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Physics Major

 

Website

http://www.physics.tulane.edu/StudentsPhysMission.shtml

Overview

Physics is the most fundamental science. It is the foundation for our understanding of the world around us, spanning the ultimate depths within subatomic nuclei to distances beyond the known universe. Physics provides a basis for other sciences, including chemistry, biology, astronomy, and geology. Physics discoveries, which led to technologies ranging from energy sources to quantum information and nano-communication devices to state of the art medical diagnostics, have revolutionized our world, and will continue to do so. The physics curriculum at Tulane provides strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities for careers ranging from academic research, to industrial development, to large government exploration, to project management, to the financial sector, to creative writing. The curriculum is unusually flexible and has successfully led to degrees with double, and even triple majors in diverse fields. The physics program also promotes and rewards creativity, stimulates intellectual development, and engages our students in life-long learning.

Mission Statement for Physics

The mission of the Physics program is to provide outstanding opportunities for learning and research in physics and teaching of the highest quality and impact, addressing needs and challenges of the 21st century. The program is designed to assist our students in developing deep understanding via powerful problem-solving skills, preparing them for a very broad range of opportunities.

Program Objectives for Physics

The Physics program aims to educate students to become professionals with in-depth knowledge and skills in science and mathematics to understand physical systems; to research, design and solve problems in physics and related disciplines; and to provide the foundation for graduate study and lifelong learning. Our objective is to prepare graduates to be able to successfully pursue:

  • Advanced studies leading to research and/or professional careers in physical science;
  • Careers in related technical and professional fields in industry or government.

Program Outcomes for Physics

Graduates of the Physics program at Tulane University will attain:

  • an ability to apply knowledge of physics, mathematics, other sciences, and engineering;
  • an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
  • an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
  • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems;
  • an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
  • an ability to communicate effectively;
  • a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
  • a knowledge of contemporary issues;
  • an ability to apply advanced mathematics through multivariate calculus, differential equations, and/or numerical techniques;
  • a knowledge of contemporary analytical and experimental techniques;
  • a competence in the use of computational tools and in the use of a high-level programming language;
  • a depth of knowledge in calculus-based physics at an advanced level.

Our physics curriculum places emphasis on:

  • physics
  • mathematics
  • computer science and engineering
  • problem solving
  • science and scientific principles
  • research
  • communications
  • multi-disciplinary teamwork
  • continuous learning
  • leadership
  • ethics
  • preparation for advanced degrees in a broad variety of fields

The basic physics requirements are flexible and accommodate degrees with majors in multiple and diverse fields. Students planning to continue on to graduate school should take more than the minimum courses required.

General Course Requirements for Physics

The intention of Tulane's physics major program is to encourage students to continue on to graduate education in Physics and related disciplines or to pursue cross-disciplinary preparation in physics for medical or other professional schools. Dual majors are encouraged, however students may not major in both Physics and Engineering Physics due to the substantial overlap. Students pursuing a career in physics are advised to follow the "Pre-Graduate Training" sequence.

The basic requirements for a Physics Major are as follows:

I. At least 13 credits (four courses) of mathematics:

At least two courses at the 2000-level or above.

II. Nine courses in Physics including:

Six credits (two out of the nine courses) must be chosen from classical topics:

III. Physics Seminar:

IV. Five elective courses in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering at the 2000-level or above:

Electives from other Science departments at the 2000-level and above are not normally accepted. Students should always confirm with the Major Advisor that all their electives are acceptable. All courses or electives counting towards the requirements must be at least three credits.

Notes:

  • Students are encouraged to consider a bachelor of science in physics as preparation for graduate study in disciplinary and interdisciplinary sciences (physics, astrophysics, biophysics, chemistry, neuroscience, materials science, geophysics, meteorology, oceanography, and applied physics), for professional study in medicine, patent law, business, or engineering, and for careers in environmental science, in mathematical or computer modeling, in science writing, or in science and public policy.
  • Within the requirements above, programs can be tailored to suit the needs of students who elect these career options. In addition, the department offers a 4+1 program that allows students to obtain a Master's Degree in five years, by enabling them to take graduate level courses as an undergraduate. Tulane University is a member of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) consortium.
  • Research opportunities are often available for undergraduate Physics majors in conjunction with faculty, on a case by case basis.
  • Students are responsible for fulfilling all TIDES, cultural knowledge, foreign language, writing, service learning, and other requirements, required by Tulane and the School of Science and Engineering.
  • The above requirements apply to students entering Tulane in Fall 2012 and thereafter. For the previous requirements, please see the appropriate version of the Tulane catalog or the Physics and Engineering Physics website.

Sample Schedule of Classes for Physics:

(This is only a suggested schedule and students should not feel compelled in any way to model their course of studies on this example. Many other options and alternatives are possible, especially when including a double major. Chemistry, for example, is not a requirement for the B.S. in Physics. The illustration of certain courses in certain semesters below does not guarantee they will be offered in the suggested semester. Many physics courses at the 3000-level and above are given only once every two years. Students should keep abreast of actual course offerings as they are published by the Registrar.)

1st Year Fall:

1st year Spring:

2nd Year Fall:

  • PHYS 2350 - Modern Physics I
  • MATH 2210 - Calculus III
  • PHYS 4230 - Thermal Physics
  • Foreign Language or Elective(s)
  • Public Service Course, e.g., Introduction to Physics Pedagogy

2nd Year Spring:

  • PHYS 2360 - Modern Physics II
  • PHYS 3170 - Computational Physics and Engineering
  • MATH 2240 - Introduction to Applied Mathematics
  • Cultural Knowledge Elective
  • Elective(s)

3rd Year Fall:

  • PHYS 3010 - Theoretical Physics
  • PHYS 3630 - Electromagnetic Theory
  • PHYS 3700 - Electronic Properties of Materials
  • PHYS 3800 - PHYS/ENGP 3800 Colloquia (1)
  • Cultural Knowledge Elective
  • Elective

3rd Year Spring:

4th Year Fall:

4th Year Spring:

  • PHYS 4470 - Introductory Quantum Mechanics
  • Elective(s)

Pre-Graduate Training in Physics:

The student who intends to continue graduate work in physics should complete at least 32 credits in physics including 1310, 1320, 2350, 2360, 3630, 3740, 4230, 4470, and 4650. Students are encouraged to undertake a research project and write a senior honors thesis under the supervision of a physics faculty member. Recommended mathematics courses include 3050, 3090, 4060, 4210, and 4300. Courses in scientific computing, e.g., PHYS 3170 or MATH 3310 are also recommended.

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