Physics and Astronomy

Major & Minor Requirements

The Physics Major provides students with an opportunity to learn and apply physical principles to a wide variety of applications. An understanding of physics is excellent preparation for a diverse array of careers, including engineering, medical physics, meteorology, astronomy and financial modeling. The major requirements are flexible. Each student, with the help of his or her advisor, may select the courses that best suit his or her interests and abilities.

At Carthage, physics majors can pursue a concentration in astrophysics, engineering or applied physics, or medical physics, or take courses to prepare for graduate school and an advanced degree in physics.

Physics Major
Concentrations Within the Major
Physics Minor
Climatology and Meteorology Minor
Honors in the Major

Please note: Current students should follow the printed version of the College Catalog, and work with their advisors and the department chair to ensure all requirements are met.

See a sample schedule for a physics major.

See a sample schedule for students in the Engineering program.

Physics Major

Students majoring in physics at Carthage must successfully complete 42 credits.

Required Courses (take all):

PHY 1200 Fundamentals of Physics*
PHY 2200 General Physics I
PHY 2210 General Physics II
PHY 2300 Modern Physics
PHY 2470 Mathematics for Scientists & Engineers OR PHY 3120 Electronics
PHY 4120 Experimental Physics OR PHY 4110 Observational Astrophysics
PHY 4000 Senior Thesis Seminar (1 credit)
PHY 4010 Senior Thesis Research (1 credit)
PHY 4990 Senior Thesis Completion (0 credits)
MTH 1120 Calculus I
MTH 1220 Calculus II
MTH 2020 Differential Equations
*With consent of the department chair, CHM 1020 may be substituted for PHY 1200.

Electives:

In addition to the above requirements, physics majors are required to take 16 credits of coursework at the 3000 level or higher (excludes PHY 4900). With approval of the department chair, up to 8 credits may be selected from an approved list of science courses outside the Physics and Astronomy Department.


Concentrations Within the Major

The physics major elective courses may be selected to accommodate various interests and career objectives. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students may elect to concentrate in any of several different areas:

Astrophysics. Students pursuing a concentration in astrophysics have access to instruments at Yerkes and Steward Observatories, some of the premier astrophysical research observatories in the world. Carthage also owns and maintains a variety of telescopes, CCD cameras and research equipment, which students may use. The astrophysics concentration includes: PHY 3100, PHY 4100, PHY 4110; and a choice of PHY 3200 and PHY 4300 or PHY 3300 and PHY 4200.

Engineering or Applied Physics. Carthage offers a 3-2 dual degree program for engineering students. Students planning to pursue further education in engineering or applied physics should consult a faculty advisor to select course electives appropriate to their intended engineering specialty.

Medical Physics. The Carthage Physics and Astronomy Department has partnered with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS), located in North Chicago, Ill., to offer a joint program in Medical Physics. Students planning to pursue further education in medical physics should consult a faculty advisor to select course electives appropriate to their intended specialty.

Advanced Degree in Physics. Students intending to pursue advanced degrees in physics should take electives that cover the core material required for admission to graduate school. These include PHY 2470, PHY 3100, PHY 3200, PHY 3300, PHY 4200, PHY 4300, and PHY 400T.



Physics Minor

The Physics Minor conists of 24 credits:

PHY 1200 Fundamental Physics*
PHY 2200 General Physics II
PHY 2210 General Physics I
PHY 2300 Modern Physics
Two additional courses in physics numbered 3000 or higher
*With consent of the department chair, CHM 1020 may be substituted for PHY 1200.



The Climatology and Meteorology Minor

The Climatology and Meteorology Minor is directed toward students who are interested in pursuing atmospheric scholarship and research, focusing specifically on the atmospheric contributions that the disciplines of geography and physics provide. There are prerequisites to some of the courses for this minor. Students should consult their advisors and seek guidance from the departments of Geography and Earth Science and Physics and Astronomy.

For a Climatology and Meteorology Minor, students will complete 24 credits:

Required Courses (take all):

GEO 1700 Introduction to Physical Geography
GEO 2400 Meteorology
GEO 3700 Climatology
GEO/PHY 4150 Science of Global Climate Change
PHY 2200 General Physics I
PHY 3300 Thermodynamics OR PHY 3200 Mechanics


Honors in the Major

Honors are awarded at the discretion of the Physics and Astronomy Department. Students are eligible for Honors in physics if they maintain an overall GPA above 3.5 and a physics GPA above 3.0 at graduation, undertake scholarly physics research (in addition to the Senior Thesis) that is presented in public or published, earn a rating of "excellent" for the Senior Thesis, and receive the formal recommendation of the Physics Department.

 

For Science Designation: check course descriptions to see if a laboratory is included in order to fulfill a lab science requirement.

Academics at Carthage

Prospective Students

Research Opportunities

Carthage students have access to some of the world's largest observatories. Read more.


Summer Undergraduate Research Experience leads to real world success. Read more.

Microgravity Team

The Carthage Microgravity Program sends physics students aboard NASA's zero-gravity aircraft. Read more.