2003-04 Catalog
2003-04 Greenville College CatalogDepartmentsPHYSICSProfessors—Hugh
E. Siefken (Department Head) Physics attempts to develop a basic understanding of all forms of matter and energy. Today's society needs persons trained in physics in order to maintain a high level of technology in our society. Physics uses mathematical techniques to describe processes and develops new ideas that are given to engineers for implementation. The Physics Department strives to give the student an understanding of the basic physical principles and show how these principles are adapted to many types of employment opportunities in our society. For those majoring in physics, the Department is prepared to meet the needs of three groups: students who plan to teach high school physics, students who plan to go on to graduate school in physics, and students who expect to go to work in a government or industrial laboratory following graduation. The prospective high school teacher should plan to complete a major of ten courses before the semester of teaching experience. The additional coursework includes a one semester of senior physics lab PHY 402 and PHY 350. Students planning to enter graduate school in physics should take the same curriculum as the prospective high school teacher through the junior year. During their senior year, students will engage in independent study with the guidance of their professors. Part of this independent study will include laboratory investigation of a research nature. The department is prepared to direct research in solid state and atomic physics using lasers and the department's ion accelerator, and other equipment. Students interested in working in government or industrial laboratories should complete the core curriculum. During the senior year the program will be independent in nature. It will differ from the graduate school-bound student preparation in that their independent work will be less theoretical and shall include shop and laboratory techniques as well as special laboratory projects. Greenville College offers an Engineering 3/2 program through a cooperative agreement with two top-notch engineering schools; the University of Illinois and Washington University in St. Louis. This five-year program results in a Bachelor of Arts from Greenville and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the cooperating school. Successful completion of Greenville’s engineering program, with an appropriate GPA, guarantees admission to top quality engineering schools for the remaining two years. Check the index under Engineering 3/2 for curriculum information. The graduates of the program in physics have gone into one of the three careers as outlined above. About one-third have gone into high school and college teaching, and one-third have taken positions in government or industrial laboratories. Over half of the graduates have taken graduate work in physics and one-sixth have completed Ph.D. programs. A study of physics majors during the years 1974-2002 indicates 71 graduates, all of whom entered graduate school or obtained employment in their chosen field. All three introductory courses are calculus based. Students may enroll in PHY 120 and MTH 115 Calculus I concurrently. Concepts involving calculus are developed early in the PHY 120 textbook and in the course so students can handle the topics that are discussed. Those students with high school physics as a background start the physics sequence with PHY 120. Physics majors, pre-engineers, and prospective secondary school teachers should complete the sequence. The Physics Major requirements include 33 credits in Physics and 26 credits in Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics. The Physics major can lead to either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. PHY 120 General Physics I
(4 cr)
The Physics Education Major requirements include 33 credits in Physics, 26 credits in Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics, and 41hours of Professional Studies in Education. PHY 120 General Physics I
(4 cr) Physics Education Majors are also encouraged to take: Required Professional Studies Courses:
Last updated: July
15, 2003 |
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