College of Science 607 Department of Physics Department Chair: Colin Inglefield Location: Science Lab, Room 202 Telephone: Nereyda Hesterberg 801-626-6163 Web Site: weber.edu/physics Professors: Farhang Amiri, Brad Carroll, Ronald Galli, Colin Inglefield, Adam Johnston, Dale Ostlie, Stacy Palen, Daniel Schroeder, John Sohl, Walther Spjeldvik; Associate Professors: John Armstrong, Michelle Arnold; Visiting Professor: Tabetha Hole Physics is the study and application of the fundamental laws of nature, including the laws of motion, gravity, electromagnetism, heat, and microscopic interactions. These laws govern the behavior of objects at all scales, from the smallest subatomic particles to the entire observable universe. In between, physicists study nuclear reactions, the interaction of atoms with light, properties of materials, the chaotic dynamics of fluids, and the evolution of stars and galaxies, among many other applications. Our courses in physics introduce all of the most important fundamental laws and many of their applications. Equally valuable, however, are the skills that students develop in these courses, from analytical thinking and problem solving to experimental design and interpretation. Majoring in physics can thus prepare a student for a variety of careers in research, education, business, industry, and government. The Department offers three major programs: Physics, Applied Physics, and Physics Teaching. The Physics major places emphasis on understanding nature at the deepest possible level, and offers options that emphasize fundamental theoretical physics, astrophysics, computational physics, and physics of materials. Each of these options provides a strong foundation for graduate work. The Applied Physics major places more emphasis on physical phenomena and hands-on experience. Thus, it is more suitable for those planning to go either directly into industrial employment or into graduate programs in certain applied fields. The Physics Teaching major is designed specifically for those planning to teach physics at the secondary school level. Students who are majoring in other disciplines are encouraged to consider a minor in physics, which includes a year of introductory physics plus eight credit hours of additional physics courses. These electives may be chosen to emphasize basic theory, experimental techniques, or applied subfields such as optics and astrophysics. Physical Science Composite Teaching (BS) • Program Prerequisite: Composite Teaching majors must meet the Teacher Education admission and licensure requirements (see Teacher Education Department). • Minor: Not required. • Grade Requirements: A grade of "C" or better in courses required for this major (a grade of "C-" is not acceptable). Also refer to the general grade requirements for graduation on Degree and General Education Requirements. • Credit Hour Requirements: A total of 120 credit hours are required for graduation; a minimum of 69 of these is required within the major. A total of 40 upper division credit hours is required (courses numbered 3000 and above); a minimum of 13 of these is required within the major. Advisement Teaching majors are encouraged to consult with advisors in both the College of Science (call 801-626-6160) and the College of Education (call 801-626-6269). (Also refer to the Department Advisor Referral List.) Students in this program should work closely with their advisor to ensure their teaching endorsements in multiple subject areas within physical science. Admission Requirements Declare your program of study. Physical Science Composite Teaching majors must satisfy Teacher Education admission and licensure requirements (see Teacher Education Department). General Education Refer to Degree and General Education Requirements for Bachelor of Science requirements. The following courses required for this major will satisfy physical science general education requirements: CHEM 1210, GEO 1110 and PHYS 2210. Major Course Requirements for BS Degree Required Courses (minimum of 69 credit hours) Physics Courses (19 credit hours) • PHYS 1040 PS - Elementary Astronomy Credits: (3) • PHYS 2210 PS - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Credits: (5) and • PHYS 2220 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Credits: (5) • Physics electives PHYS 2300 and above (6) Geology Courses (17 credit hours) • GEO 1060 PS - Environmental Geosciences Credits: (3) • GEO 1110 PS - Dynamic Earth: Physical Geology Credits: (3) • GEO 1115 - Physical Geology Lab Credits: (l) • GEO 1130 PS - Introduction to Meteorology Credits: (3) • GEO 1220 - Historical Geology Credits: (4) • GEO 3010 - Oceanography and Earth Systems Credits: (3) or • GEO 3210 - Quaternary Environmental Change Credits: (3) Chemistry Courses (14-15 credit hours) • CHEM 1210 PS - Principles of Chemistry I Credits: (5) and • CHEM 1220 - Principles of Chemistry II Credits: (5) Weber State University 2014-2015 Catalog