Physics Minor
- Minor Requirements
- Minor code: OR3331
Program Overview
The minor in physics is an option for non-physics majors who wish to study physics as a special interest. The minor provides students with a substantial introduction to topics related to mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and quantum physics, and the methods by which each is studied. It is particularly well suited for students from mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering, as they will have the necessary mathematical background and will likely have completed the calculus-based general physics series, which will count toward the minor.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
Students completing the physics minor possess high-level problem-solving skills that can enhance their opportunities for employment in research institutions, government, industry, or teaching.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission: It is recommended that students entering the program have at least placement level II, or an ACT Math score of 24, or a SAT Math score of 560.
Change of Program Policy: It is recommended that students entering the program have at least placement level II, or an ACT Math score of 24, or a SAT Math score of 560.
External Transfer Admission: It is recommended that students entering the program have at least placement level II, or an ACT Math score of 24, or a SAT Math score of 560.
Requirements
Minor Hours Requirement
The physics minor requires a minimum of 20 hours.
General Physics Sequence
General Physics I
Complete one of the following courses:
- PHYS 2051 - General Physics Credit Hours: 5.0
- PHYS 2051H - General Physics for Physics and Astronomy Majors Credit Hours: 5.0
General Physics II
Complete one of the following courses:
- PHYS 2052 - General Physics Credit Hours: 5.0
- PHYS 2052H - General Physics for Physics and Astronomy Majors Credit Hours: 5.0
Minor Electives
Complete at least 7 hours of physics (PHYS) courses at the 3000-level or above.
- PHYS 3001 - Mechanics Credit Hours: 4
- PHYS 3011 - Thermal Physics Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 3701 - Intermediate Laboratory - Electrons & Photons Credit Hours: 2
- PHYS 3702 - Intermediate Laboratory - Photons & Nucleons Credit Hours: 2
- PHYS 4021 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4031 - Electricity and Magnetism 1 Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4032 - Electricity and Magnetism 2 Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4041 - Mathematical Methods in Physics 1 Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4051 - Modern Physics Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4061 - Geometrical and Physical Optics Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4071 - Computer Simulation Methods in Physics Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4301 - Cell and Molecular Biophysics Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4411 - Electronic Device Physics Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4511 - Introduction to Radiation Physics Credit Hours: 1
- PHYS 4701 - Electronics Measurement Laboratory Credit Hours: 2
- PHYS 4711 - Advanced Laboratory Credit Hours: 1 - 3
- PHYS 4801 - Acoustics Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4811 - Dynamic Meteorology 1 Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4812 - Dynamic Meteorology 2 Credit Hours: 3
- PHYS 4930 - Special Problems Credit Hours: 1 - 4
- PHYS 4942 - Undergraduate Seminar Credit Hours: 1
Advanced Coursework Requirement
Complete at least 6 hours of the 3000/4000-level courses at Ohio University with a grade of C (2.0) or better.