Physics, Professional Physics Concentration, B.S.

Major in Physics

The physics core consists of 24 semester hours of physics and astronomy. Other requirements include 8 semester hours of chemistry and 8 semester hours of mathematics. All physics majors must then choose to concentrate in Professional Physics, Physics Teaching, or Astronomy. Each concentration specifies additional upper-division electives in physics and astronomy and other disciplines which vary by concentration. A minimum of 12 upper-division semester hours in the physics major must be taken at MTSU.

Physics Common Requirements (required of ALL Physics majors)

The physics core consists of 24 semester hours of physics and astronomy. Other requirements include 8 semester hours of chemistry and 8 semester hours of mathematics. All physics majors must then choose to concentrate in Professional Physics, Physics Teaching, or Astronomy. Each concentration specifies additional upper-division electives in physics and astronomy and other disciplines which vary by concentration. A minimum of 12 upper-division semester hours in the physics major must be taken at MTSU.

The physics common requirements consist of

Professional Physics Concentration

The Professional Physics concentration offers preparation for graduate work in physics, medical physics, astrophysics, or engineering. In addition to the physics common requirements, the following courses are required:

• PHYS 3150 - Topics and Methods of Theoretical Physics I 3 credit hours
• PHYS 3160 - Topics and Methods of Theoretical Physics II 3 credit hours
• PHYS 3200 - Scientific Modeling and Problem Solving 1 credit hour
• PHYS 3300 - Classical Mechanics 3 credit hours
• PHYS 4310 - Electricity and Magnetism 3 credit hours
• PHYS 4330 - Electricity and Magnetism II 3 credit hours
• PHYS 4380 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 3 credit hours

Recommended Sequence

Professional Physics: Medical Physics Track

The medical physics track offers preparation for graduate work in medical physics and radiation oncology physics, eventually leading to a career as a medical physicist in a clinical or academic setting. In addition to the physics common requirements and the Professional Physics concentration requirements, the following courses are recommended:

• PHYS 3600 - Radiation Oncology Physics 3 credit hours
• PHYS 3601 - Medical Physics Practicum 1 credit hour
• PHYS 4600 - Topics in Medical Physics 3 credit hours
• BIOL 2010 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credit hours
• BIOL 2011 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab 0 credit hours
• BIOL 2020 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credit hours
• BIOL 2021 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab 0 credit hours

Professional Physics: Astrophysics Track

The astrophysics track offers preparation for graduate work in astronomy or astrophysics. In addition to the physics common requirements and the Professional Physics concentration requirements, the following courses are recommended:

• ASTR 1031 - Observing the Universe 1 credit hour
• ASTR 2030 - Solar System Astronomy 3 credit hours
• ASTR 2040 - Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology 3 credit hours
• ASTR 3400 - Fundamentals of Astrophysics 3 credit hours
• ASTR 3401 - Experimental Astronomy 1 credit hour