B.S. in Applied Physics

http://www.physics.miami.edu

Overview

This sequence is available for those intending careers in applied physics. The major is divided into tracks, depending on the student’s field of interest. The Physics for the Life Sciences track is designed for premedical students.

Students must complete the core set of courses AND one track in their field of interest. Multiple tracks are allowed with prior authorization from the Department of Physics.

To satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences writing requirement in the discipline, students majoring in Applied Physics should pass at least one writing intensive course within the Physics Department. These are PHY 306, PHY 362, and PHY 506. The requirement can also be fulfilled by passing WRS 233 with a grade of C- or higher.

Core Courses

The core set of courses is required for all tracks and it includes one of the University Physics sequences with two labs (see table below), plus PHY 350, and PHY 360.

Engineering Physics Track

Additional 5 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 340 and one lab, plus 9 credits in Engineering with prior authorization from the Department of Physics.

Computational Physics Track

Additional 5 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 340 and one lab, plus 2 courses from the Computer Science BS core and a third course in Computer Science with prior authorization from the Department of Physics.

Medical Physics Track

Additional 5 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 351 and one lab, plus BME 265, BME 310, and BME 330 (Note: BIL 150, BIL 151, and CHM 121 are prerequisites for the BME courses).

Physics for the Life Sciences Track

Additional 6 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 321, plus required biology and chemistry courses. In biology, the required courses are BIL 150, BIL 151, BIL 160, BIL 161, BIL 255, and either BIL 360 or BME 265. In chemistry, the students are required to take the three-semester sequence of Chemistry for the Life Sciences (CHM 121, CHM 221, CHM 222) with laboratory (CHM 113, CHM 205, CHM 206).

Chemical Physics Track

Additional 6 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 321, plus CHM 360, CHM 364, CHM 365, CHM 464, and one among CHM 530, CHM 553, or CHM 575.

Marine Science Track

Additional 5 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 321 or PHY 340 and one lab, plus 9 elective credits as follow:

• One computation course between MSC 203, MSC 321, MBE 536, or a CSC course from the Computer Science BS core;
• MSC 401;
• MSC 405;
• Any ATM 300- or 400-level courses (but not ATM306);
• Any OCE or ATM 500-level courses (but not 512 or 522 or 531 or 534).

Curriculum Requirements

Sample Plans of Study

Engineering Physics Track

Computational Physics Track

Medical Physics Track

Physics for the Life Sciences Track

Chemical Physics Track

Marine Science Track

Mission

The mission of the Physics B.S. program is to provide students with a rigorous grounding in classical and modern theory, experience in advanced experimental techniques, and exposure to a broad spectrum of topics in physics research.

Goals

It is expected that graduates will be capable problem solvers, proficient critical and scientific thinkers, and possess backgrounds that prepare them for success in graduate school or their desired career path. Graduates will also be able to communicate their scientific ideas in written form to both scientifically literate and general audiences.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate the ability to solve problems in classical and modern physics and proficiency in theoretical and applied mathematics, making them competitive in their application at top graduate programs and/or in the job market.
• Students will be exposed to and engaged in forefront physics research. Students will learn first hand how research is performed in one of our labs, while contributing to one of our active research programs.
• Students will be able to report their work/ideas in written form to both the scientific community and a broader audience.