Missouri S&T

Physics
102 Physics Bldg.
1315 N. Pine St.
Rolla, MO 65409
(573) 341-4781

Curriculum & Courses

The bachelor of science degree in physics lays the foundation to begin a career or to continue your education for a higher degree in graduate school in physics or other fields, such as law or medicine. The program has a high fraction of electives so that each student, in consultation with their advisor, can tailor a special program which suits their needs. This makes it easy to minor in Computer Science, Mathematics, or other fields. We offer a Five Year Masters Program for students of high achievement, and special programs for enhanced cooperative learning. To prepare in high school for our physics program, you should take as much mathematics, chemistry and physics as possible.

Freshman Year
First Semester	Credit
Chem 1-General Chemistry	4
Chem 2-General Chemistry	1
Chem 4-Intro to Lab Safety & Hazardous Materials	1
English 20-Exposition & Argumentation	3
Math 8-Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I	5
Physics 1-Introduction to Physics	1
	^----
	15

Second Semester	Credit
Chem 3-General Chemistry	3
Hist ( 112, 175, 176) or Pol Sc 90	3
Math 21-Calculus w/Analytic Geometry II	5
Elective²	2
Physics 21-General Physics I	4
Physics 22-General Physics Lab	1
	18

Sophomore Year
First Semester	Credit
English 60-Writing & Research	3
Math 22-Calculus w/Analytic Geometry III	4
Physics 25-General Physics II	4
Physics 26-General Physics Lab	1
Comp Sc 73&77 or Comp Sc 74&78 or Comp Sc 53&54	3
Literature Elective	3
	18

Second Semester	Credit
Math 204-Elementary Differential Equations	3
Physics 207-Modern Physics I	3
Physics 212-Intermediate Physics Lab	3
Physics 208-Introduction to Theoretical Physics	3
Social Science Elective	3
	18

Junior Year
First Semester	Credit
Physics 308-Physical Mechanics	3
Physics 322-Advanced Physics Lab I	3
Physics 307-Modern Physics II	3
Math/Stat Elective¹	3
Social Science Elective	3
Humanities	3
	18

Second Semester	Credit
Physics 221-Electricity & Magnetism	3
Physics 322-Advanced Physics Lab II	3
Math/Stat Elective¹	3
Electives²	5
	14

Senior Year
First Semester	Credit
Physics 321-Electricity & Magnetism II	3
Physics 361-Introduction to Quantum Mechanics	3
Physics Elective³ (300 Level)	3
Electives²	6
	15

Second Semester	Credit
Physics 311-Thermal Physics	3
Elective-Hum (300 Level)	3
Physics Elective³ (300 Level)	3
Electives²	6
	15

NOTE: A minimum of 128 hours credit hours is required for the Bachelor of Science degree in physics. A student may count no more than two of their required physics and mathematics courses in which a grade of "D" has been earned to meet their degree requirements.

¹ Six hours of mathematics or statistics beyond Math 204 are required. Math 208, 322, 325, or 351 is recommended.

² Free electives may be used to develop an emphasis area.

³ In addition to the specific physics courses listed (Physics 307, 308, 311, 321, 322, 332, and 361), two other physics 300 level courses are required. Physics 305, 313, 323, 337, 357, 371, or 381 are recommended.

Minor Curriculum
The minor in physics is a flexible program whose goal is to increase the breadth and competency of science and engineering students in modern or classical physics. Science students pursuing the physics minor will be interested in a deeper understanding of fundamental physical processes. Engineering students who intend to work in research or advanced development may use a physics minor to acquire a thorough knowledge of classical and quantum optics or laser processes.
The physics minor consists of one course in Modern Physics, either Physics 107 or 207, and 12 additional hours of physics courses at the 200 level or above. The program wii be designed to conform to the individual's interests and needs.