Catalog 2010 - 2011

The Mathematics and Physical Sciences Core encourages all majors and minors in our Department to experience similar theoretical, analytical, and algorithmic viewpoints. This collection of courses incorporates programming, problem-solving, abstract analysis, and applications.

Students pursuing a mathematics-physics major must complete the core courses and satisfy the following requirements:

• The core courses:
  • Programming structure and methods of analysis:
    • CSC-150 Introduction to Computer Programming I (4 cr)
  • Problem Solving/Analysis, one course from:
    • MAT-151 Calculus I (4 cr)
    • MAT-152 Calculus II (3 cr)
    • MAT-251 Calculus III (4 cr)
  • Mathematics and Physical Systems, one course from:
    • PHY-230 Digital Electronics (3 cr)
    • PHY-240 Electronics & Laboratory (4 cr)
    • PHY-271 Analytical Physics & Laboratory (4 cr)
• 18 credits in upper-division* in mathematics (MAT) or (PHY) courses.
• Independent study
• Two of the following four courses:
  • PHY-301 Theoretical Mechanics
  • PHY-313 Thermal Physics
  • PHY-330 Electricity and Magnetism
  • PHY-401 Quantum Physics

Note: Students interested in graduate work in physics are strongly encouraged to take PHY-240/240L, all upper-division physics courses (300 and 400 level) and MAT-431 Complex Variables. Some facility with general-purpose programming is strongly urged.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Communicates effectively, using the language, concepts, and processes of mathematics and physics.
• Uses the methodologies of mathematics and physics to define and solve problems independently and collaboratively.
• Uses a wide variety of laboratory techniques with accuracy and precision.
• Finds, selects, and uses appropriate scientific and mathematical information to support his/her work.
• Uses different strategies to analyze and synthesize physical data.
• Critiques the data, strategies, and models used in mathematics and physics.