DEPARTMENT CHAIR
James Feagin
DEPARTMENT OFFICE
McCarthy Hall 611
DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
http://physics.fullerton.edu
PROGRAMS OFFERED
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Emphasis in Business
Minor in Physics
Master of Science in Physics
FACULTY
Kwang-Ping Cheng, Greg Childers, James Feagin, Heidi Fearn, Maria Iavarone, Murtadha Khakoo, Michael Loverude, Roger Nanes, Ionel Tifrea, Keith Wanser
ADVISERS
Undergraduate programs: Kwang-Ping Cheng
Graduate program: Ionel Tifrea
INTRODUCTION
Physics is the natural science that deals with the properties and interactions of matter and radiation. As such, physics provides the fundamental basis for all other sciences, and for applied science fields such as engineering and the health sciences. Many physicists engage in research designed to expand the frontiers of physical knowledge; others engage in the application of physics concepts in industry and in private and government laboratories.
The physics major program can provide the education necessary for the student to continue studies at the graduate level that, in turn, lead to the master’s and doctoral degrees. Alternatively, the physics major program can provide the education necessary for the student to work immediately upon graduation with the bachelor’s degree, either in industry or government labs, in applied physics fields, or in teaching at the secondary school level. Our optional emphasis in business provides students with experience in starting or managing a technology-oriented business.
Students are encouraged to obtain research experience by working with faculty in their ongoing research efforts. Independent Study provides practical work experience that integrates classroom studies with the needs and methods of modern industrial science.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS
The Bachelor of Science in Physics requires a minimum of 120 units that includes courses for the major, General Education, all university requirements, and free electives.
Lower Division (32-34 units)
General Chemistry (Chem 120A, 125) (8)
Mathematics (Math 150A,B and 250A) (12)
Fundamental Physics (Physics 225, 226, 227 and 225L, 226L, 227L) (12)
Note: Students may take Chemistry 120B in place of Chemistry 125.
Upper Division (21 units)
Physics 300 Survey of Mathematical Physics (3)
Physics 310 Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory and Statistical Physics (3)
Physics 320 Classical Mechanics (4)
Physics 330 Electromagnetic Theory (4)
Physics 340 Modern Physics (4)
Physics 380 Methods of Experimental Physics (3)
Upper-Division Physics Electives (14 units)
The Bachelor of Science in Physics requires 14 units of upper-division physics electives and must include one laboratory course.
For students completing a minor or second major in mathematics, another science, engineering or computer science, the upper-division physics elective requirement is 12 units.
Upper-Division Science and Engineering Electives (3 units)
Additional upper-division courses in mathematics, science, engineering and/or computer science approved by the department.
Upper-Division Writing Requirement (3 units)
English 301 Advanced College Writing
OR English 360 Scientific and Technical Writing
OR Business Admin 301 Advanced Business Communications
(for students pursuing the emphasis in business only)
OR Chemistry 340 Writing for the Chemical Sciences
OR Mathematics 380 History of Mathematics
Other Requirements
Each course in physics, mathematics, chemistry and English that is required for the major must be completed with grade of “C” (2.0) or better.
Formal academic advisement is required for all physics majors at least once every academic year.
EMPHASIS IN BUSINESS
This emphasis provides the fundamental background in business needed by physics majors who are interested either in starting a technology-related business or in joining the management staff of small to medium size technology-related businesses. Students who pursue this program do not take Physics 227L and substitute Accounting 201A Financial Accounting (3) for Chemistry 125 in lower-division major requirements, and complete the following 21 units in physics and business electives in place of the usual upper-division physics and science/engineering elective.
Finance 320 Business Finance (3)
Management 340 Organizational Behavior (3)
Management 465A New Venture Creation & Funding (3)
Management 465B New Venture Launch (3)
OR Management 495 Internship (3)
Marketing 351 Principles of Marketing (3)
Physics 481 Experimental Physics (3)
OR Physics 482 Modern Optics Laboratory (3)
Business Admin 301 Advanced Business Communication (3)
Note: Business Admin 301 satisfies the upper-division writing requirement.
MINOR IN PHYSICS
Lower Division (12 units)
Fundamental Physics (Physics 225, 226, 227 and 225L, 226L, 227L)
Upper Division (9 units)
Upper-Division Experimental Physics (3)
Additional upper-division units in physics, selected in consultation with the department academic adviser with approval by the adviser and the department chair, (6).
TEACHING CREDENTIAL
The Bachelor’s Degree in Physics may be effectively combined with subject matter studies necessary for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in science. Science teachers are in great demand, and candidates may qualify for scholarships and paid teaching internships while completing their credential. Undergraduates are encouraged to contact the Center for Careers in Teaching (657-278-7130, www.fullerton.edu/cct) and the Science Education Programs Office (657-278-2307, http://nsm.fullerton.edu/scied) for early advisement and to plan efficient course selections for general education, the major and credential program coursework. Postbaccalaureate and graduate students should contact the Science Education Programs Office (657-278-2307, http://nsm.fullerton.edu/scied/). Additional information is found under Science Education Programs in the University Catalog as well as at http://mast.wikispaces.com.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS
The Master of Science in Physics provides excellent preparation for applied research, development and engineering positions in industry or government. The program also is excellent preparation for teaching positions at the secondary school and community college level. In addition, the Master of Science degree provides an excellent foundation for further graduate study in physics or related fields such as bio-physics, geophysics or engineering.
Admission Requirements
Students must comply with all university admission requirements. Those seeking admission to the master’s program in physics must have: (1) a degree from an accredited college or university with a major in physics or a closely related field (students with majors other than physics may be admitted with deficiencies); and (2) a grade-point average of 2.75 for upper-division courses in the physics major. For students with undergraduate degrees in engineering, mathematics or other physical sciences, a GPA of 3.0 in upper-division major courses is required. In addition to the GPA requirements, all applicants are required to: (1) take the physics portion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) either previously or within a year of application (the GRE requirement can be waived for physics majors who enter with a GPA of 3.6 or higher); (2) submit a one-page, 500-word maximum, typed statement of purpose, explaining the student’s interest in taking a higher degree in physics; and (3) submit three letters of recommendation.
International student applicants are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 550 or higher for the computer test and 213 for the paper test.
The deadlines for completing online applications are March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester (see http://www.csumentor.edu). Mailed applications need to be postmarked by the same deadlines. However, it is important to note that deadlines may be changed based upon enrollment projections.
Required Core Course (12 units)
Physics 510 Mathematical Physics (3)
Physics 520 Analytical Mechanics (3)
Physics 530A Electromagnetic Theory I (3)
Physics 555A Quantum Physics I (3)
Additional 500-Level Requirements (6 units)
Plan A (comprehensive exam) requires any two of the following courses:
Physics 530B Electromagnetic Theory II (3)
Physics 555B Quantum Physics II (3)
Physics 516 Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics (3)
Physics 554 Solid State Physics (3)
Plan B (Physics 598 Thesis) requires one course chosen from Physics 530B, 555B, 516 or 554, plus:
Physics 599 Independent Graduate Research (3)
Plan C (Physics 597 Project) requires one course chosen from Physics 530B, 555B, 516 or 554, plus:
Physics 599 Independent Graduate Research (3)
Electives (8-12 units)
Electives are chosen in consultation with the graduate adviser. Electives may be chosen from any 400- or 500-level physics course with the exception of any courses which were used to satisfy baccalaureate degree requirements. In cases where the research objectives or career goals are interdisciplinary in nature, courses may be chosen in other fields (e.g., mathematics, chemistry, engineering, biology, geological science, science/teacher education).
Project, Thesis or Comprehensive Exam (0-4 units)
Physics 597 Project (1-3)
OR Physics 598 Thesis (1-6)
OR Comprehensive Exam
PHYSICS COURSES
Courses are designated as PHYS in the class schedule.
A grade of “C” (2.0) or better is required in all prerequisite courses. Prerequisite requirements with exception of the grade requirement may be waived by the instructor of the course if the instructor is satisfied that the student is qualified to undertake the course.
