The Physics Major
The Physics major at Radford University has been used by students to go to graduate school in physics and engineering, to go straight into industry (typically in engineering-related fields), and to go into high school teaching positions.
For the traditional Physics major, students typically take the full slate of physics courses that we offer. This would include Independent Study courses in their junior and senior year to delve into areas beyond our usual course offerings. In recent years these Independent Study courses have considered various topics including Einstein's General Theory of Relativity (gravitational waves), introductory quantum field theory, and processing of raw environmental satellite data. For physics majors who want to pursue careers in astronomy, elective courses would include our advanced astronomy courses (ASTR 421, 422). Physics majors are encouraged to consider summer internships at locations such as Green Bank NRAO, NASA and other locations through the National Science Foundation's Summer REU Program.
We also offer the "Physics Major--Physical Science Concentration." This concentration requires the traidtional year of introductory physics, along with a core group of intermediate physics courses. This allows for flexibility for students who, e.g. want to take their physics degree into the high school environment, want to tailor their studies to better prepare for their Engineering studies at Virginia Tech, or who want to go straight into industry after receiving their bachelor's degree.
All students work closely with their individual academic advisor to plan the course of study that best suits their own career goals.
| Physics Major | Physics Major--Physical Science Concentration |
|---|---|
Math Requirements: 12 hours
Required Courses: 36 hours
Other Courses: 6 hours. A minimum of 6 semester hours must be selected from the following:
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Math Requirements: 6 hours
Required Courses: 22 hours
Other Courses: 15 hours. A minimum of 15 semester hours must be selected from the following:
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To graduate with a major in Physics, a student must attain an overall grade point average of 2.0 in all courses required for the major. |
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Sample Curriculum
A typical physics major's course of study might look like the four-year plan below. However, we recognize that students entering the physics major have different physics and math backgrounds, as well as varied professional goals. Each student will work closely with their advisor to plan the specific course sequence that's best for them.
Freshman Year |
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| Math 151 | 3 hrs | Math 152 | 3 hrs | |
| Chem 101 | 4 | Chem 102 | 4 | |
| Astr 111 | 4 | Astr 112 | 4 | |
| Gen. Ed. | 3 | Gen. Ed. | 3 | |
| Univ. 100 | 1 | |||
Total: |
15 | Total: |
14 | |
Sophomore Year |
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| Math 251 | 3 | Math 252 | 3 | |
| Phys 221 | 4 | Phys 222 | 4 | |
| Gen. Ed. | 3 | Gen. Ed. | 3 | |
| Gen. Ed. | 3 | Gen. Ed. | 3 | |
| Gen. Ed. | 3 | Gen. Ed. | 3 | |
Total: |
16 | Total: |
16 | |
Junior Year |
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| Phys 310 | 4 | Phys 320 | 3 | |
| Phys 330 | 3 | Phys 498 | 2 | |
| Math 460 | 3 | Math 346 | 3 | |
| Gen. Ed. | 3 | Phys Elect. | 3-4 | |
| Gen. Ed. | 3 | Gen. Ed. | 3 | |
Total: |
16 | Total: |
14-15 | |
Senior Year |
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| Phys 410 | 4 | Phys 430 | 3 | |
| Phys 421 | 4 | Phys 422 | 3 | |
| Phys 498 | 3 | Phys 498 | 3 | |
| Gen. Ed. | 3 | Phys 481 | 3 | |
| Gen. Ed. | 3 | |||
Total: |
14 | Total: |
15 | |