Physics

  • PHYS

    What is Physics?

    The program of study in physics leading to a Bachelor of Science degree provides students with the opportunity to pursue a major field of concentration in physics with the necessary specialization to succeed in a wide array of post-baccalaureate opportunities.
     
    The study of physics is a good choice for students desiring positions in industry that are on the cutting edge of engineering and science, as well as for students who wish to continue with Master and PhD programs. 

    College of Science and Mathematics

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    2023-2024 Catalog Entry
    4-Year Suggested Program Map Concentrations Below

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    Admission Requirements


    None

    This program does not have specific admission requirements and only admission to Kennesaw State University is required.

    General Education Core Curriculum Requirements Specific to This Major


    Area A2: Students must take MATH 1113 or higher.

    Area D1: Students must take MATH 1179 or higher.

    Area D2: Students must take two four-hour laboratory sciences in Area D2. Students must choose from CHEM 1211/L, CHEM 1212/L, BIOL 1107/L, or BIOL 1108/L.

     

    Tracks Available


    • General Physics Track: Physics is the study of matter, motion, force and energy across space and time. This area of study is wide-ranging and math-intensive; students who earn Bachelor’s degrees in physics develop broad analytical skills and are well prepared to pursue graduate education in physics or related areas of study. Other graduates pursue careers in the engineering, computer science or other STEM-related areas.
    • Electrical Engineering Track:  This BS degree with a concentration in electrical engineering combines the study of physics with 32 credit hours of courses in electrical engineering, plus courses in solid state physics and engineering statics, thus further broadening the students’ analytical skills. In addition, adding electrical engineering courses will increase the marketability of the physics student.
    • Mechanical Engineering Track: This BS degree with a concentration in mechanical engineering combines the study of physics with 30 credit hours of courses in mechanical engineering. This curriculum design helps to further broaden the students’ analytical skills. In addition, adding skills developed in mechanical engineering courses will increase the marketability of the physics student.

    Related Minors or Certificates Available


    • Physics Minor 

     

    Sample Classes


    • This course is a survey of topics that includes heat, geometric optics, fluid flow, and sound. Students will develop conceptual understandings and solve real-world problems using special functions. Students will apply laws of conservation to fluid flow and heat flow using mathematical analysis. Students will study the behavior of light in interaction with lenses and mirrors and discuss the physical description of sound and resonant systems using special functions.

    • The topics covered in this course constitute the most fundamental background in modern physics. The main objective of this course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of the physical laws and phenomena that constitute the framework leading to quantum mechanics. Students will strengthen their knowledge of special relativity and explore aspects of the quantum theory of wave/particle duality and the probabilistic interpretation. Students will learn the Schrödinger’s equation, its solutions for simple potentials, and properties of the one-electron atom. Students will also study applications of quantum principles to atomic, molecular and nuclear structures.
    • This course presents a systematic development of quantum mechanical laws. Students will be introduced to Dirac’s notation and will learn about the theory of angular momentum quantization and will use the operator formalism to solve the Schrödinger’s equation in 3-dim for a particle in a central force field, and the simple harmonic oscillator. In addition, students will learn concepts of time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory and scattering theory.

    • This course is a study of the principles of thermal equilibrium, physical statistics, irreversible processes, and the approach to equilibrium. Students will learn how to apply the statistical nature of thermodynamics using Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac statistics

     

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