Goucher College 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalogue

Apr 20, 2024

Goucher College 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalogue PLEASE NOTE: This is an archived catalog. Programs are subject to change each academic year.

Physics Major

Core Courses: The following courses constitute the core of a physics (or related) degree, and are required for all students majoring in physics:

Physics Tracks:

In addition to the core courses, students elect to follow a particular track (listed below) that best fits their interests and future goals. In consultation with their academic advisor, students should choose additional courses from Physics offerings, and other courses as required below, to best prepare for their post-graduate career. Students should check all courses for the accompanying prerequisites. Laboratory reports and papers in

PHY 220

and

PHY 230

are used to evaluate writing proficiency in the major.

Traditional Track (Preparation for a graduate program in Physics):

In addition to the core courses, the following are required:

In addition to Physics offerings, students may elect to take:

MA 316 - Scientific Computation (4 Cr.)
CS 116 - Introduction to Computer Science (4 Cr.)
PHY 171.304 - Quantum Mechanics II (offered at Johns Hopkins University)
PHY 171.310 - Biological Physics (offered at Johns Hopkins University)
PHY 171.408 - Nuclear and Particle Physics (offered at Johns Hopkins University)
PHY 171.405 - Condensed Matter Physics (offered at Johns Hopkins University)
PHY 171.413 - Magnetic Materials & Sprintronics (offered at Johns Hopkins University)

Astronomy Track (Preparation for a career or graduate program in Astronomy):

In addition to the core courses, the following are required.

AST 110 - Introduction to Astronomy (4 Cr.)
AST 210 - Intermediate Astronomy (3 Cr.)
AST 320 - Astrophysics (3 Cr.)
one additional class at the 300 level

In addition to Astronomy offerings, students may elect to take:

MA 316 - Scientific Computation (3 Cr.)
PHY 171.313 - Introduction to Stellar Physics (offered at Johns Hopkins University)
PHY 171.314 - Introduction to Galaxies and AGN (offered at Johns Hopkins University)
ASTR 301 - Astrophysical Techniques (offered at Towson University)

Pre-Engineering Track (Preparation for a career or graduate program in Engineering):

In addition to the core courses, the following are required:

CS 116 - Introduction to Computer Science (4 Cr.)
Two additional classes from the Department at the 300-level (can include MA 316)

In addition to Physics offerings, students may elect to take:

Individualized Track (Individualized physics major):

Students may develop an individualized major in consultation with their major advisor by proposing a list of at least 9 credits (including at least two from Physics and Astronomy at the 300 level) for approval by the director of the program. Topics include (but are not limited to) pre-medical and biophysics, material science, environmental physics, econophysics, computational physics, physics of music or art, etc.

JHU Courses and Degree with Honors

Physics Courses Offered at the Johns Hopkins University

The following courses are offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Johns Hopkins University:

PHY 171.209 - Wave Phenomena with Biological Applications (4)
PHY 171.304 - Theory of Quantum Mechanics II (4)
PHY 171.313 - Introduction to Stellar Physics (3)
PHY 171.314 - Introduction to Galaxies and Active Galactic Nuclei (3)
PHY 171.310 - Biological Physics (3)
PHY 171.408 - Nuclear and Particle Physics (3)
PHY 171.405 - Condensed Matter Physics (3)
PHY 171.413 - Magnetic Materials & Sprintronics (3)

THE DEGREE WITH HONORS IN PHYSICS

Majors in the Department of Physics and Astronomy are encouraged to strive for Honors in the major at graduation. Departmental honors will be awarded on the basis of outstanding course work and additional independent research achievements. Students who wish to be considered for Honors in the major should plan their schedule to include independent research as described in the guidelines below.

Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.50 in the major (as computed from all courses taken within the Department of Physics and Astronomy), and a high level of achievement in either two semesters of independent research work or one summer independent research work plus one semester of independent research work under the supervision of a faculty member from the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Results of independent work should be presented either at an open seminar attended by students and faculty, or in a Senior Thesis evaluated by the Physics and Astronomy faculty members. Final selection requires the approval of the majority of the faculty members in the Department.