Requirements for the Major
Learning Outcomes of the Program in Physics When confronted with an unfamiliar physical or dynamical system or situation, our students should be able to: - Develop a conceptual framework for understanding the system by identifying the key physical principles, relationships, and constraints underlying the system
- Translate that conceptual framework into an appropriate mathematical format/model
- If the mathematical model/equations are analytically tractable, carry out the analysis of the problem to completion (by demonstrating knowledge of and proficiency with the standard mathematical tools of physics and engineering)
- If the model/equations are not tractable, develop a computer code and/or use standard software/programming languages (e.g., Matlab, Maple, Python) to numerically simulate the model system
- Intelligently analyze, interpret, and assess the reasonableness of the answers obtained and/or the model’s predictions.
- Effectively communicate their findings (either verbally and/or via written expression) to diverse audiences.
In a laboratory setting, students should be able to: - Design an appropriate experiment to test out a hypothesis of interest.
- Make basic order-of-magnitude estimates.
- Demonstrate a working familiarity with standard laboratory equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, etc.).
- Identify and appropriately address the sources of systematic error and statistical error in their experiment.
- Have proficiency with standard methods of data analysis (e.g., graphing, curve-fitting, statistical analysis, Fourier analysis, etc.).
- Intelligently analyze, interpret, and assess the reasonableness of their experimental results.
- Effectively communicate their findings (either verbally and/or via written expression) to diverse audiences.
Courses required for the Physics major: |
