1277
Oklahoma State University
Physics Physics is the science of matter, energy and their interactions. Physics majors learn the fundamental laws governing the natural world, and in so doing develop critical skills of observation and quantitative analysis in both experimental and theoretical settings. Because those skills are increasingly valued in diverse fields in today's technological society, persons trained in physics are found not only in science, but also in fields where analytical skills are vital to success, such as finance, medicine, law and engineering. The Department of Physics offers two bachelor's degree programs. First, the "BS in Physics" degree program is designed for students who seek a broad, comprehensive study of the set of traditional as well as contemporary topics which together comprise the subject of physics, and who ultimately may be interested in obtaining master’s and/or doctoral degrees and becoming professional physicists or astronomers. In contrast, the “BS in Applied Physics” degree program has been developed for students who wish to combine studies in physics with studies in other areas such as biology, geology, business, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or pre-medicine, perhaps in preparation for graduate degrees in those areas. Interdisciplinary study is also possible through double majors with physics, a major in physics with a minor in another subject, or minors in physics. The detailed requirements for all degree programs of the Physics Department can be obtained from the department office or its website: www.physics.okstate.edu (http:// www.physics.okstate.edu). Prospective physics majors should contact the departmental adviser as soon as possible to guarantee a successful undergraduate career. A special freshman-level course, PHYS 1001 Frontiers of Physics, acquaints new physics majors with the department's professors and research, as well as with each other. During their first two years, physics majors learn the laws of mechanics (forces and motion) and electromagnetism which epitomize the work of Newton and Maxwell, among others. At the same time, students develop their mathematical skills through courses in calculus and differential equations. During their last two years, physics majors delve into advanced topics including the quantum and relativistic physics of Schroedinger, Einstein and their colleagues. Courses in laboratory and computational methods further develop experimental abilities. Students are also encouraged to work in the department's research labs or astronomical observatory. Students pursuing the BS in physics take additional physics courses and do a senior project. Students seeking the BS in applied physics replace the additional physics courses with upper-division courses in their chosen areas. Undergraduate Programs • Physics, BS (p. 1280) • Physics: Applied Physics, BS (p. 1282) • Physics: Secondary Teacher Certification, BS (p. 1284)
Graduate Programs Prerequisites
Thirty semester hours of physics beyond the elementary course work and mathematics courses through advanced calculus and differential equations are normally required. The Master of Science Degree Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis plan. For both plans, the required courses are the following:
Code
Title
Hours
PHYS 5113
Statistical Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
3
PHYS 5313 PHYS 5413 PHYS 5453 PHYS 5613
Electromagnetic Theory Classical Mechanics
3 3 3 3
Methods of Theoretical Physics
Quantum Mechanics I
The thesis plan requires the successful completion of 30 semester credit hours beyond the BS, which include the required courses; nine semester credit hours of electives in physics, mathematics or an allied field; and the submission of an acceptable thesis along with six credit hours of PHYS 5000 Master’s Thesis Research or Report. The thesis is to be based on original and independent research, on a topic chosen in consultation with the student's adviser. The student must successfully defend the thesis in an oral examination. The non-thesis plan requires 32 semester credit hours beyond the BS degree, including the required courses; fifteen hours of electives (with up to nine credit hours of senior level courses); and two credit hours of library research (PHYS 5000 Master’s Thesis Research or Report) on a topic chosen in consultation with the student's adviser. A completed written report based on the library research must be orally presented to the student's advisory committee. For both plans, the electives must be chosen in consultation with the student’s adviser committee. Also available are two specialized options at the MS level. One is an option in optics and photonics, in association with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students may pursue one of two plans, both of which require 24 credit hours of coursework with at least one course taken outside the student's specialization. Beyond this, the first plan (30 credit hours) requires an additional six hours of research and a successful defense of a thesis. The second plan (32 credit hours) requires an additional six hours of coursework and a two-credit-hour report. The second option in medical physics is designed to prepare graduate students for clinical and research careers in medical physics, such as in proton, x-ray and other radiation-based medical therapies. This option entails a 30-credit hour program requiring the following:
Code
Title
Hours
Required Courses PHYS 5453
Methods of Theoretical Physics
3 3
• Physics (PHYS), Minor (p. 1279)
PHYS 5613
Quantum Mechanics I
Medical Physics PHYS 4663
Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics Dosimetry and Radiation Protection Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics Laboratory
3 3 3
PHYS 5533 PHYS 5563
PHYS 5573
Radiation Biophysics
3
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