physics major semester proposal · richard e. hughes vice chair undergraduate studies version 0.1...

Richard E. HughesVice Chair Undergraduate StudiesVersion 0.1Feb 23, 2010

P H Y S I C S M A J O R S E M E S T E R P R O P O S A L

1) Program name: Physics

2) Degree title: Bachelor of Science in Physics

3) Academic unit: Physics

4) Type of program: Undergraduate Bachelors degree

5) Semester Conversion designation: Conversion with minimal changes

6) Program learning goalsA. Undergraduate Physics majors will acquire a basic mastery of fundamental areas of

physics, from classical mechanics, through electricity and magnetism, and finally to modern physics including quantum mechanics and relativity.

B. Undergraduate Physics majors will develop powerful analytical and problem solving skills in areas involving both physics and mathematics.

C. Undergraduate Physics majors will acquire a basic mastery of experimental physics. D.Undergraduate Physics majors will acquire a basic mastery of data reduction and error

analysis.E. Undergraduate Physics majors will be able to effectively communicate their physical

understanding both professionally and colloquially (orally and in writing).F. Undergraduate majors will be apprised of and encouraged to participate in academic

research, industrial research and/or outreach activities which are consistent with their interest, ability and postgraduate plans.

G.Undergraduate majors will acquire expertise relevant to their chosen program option.

7) List of Semester Courses in the program The Physics program under semesters will consist of 4 different options, each of which leads to a Bachelor of Sciences degree in physics. The options each consist of a common core of Physics, Math and prerequisite courses, along with additional required and/or recommended courses in Physics, Math, and/or other departments.

I. Core Physics (Required for all Physics Degree Options)A.Physics 1131: Introductory Mechanics, thermodynamic and waves

B. Physics 1132: Introductory Electricity & Magnetism, Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics

C. Physics 2261: Intermediate mechanics and mathematical methods for physicists I

D.Physics 2262: Intermediate mechanics and mathematical methods for physicists II

E. Physics 2295: Physics undergraduate seminarF. Physics 2416: Methods in experimental physics LabG.Physics 3555/H3555: Electricity and Magnetism I (regular/honors)H.Physics 3631/H3631: Quantum Mechanics I (regular/honors)I. Specialized Laboratory: Physics 3517: Electronics Laboratory or Physics 3518:

Computational Physics LaboratoryJ. Physics 4616: Advanced Laboratory

II. Core Math (Required for all Physics Degree Options)A.Math 1151: Calculus IB. Math 1152: Calculus IIC. Math 2513: Vector CalculusD.Math 2568: Linear Algebra and Differential Equations

III. Core Prerequisites (Required for all Physics Degree Options)A.CSE 2202: Introduction to C++ programming

IV. Additional Recommended MathA.Math 5514: Complex variables (analytic functions, complex integrals, residues,

etc.; recommended for Advanced Physics Option)B. Math 5581/5582: Abstract Algebra (Number spaces, group theory, etc;

recommended for Advanced Physics Option)V. Elective Physics

A.Physics H3632: Honors Quantum Mechanics IIB. Physics H3656: Honors Electricity and Magnetism IIC. Physics 4621: Thermodynamics and Statistical PhysicsD.Physics 4570: OpticsE. Physics H4455: Honors HolographyF. Physics 5780.xx Special Topics in PhysicsG.Physics 4664: Classical Mechanics

As mentioned above, the B.S. requirements are composed of a core, which all physics students must take, and a set of technical and other electives chosen arranged in four possible options depending on the interests of the student. The options along with the additional courses are listed here.I. Advanced Physics option: This option is designed for those intending graduate level

(Ph.D.) studies in physics. It provides an excellent preparation for graduate school in physics.

Required courses:A. The Core Physics, Math, and Prerequisite courses listed above.B. Physics H3656 or another Physics elective.C. Physics H3632 or another Physics elective.D. Physics 4621.E. Physics 4664.

II. Applied Physics option: This option is a flexible program that combines a strong foundation in physics with a set of technical electives designed for those with special interests. The program of technical electives could include courses of study from other programs in the Colleges of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, or Engineering, or other programs such as meteorology, economics, history of science, or primary education.

Required courses:A. The Core Physics, Math, and Prerequisite courses listed above.B. At least one course chosen from the Physics Elective above.C. Additional courses: A set of technical electives designed in consultation with the Undergraduate Studies Committee in Physics or their designee. Courses utilized in pursuit of a minor, additional major, or dual degree are acceptable and encouraged. A minimum of 15 semester credit hours is required.

III.Physics teaching option: This option is designed for those seeking secondary level certification in physics (i.e., to be a high school teacher). It is been designed to satisfy College of Education Master of Education (Physics Certification) curriculum. Required courses:

A. The Core Physics, Math, and Prerequisite courses listed above.B. At least one course chosen from the Physics Electives above.C. Physics 670: Physics for TeachersD. Semester versions of the following courses: Bio 113, Chem 121, Chem 122, Astro 291, Earth Sciences 110 or 122: History of life on earth; Earth through time, Geog 520: Climatology

IV.Physics Life Sciences option: This option is designed for those intending to attend medical school. It satisfies all of the OSU medical school admission requirements,

when combined with the required physics and math courses in the physics core curriculum. Required courses:

A. The Core Physics, Math, and Prerequisite courses listed above.B. At least one course chosen from the Physics Elective above.C. Semester versions of the following courses: Bio 113, Bio 114, Chem 121, Chem 122, Chem 251, Chem 252, Chem 254, Chem 255, Biochem 511

8) Comparison of current quarter-based and proposed semester-based curriculum advising sheets.

See the next two pages.

Current quarter-based curriculum advising sheet:

Proposed semester-based advising sheet:

9) Curriculum map, indicating how program goals are accomplished via specific courses.

Program Learning Goals

Required Physics Courses

1131

1132

2261

2262

2416

3555

3631

3517

3616

Required Outside Courses

Math 1151

Math 1152

Math 2513

CSE 202

Elective Courses; Math and Physics

Math 2568

Phys3656

Phys3632

Phys4621

Phys4664

PhysH4455

Phys5780.x

Other Elective Courses

Bio 113

Bio 114

Chem 121

Chem 122

Chem 251

Chem 252

Chem 254

Chem 255

Biochem 511

Earth Sci

Astro 291

Physics 670

Goal A: Fundamental Physics

Goal B: Problem solving skills

Goal C: Experimental skills

Goal D: Data Analysis

Goal E: Communication

Goal F: Research

Goal G: Option Specific Skills

Beginning

Beginning

Intermediate Intermediate

Intermediate Advanced

Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Beginning Intermediate

Advanced Advanced Advanced Advanced Intermediate

Advanced Advanced


Intermediate Advanced Advanced Advanced

Beginning Intermediate

Beginning Intermediate


Advanced Intermediate Intermediate

Intermediate Advanced Advanced

Advanced Advanced Advanced




Advanced Advanced Advanced Advanced

Advanced Advanced Intermediate Advanced

Teaching, LifeSci

LifeSci

Teaching, LifeSci

Teaching, LifeSci

LifeSci

LifeSci

LifeSci

LifeSci

LifeSci

Teaching

Teaching

Teaching

10) Rationale for Program Changes The changes to the physics major program can be summarized as follows:

A. We have gone from a system of 6 options labeled A through F, to a system of 4 options in which the names are more closely tied to the expected outcome for the student. i) The Advanced Physics for grad school bound students (formerly Option A).ii) The Physics and Life Sciences Option for premed students (formerly Option D).iii) The Physics Teaching Option for teaching high school physics (formerly Option E).iv) The Applied Physics Options for students interested in Engineering, Law, Journalism,

other Sciences, etc. (formerly Options B,C,F).B. We have included an Honors track for two of our upper division Physics sequences. This

will reduce the overall class size for the two required subject areas of Quantum Mechanics and Electricity&Magnetism, as well as providing a challenging option for students who are academically more prepared.

C. We now require 3 upper division lab courses. Previously, only the Option A (now Advanced Physics) students were required to take 3 labs. Since lab experience is potentially even more useful for students who will seek employment immediately after graduation (which is true of most of the students in the other options) this should positively impact their employment prospects.

D. We include the 3rd writing course material in our Advanced Lab. The new GE template no long has a 3rd writing requirement, and yet presentation of data results and analysis is an important educational goal for our students. However, there has been for some time a presentation and writing component to our advanced lab, and this change will be formalized under semesters.

The date of the last significant revision to the Physics Major program was in 1998.

11) Table highlighting credit hour changes

Program credit hour

requirements

Quarter Option

Semester Option

A.) Number of (quarter-based) credit hours in

current program

B.) 2/3 of column A.)

C.) Number of (semester-based)

credit hours of proposed program

Total Credit hours for completion of the program

Prereq Credit hours required for admission

Required credit hours offered by Physics

Required credit hours outside of Physics

A Advanced Physics 173 116 111F Applied Physics 164 110 114D Life Sciences 185 124 128E Teaching 177 119 125




12) Rational for credit hour changesThere is no significant change in the credit hours required for the Math and Physical Sciences Physics major in the transition from Quarters to Semesters.

13) Transition policyStudents who began their degree under quarters will not be penalized as we move to semesters, either in terms of progress towards their degree or their expected date of graduation. Transition plans are currently being developed for students who will be at a variety of different stages (one year towards degree, two years, etc.). We do not at present see a need for bridge courses in Physics for any students who are beyond the introductory (i.e. first year) Physics classes. However, bridge courses (1-2 credit semester hours) in Mathematical Methods in Physics are being considered for Physics

majors who may be somewhat behind in math preparation due to the transition. Bridge courses are also being considered for students who have completed part of the 3-quarter introductory sequence in either of our service courses in Physics (i.e Physics 111-2-3 or 131-2-3). The bridge courses may be offered during the summer prior and first two years after the transition.

14) Expected changes in assessment practices under semestersFor our assessment, we use a variety of direct and indirect methods, none of which depend upon whether the program is run under quarters or semesters. As a result, we do not anticipate any changes to our assessment practices under the semester system.

15) Verification that assessment plan exists at OAA.We do have an assessment plan on file at OAA.

Appendix: Sample 4 year programsI. Sample Program: Physics Teaching Option

Year

Autumn Credit Hours

GEC Comment Spring Credit Hours

GEC Comment

1

2

3

4

Physics 1131 5 8 Intro Physics 1132 5 8 Intro

Math 1151 5 5 Calc Math 1151 5 5 Calc

Bio 1113 4 7 GEC; MsEd GEC 1 - Writing 1 3 1 GEC

CSE 2202 2 Prereq

Semester Sum 14 Semester Sum 15

Physics 2261 4 13 26x conv Physics 2262 4 26x conv

Physics 2295 1 Survey Physics 2416 2 6 Data Ana Lab

Math 2513 4 14 2nd year math Math 2568 4 2nd year math

GEC 9 Hist Stud 3 9 GEC GEC 3 - Lit 3 3 GEC

GEC 2 - Writing 2 3 2 GEC GEC 10 Soc Sci 3 10 GEC


Physics 3631 4 Quantum Physics 3517 3 Elec Lab

Physics 3555 4 E&M GEC 15 - Lang2 4 15 GEC

GEC 15 Lang1 4 15 GEC Geog 520 3 MsEd

Earth Sci 3 MsEd Astro 291 3 MsEd

Physics 670 3 MsEd


Physics 4670 4 Required Elective Physics 4616 3 Adv Lab

GEC 3 - Lit 3 3 GEC GEC 11 - Soc Sci2 4 11 Free

GEC 15 - Lang 3 4 15 GEC GEC 4 - Arts 3 4 GEC

Chem 121 5 MsEd GEC 12 Culture3 3 12 GEC

Chem 122 5 MsEd


Total Hours: 125

II.Sample Program: Physics and Life Science Option (premed)

Year Autumn Credit Hours


GEC Comment

1

2

3

4



Bio 1113 4 7 GEC; premed GEC 1 - Writing 1 3 1 GEC

CSE 2202 2 Prereq Bio 1114 4 Premed





Chem 121 5 Premed Chem 122 5 Premed


Physics 3631 4 Quantum Physics 3517 3 Elec Lab


Chem 251 4 Premed Chem 252 4 Premed

Chem 254 2 Premed; lab Chem 255 2 Premed; lab

GEC 10 Soc Sci 3 10 GEC Biochem 511 4 Premed


Phys Elective 3 Required Physics 4616 3 Adv Lab

GEC 2 - Writing 2 3 2 GEC GEC 15 - Lang3 4 15 GEC

GEC 15 - Lang 2 4 15 GEC GEC 11 - Soc Sci2 3 11 GEC

GEC 9 Hist Stud 3 9 GEC GEC 4 - Arts 3 4

GEC 3 - Lit 3 3 GEC GEC 12 Culture3 3 12 GEC


Total Hours: 128

III. Sample Program: Applied Physics Option (showing an approximate CSE Minor plus additional CSE Electives)



GEC Comment

1

2

3

4



Bio 1113 4 7 GEC; MsEd GEC 1 - Writing 1 3 1 GEC

CSE 2202 2 Prereq





GEC 9 Hist Stud 3 9 GEC CSE 2321 4 CSE Minor

CSE 2221 4 CSE Minor


Physics 3631 4 Quantum Mech Physics 3518 3 Comp Lab


GEC 15 Lang1 4 15 GEC CSE 2360 4 CSE Minor

Math 3566 3 CSE Minor GEC 3 - Lit 3 3 GEC


Physics Elec 4 Required Elec Physics 4616 3 Adv Lab

GEC 2 - Writing 2 3 2 GEC GEC 11 - Soc Sci2 3 11 GEC

GEC 15 - Lang 3 4 15 GEC GEC 4 - Arts 3 4 GEC

GEC 10 Soc Sci 3 10 GEC GEC 12 Culture3 3 12 GEC

Free Elec 3 Free Elec 4


Total Hours: 121

Example Applied Physics with CSE MinorExample Applied Physics with CSE MinorExample Applied Physics with CSE MinorExample Applied Physics with CSE Minor

IV.Sample Program: Advanced Physics Option



GEC Comment

1

2

3

4



Bio 1113 4 7 GEC CSE 2202 2 Prereq

GEC 1 - Writing 1 3 1 GEC



Physics 2295 1 Survey Math 2568 4 2nd yr math

Math 2254 4 14 2nd year math GEC 12 Culture3 3 12 GEC

Physics 2416 2 6 Data Ana Lab GEC 10 Soc Sci 3 10 GEC

GEC 9 Hist Stud 3 9 GEC Physics 2416 2 6 Data Ana Lab


Physics H3631 4 Honors quantum Phyiscs H3632 4 Honors quantum

Physics H3555 4 Honors E&M Physics H3656 4 Honors E&M

GEC 11 - Soc Sci 3 11 GEC Physics 3517 3 Elec Lab

GEC 15 Lang1 4 15 GEC GEC 15 - Lang2 4 15 GEC


Physics 4621 4 StatMech Physics 4616 3 Adv Lab

Physics H4455 3 4 Holography Phyiscs 4664 4 Class Mech

GEC 2 - Writing 2 3 2 GEC GEC 3 - Lit 3 3 GEC

GEC 15 - Lang 3 4 15 GEC Open 4 Free

Math elective 3 recommened Physics Elective 3 Recommended


Total Hours: 123

physics major semester proposal · richard e. hughes vice chair undergraduate studies version 0.1...

Documents