Physics (PHY) (PHS) (AST)

For information, please contact 
Stanley Hirschi, Chairperson 774-3321, 203 Dow Science Complex

College of Science and Technology Website
Department Website

Why Study Physics, Physical Science and Astronomy?
Physics, Physical Science and Astronomy at CMU
Admission, Retention, and Termination Standards
Physics Major and Minor
Astronomy Concentration
Physical Science Major and Minor
The Faculty
PHY Course Descriptions
PHS Course Descriptions
AST Course Descriptions

Why Study Physics, Physical Science, and Astronomy?
Physics is the basis of science and technology. The laws of physics describe the behavior of matter and energy and help us to understand the physical world. On the smallest scale, physicists study quarks, nuclei, atoms, and other basic constituents of matter. They also study the mechanical, electromagnetic, and thermal properties of solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas. On the grand scale, physicists and astronomers study stars and galaxies, and apply physical principles to questions about the nature of the universe.

More than 50,000 physicists work in industry, educational institutions, state and federal government, and nonprofit research centers in the United States. Some of them perform basic research in physics, while others apply their knowledge to solve human problems in such areas as energy sources, environmental protection, medicine, transportation, communication, meteorology, geology, and defense.

These researchers are supported by those who teach science and engineering, providing students with the problem-solving and laboratory skills necessary for challenging the future. Science teachers are educated to work in the elementary and middle schools where school children receive their first in-depth exposure to science and technology. Their work is crucial because the attitudes toward science instilled at this level generally persist for a lifetime. Physics teachers are trained to instruct in the high school or community college, and many physicists are employed as college professors. Besides educating future physics researchers, physics teachers provide the knowledge of physics that is required for such fields as medicine, engineering, technical writing, and environmental science.
Top of Page

Physics, Physical Science, and Astronomy at CMU
The Department of Physics offers physics and astronomy courses to serve the needs of the following groups of students: those who contemplate graduate studies or professional employment in physics and astronomy; those who plan to teach physics or astronomy at community colleges and secondary schools; those who plan to enter the professions such as medicine or engineering, which require a thorough understanding of physical concepts; and those who plan to major in another academic discipline and desire an understanding of the fundamental processes which govern the physical environment.

The department offers courses in physical science and astronomy designed to meet several needs. A student may: prepare to become a teacher of science at the primary or middle school level; complete a portion of the requirements for an interdepartmental major or minor; or obtain as a major in another academic discipline a better understanding of the physical environment.
The department also offers a variety of service and general education courses in introductory physics, physical science, and astronomy for students in programs that are not directly related to science.

A student can take a major or a minor in physics. An astronomy concentration is available on the physics major for students who intend to pursue graduate work in astronomy. Students who are headed for a teaching career have available to them the physics major and minor, an interdepartmental chemistry-physics major, and the physical science major and minor programs. The core of the physical science program consists of classes which are inquiry oriented and allow prospective teachers to become familiar with contemporary science units that are used in the schools.

Any student interested in a departmental major or minor should contact the chairperson as soon as possible to be assigned an advisor.

Undergraduate and graduate physics students have opportunities for individual research projects in the advanced physics laboratory and also in the research laboratories of the department: the Brooks Astronomical Observatory, the laser spectroscopy laboratory, the polymer fluid dynamics laboratory, the thin-films laboratory and the Center for High Performance Scientific Computing. Such projects are supported by two full-time technicians who staff a machine shop and an electronics shop.

The department’s classrooms, laboratories, and faculty offices are located in the Leon and Frances McDermott wing of the Dow Science Complex. The observatory and associated facilities are in Brooks Hall. The main collection of physics and astronomy books and serials is in the Park Library. There is a departmental reading room in Dow 231, where tutors are available during the evening hours. Computers with access to the department's and the university's networked resources are available in this room, as well as elsewhere in the department.

Notes:
The physics department offers courses under three designators: PHY, PHS, AST. These courses are described in detail in the part of this Bulletin entitled “Course Descriptions" where designators are arranged in alphabetical order.

Physics and engineering students, as well as students of chemistry, meteorology, and geology, normally begin their study of physics with a calculus-based sequence. A separate introductory physics sequence based on trigonometry is offered for biology and pre-professional students.
Top of Page

---

Admission, Retention, and Termination Standards
A minimum 2.7 GPA (B-) must be earned in all teaching majors and minors.

Student Teaching in Physics (B.S. in Education)
For students seeking the department’s recommendations for student teaching in physics, the following requirements must be met:

1. At least 20 hours of physics (including PHY 505) must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.7.

2. At least 6 hours of physics (excluding PHY 505) must be completed at CMU.

Student Teaching Requirements in Physical Science (B.S. in Education)
For students seeking the department’s recommendation for student teaching in physical science, the following requirements must be met:

1. At least 20 hours of courses from the physical science major or minor (including PHS 351 or 452) must be completed with a minimum grade-point average of 2.7.

2. At least 6 hours of courses with departmental designators (AST, PHS, PHY) must be completed at CMU.
   Top of Page

---

Physics Major and Minor
Both the physics major and minor are available on the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree, and the Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S. in Ed.) Degree programs.

Major and Minor Requirements: B.A. and B.S. degrees
The requirements for a physics major are a minimum of 38 semester hours of departmental offerings consisting of:
PHY 145 (4) University Physics I
PHY 146 (4) University Physics II
PHY 175 (1) University Physics Laboratory I
PHY 176 (1) University Physics Laboratory II
PHY 247 (4) Introduction to Modern Physics
PHY 277 (1) University Physics Laboratory III
PHY 312 (3) Introduction to Mathematical Physics
PHY 322 (3) Intermediate Mechanics
PHY 332 (3) Electricity and Magnetism
PHY 442 (4) Introductory Quantum Theory
PHY 450 (3) Thermal Physics

at least one semester of PHY 578 (2) Experimental Physics

and a minimum of five additional hours from courses having as prerequisite a course in the required major sequence. Prospective majors are urged to begin the study of mathematics in the fall of the freshman year with MTH 132 (or MTH 130, if necessary) and their study of physics in the winter of the freshman year with PHY 145 and 175.

The requirements for a physics minor are a minimum of 23 semester hours of departmental offerings consisting of:
PHY 145 (4) University Physics I
PHY 146 (4) University Physics II
PHY 175 (1) University Physics Laboratory I
PHY 176 (1) University Physics Laboratory II
PHY 247 (4) Introduction to Modern Physics
PHY 277 (1) University Physics Laboratory III
PHY 322 (3) Intermediate Mechanics
PHY 332 (3) Electricity and Magnetism

and one semester of PHY 578 (2) Experimental Physics.

Astronomy Concentration: This option is available within the physics major for students with a particular interest in astronomy or astrophysics. The requirements are completion of:
AST 260 (4) General Astronomy I
AST 261 (4) General Astronomy II
AST 562 (4) Observational Astronomy
AST 563 (3) Astrophysics

in addition to the major’s 33 hours of required courses. This program provides the background desired by most astronomy graduate programs.

Major and Minor Requirements: B.S. in Ed. degree
The requirements for a physics major are a minimum of 38 semester hours of departmental offerings consisting of:

PHY 145 (4) University Physics I
PHY 146 (4) University Physics II
PHY 175 (1) University Physics Laboratory I
PHY 176 (1) University Physics Laboratory II
PHY 247 (4) Introduction to Modern Physics
PHY 277 (1) University Physics Laboratory III
PHY 312 (3) Introduction to Mathematical Physics
PHY 322 (3) Intermediate Mechanics
PHY 332 (3) Electricity and Magnetism
PHY 442 (4) Introductory Quantum Theory
PHY 450 (3) Thermal Physics
PHY 505 (3) Teaching Chemistry and Physics in the Secondary School
PHY 507 (1) Field Experience in Teaching Chemistry/Physics

at least one semester of 578 (2) Experimental Physics.

and a minimum of one additional hour from courses having as prerequisite a course in the required major sequence.

Prospective majors are urged to begin the study of mathematics in the fall of the freshman year with MTH 132 (or MTH 130, if necessary) and their study of physics in the winter of the freshman year with PHY 145 and 175.

The requirements for a physics minor are a minimum of 25 semester hours of departmental offerings consisting of:

PHY 145 (4) University Physics I
PHY 146 (4) University Physics II
PHY 175 (1) University Physics Laboratory I
PHY 176 (1) University Physics Laboratory II
PHY 231 (1) Electronic Instrumentation
PHY 247 (4) Introduction to Modern Physics
PHY 277 (1) University Physics Laboratory III
PHY 322 (3) Intermediate Mechanics
PHY 332 (3) Electricity and Magnetism
PHY 505 (3) Teaching Chemistry and Physics in the Secondary School

A combined Chemistry-Physics major is offered to prepare students to teach both physics and chemistry at the secondary level. Physics courses required are:

PHY 145 (4) University Physics I
PHY 146 (4) University Physics II
PHY 175 (1) University Physics Laboratory I
PHY 176 (1) University Physics Laboratory II
PHY 231 (1) Electronic Instrumentation
PHY 247 (4) Introduction to Modern Physics
PHY 277 (1) University Physics Laboratory III
PHY 322 (3) Intermediate Mechanics
PHY 332 (3) Electricity and Magnetism
PHY 505 (3) Teaching Chemistry and Physics in the Secondary School
PHY 507 (1) Field Experience in Teaching Chemistry/Physics

The student should consult the section of the Bulletin on Interdepartmental and Interdisciplinary Majors and Minors for a complete listing of the requirements of this program.

A minimum 2.7 GPA (B-) must be earned in all teaching majors and minors.
Top of Page

Notes and Restrictions

• No more than five 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 145 and 175.
   
• Although not recommended, the following course substitutions can be allowed for a student who successfully completes PHY 247: PHY 130 in place of 145, 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.
  Top of Page

Physical Science Major and Minor
The Physical Science major and minor are available only on the Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S. in Ed.) program. This program is designed to prepare teachers of physical science. The secondary emphasis is insufficient preparation to teach high school biology, chemistry, or physics.

NOTE:  As of 12/31/03, the department will not sign new physical science majors or minors.

Major and Minor Requirements: B.S. in Ed. with Elementary Provisional Certification
The requirements for a physical science major with an elementary provisional certification are a minimum of 36 semester hours. Required courses are:

PHS 151 (3) Introductory Physical Science I
PHS 251 (3) Introductory Physical Science II
PHS 351 (3) Physical Science for the Elementary Grades
  OR PHS 452 (3) Physical Science for the Middle Grades
PHS 563 (3) Physical Science Practicum
PHS 101 (3) Survey of Physical Science
  OR PHY 100 (3) Conceptual Physics
AST 111 (3) Astronomy
AST 112 (1) Introduction to Astronomical Observations
AST 311 (3) Vistas in Astronomy
CHM 101 (3) Armchair Chemistry
  OR CHM 111 (3) The Interaction of Chemistry and Society
ESC 201 (4) Weather
  OR ESC 240 (4) Meteorology
ESC 205 (3) Oceanography
GEL 101 (3) Physical Geology
GEL 102 (1) Physical Geology Laboratory

The requirements for a physical science minor with elementary provisional certification or elementary provisional certification with emotional or cognitive impairment endorsement are a minimum of 24 semester hours. Required courses are:

PHS 151(3) Introductory Physical Science I
PHS 251(3) Introductory Physical Science II
PHS 351(3) Physical Science for the Elementary Grades
  OR PHS 452(3) Physical Science for the Middle Grades
PHS 563(3) Physical Science Practicum
AST 111(3) Astronomy
AST 112(1) Introduction to Astronomical Observations
ESC 201(4) Weather
  OR ESC 240(4) Meteorology
GEL 101(3) Physical Geology
GEL 102(1) Physical Geology Laboratory

Major and Minor Requirements: B.S. in Ed. with Secondary Provisional Certification or Secondary Provisional Certification with Emotional or Cognitive Impairment Endorsement
The requirements for a Physical Science major with Secondary Provisional Certification or Secondary Provisional Certification with Emotional or Cognitive Impairment Endorsement are a minimum of 42 semester hours. Required courses are:

PHY 130 (4) College Physics I
PHY 131 (4) College Physics II
PHY 170 (1) College Physics Laboratory I
PHY 171 (1) College Physics Laboratory II
CHM 131 (4) Introduction to Chemistry I
CHM 132 (4) Introduction to Chemistry II
GEL 101 (3) Physical Geology
GEL 102 (1) Physical Geology Laboratory
ESC 201 (4) Weather
ESC 205 (3) Oceanography
AST 111 (3) Astronomy
AST 112 (1) Introduction to Astronomical Observations
BIO 101 (3) General Biology
PHS 452 (3) Physical Science for the Middle Grades
PHS 453 (1) Field Experience in Teaching Physical Science
PHS 563 (2) Physical Science Practicum

The requirements for a Physical Science minor with secondary provisional certification or secondary provisional certification with emotional or cognitive Impairment endorsement are a minimum of 29 semester hours. Required courses are:

PHY 130 (4) College Physics I
PHY 131 (4) College Physics II
PHY 170 (1) College Physics Laboratory I
PHY 171 (1) College Physics Laboratory II
CHM 131 (4) Introduction to Chemistry I
CHM 132 (4) Introduction to Chemistry II
BIO 101 (3) General Biology
PHS 452 (3) Physical Science for the Middle Grades
PHS 563 (2) Physical Science Practicum

and one of the following:
GEL 101 (3) Physical Geology
ESC 201 (4) Weather
ESC 205 (3) Oceanography
AST 111 (3) Astronomy

Appropriate substitutions are allowed with the advisor’s consent such as PHY 145-146 in place of PHY 130-131, PHY 175-176 in place of PHY 170-171, CHM 161 in place of CHM 131-132, ESC 240 in place of ESC 201, AST 260 in place of AST 111, and BIO 105 in place of BIO 101.
Top of Page

Notes and Restrictions
No more than six hours of courses taken on a Credit/No Credit basis may be counted toward a Physical Science major or minor.

The faculty: David H. Current, Joseph Finck, Marco Fornari, Stanley Hirschi, Mihai Horoi, Koblar Jackson, Wayne Osborn, Valeri Petkov, Frederick M. Phelps III, Didarul Qadir, Andrzej Sieradzan, Sudha Srinivas, Glen Williams
Top of Page