2002-2003 Edition
Texas A&M University Undergraduate CatalogTexas A&M University Undergraduate Catalog
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Curricula in
Physics

Physics is the science which investigates and tries to understand the basic laws of nature. In this pursuit, it deals with the entire range of natural phenomena from the smallest domain of sub-nuclear particles to the largest domain of distant objects in the universe.

This breadth of interests is reflected in the type of work pursued by physicists. Some physicists are interested in research on problems which are at the frontiers of knowledge. Some apply this newly acquired knowledge to make practical advances. Still others use a knowledge of physics as a basis for careers in teaching or administration.

The Department of Physics offers training in physics leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy.

The B.A. curriculum provides the student with a firm foundation in physics but allows great flexibility in the choice of a large number of elective courses. Thus, the person with a B.A. in Physics will not have the full complement of undergraduate physics courses but will be able to acquire an in-depth knowledge of at least one other major academic area of his or her choice. A B.A. in Physics provides excellent preparation for a career in physics teaching.

The B.S. curriculum is designed primarily for students who intend to pursue graduate work in physics or other highly technical fields or for those who intend to go directly into industrial positions as professional physicists.

Bachelor of Arts
FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester

(Th-Pr)

Cr

 

Second Semester

(Th-Pr)

Cr
ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric
(3-0)
3
   CHEM 107 Gen. Chem. for Engr. Students
(3-3)
4
HIST 105 History of the U.S. 1
(3-0)
3
   HIST 106 History of the U.S. 1
(3-0)
3
MATH 171 Analytic Geom. and Calculus
(4-0)
4
   MATH 172 Calculus
(4-0)
4
PHYS 101 Topics in Cont. Physics
(1-0)
1
   PHYS 208 Electricity and Optics
(3-3)
4
PHYS 218 Mechanics
(3-3)
4
   * KINE 199 Required Physical Activity
(0-2)
1
* KINE 198 Health and Fitness Activity
(0-2)
1
    
16
 
16
   
SOPHOMORE YEAR
MATH 221 Several Variable Calculus

(4-0)

4

 

MATH 311 Topics in Applied Mathematics I

(3-0)

3

MATH 308 Differential Equations

(3-0)

3

 

PHYS 225 Electronic Circuits

(3-3)

4
PHYS 221 Optics and Thermal Physics
(3-0)
3
   PHYS 309 Modern Physics
(3-0)
3
POLS 206 American Natl. Govt.
(3-0)
3
   English literature elective 2
3
Humanities elective 1
3
   Elective 3
3
 
16
   
16
JUNIOR YEAR
PHYS 302 Adv. Mechanics

(4-0)

4

 

PHYS 327 Experimental Physics

(2-3)

3
PHYS 304 Adv. Elect. and Mag. I
(3-0)
3
   PHYS 412 Quantum Mechanics I
(3-0)
3
POLS 207 State and Local Govt.
(3-0)
3
   Communication elective 4
3
Electives 3
6
   Social and behavioral sciences elective 1
3
 
16
  Electives 3
5
 
   
17
SENIOR YEAR
PHYS 401 Computational Physics 5

(3-0)

3

 

Visual and performing arts elective 1

 

3
Physics elective 6
3
   Electives 3  
13
Electives 3
9
      
16
 
15
     

NOTES: 1. Any course in this category from the approved University Core Curriculum list of courses.

2. Choose from ENGL 203, 212, 221-222, 227-228, 231-232, 312-317, 319, 321-323, 330, 333-340, 350, 352-354, 362, 365, 374-378, 390, 412, 414, 431.

3. A minor field must be selected in conference with the student's advisor. In addition, 6 hours of courses must be in the area of international and cultural diversity. These may be in addition to other University Core Curriculum courses, or if a course in this category satisfies another area of the Core, it can be used to meet both requirements.

4. To be selected from ENGL 203, 210, 235, 236, 241 and 301.

5. To register for PHYS 401 a student must be able to program in a high level language, such as FORTRAN. This prerequisite can be satisfied by taking CPSC 203 or the equivalent.

6. To be selected from PHYS 305, 314, 408, 414 or any 400-level physics elective course.

Bachelor of Science
FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester

(Th-Pr)

Cr

 

Second Semester

(Th-Pr)

Cr
ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric
(3-0)
3
   CHEM 107 Gen. Chem. for Engr. Students
(3-3)
4
HIST 105 History of the U.S. 1
(3-0)
3
   HIST 106 History of the U.S. 1
(3-0)
3
MATH 171 Analytic Geom. and Calculus
(4-0)
4
   MATH 172 Calculus
(4-0)
4
PHYS 101 Topics in Cont. Physics
(1-0)
1
   PHYS 208 Electricity and Optics
(3-3)
4
PHYS 218 Mechanics
(3-3)
4
   * KINE 199 Required Physical Activity
(0-2)
1
* KINE 198 Health and Fitness Activity
(0-2)
1
    
16
 
16
   
SOPHOMORE YEAR
MATH 221 Several Variable Calculus

(4-0)

4

 

MATH 311 Topics in Applied Mathematics I

(3-0)

3

MATH 308 Differential Equations

(3-0)

3

 

PHYS 225 Electronic Circuits

(3-3)

4
PHYS 221 Optics and Thermal Physics
(3-0)
3
   PHYS 309 Modern Physics
(3-0)
3
POLS 206 American Natl. Govt.
(3-0)
3
   POLS 207 State and Local Govt.
(3-0)
3
Humanities elective 1
3
   English literature elective 2
3
 
16
   
16
JUNIOR YEAR
MATH 412 Theory of Partial Differential Equations

(3-0)

3

 

MATH 407 Complex Variables

(3-0)

3
PHYS 302 Adv. Mechanics
(4-0)
4
   PHYS 305 Adv. Elec. and Magn. II
(3-0)
3
PHYS 304 Adv. Elect. and Magn. I
(3-0)
3
   PHYS 327 Exptl. Physics
(2-3)
3
Communication elective 3
3
   PHYS 412 Quantum Mechanics I
(3-0)
3
Social and behavioral sciences elective 1
3
   Electives 4
5
 
16
    
17
SENIOR YEAR
PHYS 401 Computational Physics

(3-0)

3

 

PHYS 425 Physics Lab.

(0-6)

2
PHYS 408 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
(4-0)
4
   PHYS 485 Problems
2
PHYS 414 Quantum Mechanics II
(3-0)
3
   Physics elective 5
3
PHYS 426 Physics Lab.
(0-6)
2
   Visual and performing arts elective 1
3
Elective 4
3
   Electives 4
6
 
15
    
16

NOTES: 1. Any course in this category from the approved University Core Curriculum list of courses.

2. Choose from ENGL 203, 212, 221-222, 227-228, 231-232, 312-317, 319, 231-323, 330, 333-340, 350, 352-354, 362, 365, 374-378, 390, 412, 414, 431.

3. To be selected from ENGL 203, 210, 235, 236, 241 and 301.

4. Electives should be chosen in consultation with the student's academic advisor. If a student has not fulfilled the 6 hours international and cultural diversity requirement of the University Core Curriculum found on with courses used to meet other areas of the Core, they must fulfill this requirement with 6 of their elective hours.

5. Any 400-level physics elective.