Department of Physics
Chairperson: Professor Almeida; Professors: Farahi,
Leamy, Vermillion; Professors Emeritus: Pollak, Werntz;
Associate Professors: Corwin, Mayes, Melton, Oberhofer,
Simpson; Assistant Professors: Aktas, Raja, Tam; Adjunct
Professors: Edwards, Splinter, Svenson
Undergraduate study in physics is designed for students who seek
simply to better understand the physical universe, as well as
for students who will seek employment in a technical field following
graduation, continue professional study or teach science in the
public schools. The Department offers programs leading to the
Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees. Students
who graduate with a bachelor's degree in physics may pursue graduate
study in physics, engineering, or computer science or study in
optometry or the medical field.
Physics students have special opportunities at UNC Charlotte.
The Department of Physics is large enough to afford a variety
of experiences for the students, but not so large that the student
loses personal access to the faculty. Each student has the opportunity
to work closely with individual faculty members of his/her choice,
both in formal laboratory courses and on individual research projects.
Some upperlevel undergraduates have the opportunity to assist
faculty members in teaching introductory physics laboratories.
This gives students practical training as well as an employment
opportunity usually available only to graduate students.
BACHELOR OF ARTS
A major in physics leading to the B.A. degree consists of a minimum
of 120 semester hours which fulfill the general degree requirements
of the University and include at least 26 semester hours in physics
with an average grade of C or better. These 26 hours must
include PHYS 2221, 2221L, 2231, 2231L, 2241, 4251 and at least
12 additional hours at the 3000/4000 level to be approved by the
department Undergraduate Studies Committee. Also required for
the B.A. degree are CHEM 1251, 1251L (formerly CHEM 1101, 1101L),
ENGL 2116 and MEGR 2154.
Depending on the preparation of the student, a first-year sequence
of Physics 1101 and 1102 may be recommended. Students should note
that Mathematics 1141, 1142, 2141, and 2171 are prerequisites
for certain required physics courses. Freshmen should arrange
their schedule to complete MATH 1141 before the beginning of their
sophomore year.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
A major in physics leading to the B.S. degree consists of a minimum
of 120 semester hours which fulfill the general degree requirements
of the University and include at least 36 semester hours in physics
with an average grade of C or better. These 36 hours must
include PHYS 2221, 2221L, 2231, 2231L, 2241, 3285, 4221, 4231,
4241, 4251; at least two hours selected from PHYS 3281, 4281 or
3900; and at least eight additional hours at the 3000/4000 level
to be approved by the department Undergraduate Studies Committee.
Also required for the B.S. degree are CHEM 1251, 1251L (formerly
CHEM 1101, 1101L), ENGL 2116, MEGR 2154, and an introduction to
computer programming--either CSCI 1201 and 1201L, or EEGR 1102
and 2101.
Depending on the preparation of the entering student, a first-year
sequence of Physics 1101 and 1102 may be recommended. Students
should note that Mathematics 1141, 1142, 2141, and 2171 are prerequisites
for certain required physics courses. Freshmen should arrange
their schedule to complete MATH 1141 before the beginning of their
sophomore year.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE: APPLIED PHYSICS OPTION
A major in physics leading to the B.S. degree with the applied
physics option requires a minimum of 32 semester hours in physics,
eight semester hours of chemistry, nine semester hours of computer
science, and 19 semester hours of engineering with an average
grade of C in the required courses. The 32 required hours
in physics are PHYS 2221, 2221L, 2231, 2231L, 2241, 3181, 3285,
4221, 4231, 4241, 4251, and PHYS 3281, 4281 or 3900. The required
courses in computer science are CSCI 1100P or CSCI 1201 and its
lab, 2140 and 2141. The minimum engineering requirement consists
of MEGR 1102 or CEGR 2101, MEGR 2154, ESGR 2141 and 3141, EEGR
2161 and 2162, and MEET 3133. Students in this track are encouraged
to select one of their free electives from PHYS 4201 and 4261.
MATH 1141, 1142, 2141, and 2171 and ENGL 2116 are prerequisite
courses for certain required physics courses.
PHYSICS MINOR
A minor in physics is available to all undergraduates except physics
majors and requires PHYS 2221, 2221L, 2231, 2231L and 2241, and
six additional hours in physics selected from PHYS 3000, 3181,
3281, 3285, 3900, 4000, 4201, 4221, 4222, 4231, 4232, 4241, 4242,
4251, 4261, 4281, and 4800. Any substitutions, and also each offering
of PHYS 3000, 3900, 4000 or 4800 must be individually approved
by the Department of Undergraduate Studies Committee. Students
majoring in Electrical Engineering should note that 2231L, although
not a requirement for their major, is required for the minor in
physics. Students must file the appropriate application for admission
or "Declaration of Program."
HONORS PROGRAM IN PHYSICS
To obtain a degree with honors in physics, the student must successfully
complete PHYS 3900, and at least two courses selected from PHYS
4222, 4232 and 4242. The student must formally enter the Honors
Program no later than the beginning of the second semester of
the junior year. The Honors Committee of the Physics Department
must approve admission. Details concerning this program are available
from the Physics Department.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Students majoring in physics have an opportunity to combine work
experience with their academic experience. The Cooperative Education
Program is a plan whereby a student completes his/her lower division
coursework, and, after being formally accepted as a co-op student,
alternates periods of academic coursework with periods of paid
employment in an area mutually agreed upon by the student, an
employer and the University. This program enables the student
to integrate classroom instruction with practical on-the-job experience
with business, industry, government agencies, or other employers.
A student electing this option should expect to graduate in five
years, instead of the four years normally required. Further information
regarding Cooperative Education can be found elsewhere in this
Catalog. Information regarding the application procedure
for admission into this program can be obtained from the Physics
Department.
[COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES]