CreditsNPrerequisites: MA-235 and PC-301.

PC-402  Quantum Mechanics

4 CreditsNPrerequisites: MA-235 and either PC-301 or CH-305

PC-410  Classical Mechanics

4 CreditsNPrerequisites: PC-301 and MA-235

PC-491  Electricity & Magnetism

4 CreditsNPrerequisite: PC-301 and MA-235.


PHYSICS ELECTIVES

In addition to the required Physics and Mathematics courses, take two courses from the following list. (NOTE: Graduate schools may expect additional coursework):

PC-209 Electronics

3 CreditsN 

PC-217 Engineering Tools & CAD

3 Credits

PC-239  Nuclear Threat

4 CreditsCA,N,H,CW,WK-SP 

PC-260 Intro to Materials Science & Engineering

3 CreditsPrerequisite: MA-130

PC-315 Nanoscience

3 CreditsPrerequisite: MA-130


CAPSTONE

Take one the following courses below:

AS-455 Astronomy Capstone

2-4 CreditsRequires senior class standing and permission of instructor.

PC-455 Physics & Engineering Physics Capstone

2-4 Credits


POE Credit Total = 59-62

Students must complete at least 18 credits at the 300/400-level.  Any course exception must be approved by the advisor and/or department chair.


Physics is the science that explores all aspects of the complex interactions of matter and energy, from the forces that bind atoms to those that build bridges. Physicists study and develop concepts that are used in a precise mathematical description of nature and construct experiments to test their ideas. Skills cultivated in a study of Physics include critical reasoning, problem-solving, logical thought, and the ability to clearly communication the value of this work to both peers and the public. Physics is at the core of a liberal arts education in a technological society.


 The Physics Program of Emphasis is structured to allow a student to prepare for graduate school or to seek immediate employment. The first two years of physics consists of a broad introduction to the field, providing basic knowledge and initial analytical skill development. Some laboratory work is included to insure contact with concrete phenomena, while the mathematics sequence offers the necessary problem-solving techniques and discipline required for the upper-level physics courses at Juniata. At the upper level this program trains students in the fundamentals of experimentation and theory.


 The program as stated provides minimal preparation for graduate school and many schools would expect more of their entrants. A person starting early in the field and heading clearly toward graduate school needs to develop a program with greater depth. The Department therefore recommends that a serious student take as large a fraction of the elective courses in physics as possible, and, in addition, acquire research experience.