Courses

Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

1. Physics majors completing introductory Physics (and Chemistry) courses will show a mastery of foundational material, both in terms of concepts and problem-solving skills, especially in mechanics, electricity and magnetism (E&M), thermodynamics, and modern physics concepts needed to satisfy pre-requisite knowledge for the upper level courses.
2. Physics majors will demonstrate mastery of commonly agreed on knowledge base expected of all Physics professionals in four basic core areas, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics, and demonstrate problem solving ability in each of these areas, across all options. Students will show mastery in each area by being able to define and explain principles, recognize their application in physical phenomena, and to choose and apply appropriate principles and mathematical tools to set up and solve physics problems.
3. Students will demonstrate mastery of high-level mathematical methods and advanced problem solving ability, including the ability to write computer code to accomplish a computational task.
4. Students will show mastery of a variety of experimental techniques and data analysis techniques.
5. Students should be knowledgeable about ethical issues, and demonstrate practice of professional ethics as they relate to their undergraduate experience including in the classroom and lab, the responsible conduct of research, the presentation of scientific results, and in their future profession.
6. Students should be exposed to and take advantage of opportunities to engage in 'hands-on' out-of-class experiential learning, related to their choice of specialty in their chosen major/option.
7. Students should have opportunities for and take advantage of academic advising and career information at all stages of the undergraduate career, for both prospective and declared majors.
8. Students will demonstrate both written and oral scientific communication skills and will be exposed to job search skills and information about graduate and/or professional programs, employment in industrial, lab positions, teaching careers, and other career paths.

In addition, students will achieve the Eberly College of Science's goals for students.

Revised/updated Spring 2019