Physics Bachelor of Science: Applied Physics
The information on this page pertains to requirements for students who matriculated in the current academic year. Students who matriculated in a prior year should view historical catalog information here.
Program Overview
The basic physics major is designed for students who are interested in a career in industry, government laboratories and applied science or in further study toward a graduate degree.
Applied Physics track
The Applied Physics track is an optional track for students pursuing the B.S. in Physics. The Applied Physics track requires 45 credit hours in the department with the choice of either “Quantum Theory” or “Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics” instead of both being required. “Computational Physics” is a required choice for this track, along with 1 credit hour of research and 1 topical course. These requirements reflect the needed preparation for applied physics careers or advanced studies, with less focus on theoretical courses and more focus on applied topics.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 001 | INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS I (with lab and discussion) | 4 |
| PHY 002 | INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS II (with lab and discussion) | 4 |
| PHY 003 | CONTEMPORARY TOPICS SEMINAR | 1 |
| PHY 021 | INTRO TO METHODS IN PHYSICS | 3 |
| PHY 050 | MODERN PHYSICS | 4 |
| PHY 059 | ADVANCED LAB I & ERROR THEORY | 2 |
| PHY 121 | THEORETICAL MECHANICS | 4 |
| PHY 122 | ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY | 4 |
| PHY 133 | ELECTRONICS | 4 |
| PHY 149 | ADVANCED LAB II | 2 |
| PHY 180 | COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS | 3 |
| PHY 191 | PHYSICS SEMINAR I | 1 |
| PHY 192 | PHYSICS SEMINAR II | 1 |
| PHY 197 & PHY 198 | RESEARCH I and RESEARCH II 1 | 1 |
| PHY 199 | PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY CAPSTONE | 0 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| QUANTUM THEORY | ||
| THERMO/STATISTICAL PHYSICS | ||
| Select one topical course: | 3 | |
| INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS I | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS II | ||
| ASTRONOMICAL TECHNIQUES | ||
| MEDICAL BIOPHYSICS | ||
| ADVANCED CLASSICAL PHYSICS | ||
Topical courses 2 | ||
| Additional requirements outside the department: | ||
| MATH 050 | CALCULUS I | 3 |
| MATH 070 | CALCULUS II | 3 |
| MATH 080 | LINEAR ALGEBRA | 3 |
| MATH 100 | CALCULUS III | 3 |
| MATH 110 | MULTIVARIATE CALCULUS | 3 |
| MATH 120 | APPLIED DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS I | 3 |
| CHEM 001 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I 3 | 3 |
| CS 065 | INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE I | 3 |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
- 1
Research Participation: 1 cr (min) of PHY 197 RESEARCH I and/or PHY 198 RESEARCH II at Drake and/or at least one REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates).
- 2
Other courses occasionally offered depending on interest and faculty availability.
- 3
Students who take General Chemistry I at Drake University must take CHEM 001 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I with the lab (CHEM 003 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LAB), as they are co-requisites. Students should note that a general chemistry lab is recommended for those pursuing certain pre-professional/career paths.
Grade Requirements for Graduation
2.0 minimum (C) average is required in all physics-credit courses. In addition, a C is required for Modern Physics, Advanced Lab I with Error Theory, Theoretical Mechanics, and Electromagnetic Theory.
In addition to programmatic requirements, students are responsible for satisfying all requirements of the Drake Curriculum, including Areas of Inquiry (AOI)
Student must also satisfy university graduation requirements for all undergraduate students..