Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2012-2013 Undergraduate Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Physics (B.S.)


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Program: B.S.
Department of Physics
College of Arts and Sciences

Kettler Hall 126B ~ 260-481-6306 ~ www.ipfw.edu/physics/


The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows:

  • Will reason about physically significant problems conceptually and mathematically
  • Will solve complex physical problems using sophisticated mathematical techniques
  • Will interpret mathematical solutions conceptually and physically
  • Will investigate physical phenomena using multiple approaches
  • Will use computation and computer modeling to investigate physical phenomena and solve physical problems
  • Will communicate in appropriate scientific media and forms

This program helps you prepare for graduate study in physics or for careers in industry. You may also be interested in physical science teaching certification (listed separately in this Bulletin).

If you wish to transfer to physics from another degree program, you must have an average of C or better in all physics and mathematics courses you have completed and not more than one grade below C in those courses.

To remain in the degree program, you must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher in physics courses. You may take a minor of 24–30 credits in a second science or in engineering. For this minor, a plan of study is developed with your advisor. You may substitute courses in the minor for PHYS 361. Typical minor programs chosen by physics majors are mathematics and electrical engineering.

To earn the B.S. with a major in physics, you must fulfill the requirements of IPFW (see Part 8 ) and the College of Arts and Sciences (see Part 4 ), in addition to the following requirements:

IPFW General Education Requirements


Area I—Linguistic and Numerical Foundations


Area II—Natural and Physical Sciences


Area III—The Individual, Culture, and Society Credits: 6


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses 

Area IV—Humanistic Thought Credits: 6


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses 

Area V—Creative and Artistic Expression Credits: 3


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses 

Area VI—Inquiry and Analysis (not in PHYS) Credits: 3


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses 

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


Foreign Language


  • Requirements in Arts and Sciences Part B Credits: 8

One of the following: Credits: 3


  • Additional credits in mathematics

General Elective Courses


  • Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 124.

Total Credits: 124


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