BS Physics

Introduction
The study of physics is essential to every other natural science because  it informs how all the processes in the world work. As such, these physics courses are offered in the spirit of exposing students to the  fundamentals of  physics  and highlighting the applications to other areas of science such as chemistry, biology, and health sciences.

Along with the basic science, physics courses will offer students the opportunity to develop their critical reasoning and problem-solving skills. A natural outcome of these courses is an increased capacity to tackle new and challenging problems in a variety of contexts and disciplines.

Both the B.S. and the B.A. Physics programs focus on the quantitative and analytic skills needed to solve problems and interpret data. Students who major in Physics will be prepared to work on cutting-edge ideas in science and technology, academic, government and the private sector, or graduate school in nearly any STEM area.

A physics minor program is currently available, and flexible enough to accommodate a student in any of the STEM disciplines. This minor gives students a distinct advantage over their peers in graduate school or the work force and provides students an opportunity to study advanced and cutting-edge physics.

Mission Statement
The Mercyhurst University Department of Physics seeks to provide a high-quality physics education that prepares students to be the scientists of the future, confident in their abilities and their understanding of physics. Because we believe that simple factual knowledge is not sufficient, the department seeks to instill strong analytical and critical thinking skills in our students. To meet these skills, our department is centered on the following tenets:

A student-centered approach within our Department. We believe that students flourish when they are the center of the learning process. In particular, we place an emphasis on achieving close student-faculty relationships.

A focus on scientific inquiry at all levels in the curriculum. We believe that students are most successful when they engage in the scientific process to the fullest extent. Inquiry-based learning is infused in all of our scholarly pursuits, from experimentation design through communication with the scientific community.

A commitment to promoting diversity in the sciences. By placing an emphasis on mentoring and diversity in the faculty, we seek to support students from all backgrounds and levels of experience, including those traditionally under-represented.

A dedication to standards of excellence. We believe that success in scientific disciplines requires fulfillment of a clear set of academic standards, and we strive to ensure that all students meet these standards. Through guidance and mentoring, we strive to provide every student with the opportunity for success.

A belief in developing the whole person. We believe that a dedication to lifelong learning, the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and a desire to contribute to  the  science community and  society  at large are essential characteristics of ethical professionals and socially conscientious citizens.

Along with our major courses, we also strive to provide students with a liberal  arts background that contributes to a well-rounded academic. Students in any of our courses should acquire the foundational knowledge necessary to be successful in their field and as thoughtful citizens. Our graduates have the expertise and competence in physics to be prepared for advanced study in the physical sciences and/or for employment.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Mastery of fundamental physics principles

• Students will show proficiency at solving quantitative problems that require an understanding of the fundamental principles in each of the major areas of physics.
• Students will show proficiency at explaining qualitatively the broad array of physical phenomena that can be explained using these fundamental concepts.

Application of previously learned information in new contexts

• Students will show  proficiency  at  transferring  fundamental  principles into the advanced study in physics areas such as classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics.

Demonstration of proficiency in scientific methods of inquiry

• Students can design and carry out simple experiments including the collection, analysis, and presentation of meaningful data.

Acquisition of professional skills

• Students can complete a literature review including the ability to read and use scientific literature.
• Students can present well-organized, logical, and scientifically sound oral and written scientific reports.

Recognition of the broader implications of an education in physics

• Students demonstrate an awareness of the impact of physics in social, economic, and environmental
• Students value both independent study and teamwork, as well as hold an appreciation for life-long

Department Requirements

All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of C or better in order for a student to be eligible to enroll in a course. If this requirement has not been met prior to the start of the semester during which a student is enrolled, students will be removed from the course where the prerequisites  have  not been satisfactorily met.

To be recommended for graduation, a student must earn at least a 2.5 grade point average in the required major and cognate courses and labs. When  a course is re-taken the GPA requirement includes  both  the  original  grade  and the grade from the retake. A student also must earn a grade of a C or better in any course from the major discipline that is to fulfill a degree requirement. No required course may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis. No required upper-division courses may be taken at another  institution without prior  approval. Students are required to take theory and lab courses concurrently unless permission is granted from both the instructor and the department. Withdrawal from one without withdrawal from the other is not allowed without permission from both the instructor and the department.

All students seeking degrees in programs offered by the Physics Department are required to undergo a review by department faculty at the completion of their sophomore year or at the completion of their sophomore level requirements. Students must successfully complete the Sophomore Review to be accepted into the Department’s programs and to continue their physics studies.

Students eligible for review are those who have been enrolled at Mercyhurst for at least 2 years, and must have completed or be in the process of completing Calculus II, General Physics II, Chemistry II, and at least one upper-level physics course (numbered 300 or higher). Acceptance to the program will be based on academic performance in the department and at the University as a whole as well as professional conduct. Students who do not pass the Sophomore Review will not be allowed to enroll in any further courses required for Physics programs. Students seeking a B.S. must also sign up with a Research Advisor before November 1 of the academic year in which they intend to graduate.

Physics Minor
All students pursuing a Physics Minor must take the following courses:

MATH 170 Calculus I 4 credits
MATH 171 Calculus II 4 credits
PHYS 201/203 General Physics I & Lab 4 credits
PHYS 202/206 General Physics II & Lab 4 credits
PHYS 310/312 Modern Physics & Lab 4 credits
Students must also choose two approved Physics Minor elective courses.

Students who wish to earn the minor will be required to earn at least a “C” in every course and to maintain a 2.5 GPA overall in their minor courses.