Physics Department
Major: Physics
Minor: Physics
For Course Offerings and Program Requirements see The Hiram College Catalog.
1. Which courses are for first year students who wish to explore new areas of interest, but have no clear intent to major in this area?
Physics 113-114 (principles of Physics I & II) may be taken by students who have not had physics in high school, but a student taking this course should be proficient in both algebra and trigonometry. If there is some interest in becoming a Physics major, the student should take Mathematics 198-199 (Calculus I & II) and then take Physics 213 (which has the prerequisite of either high school physics or Physics 113).
2. What is the desirable course work a prospective major/minor should complete by the end of their first year and the end of their second year?
Majors:By the end of a student’s first-year it is desirable that they have completed Mathematics 198-199 (Calculus I & II) as well as Physics 213-214 (Fundamentals of Physics I & II). By the end of their second year, Physics 320 (Modern Physics), either Physics 345 or 360 (offered in alternate years), Mathematics 200 (Calculus III) and 243 (Differential Equations), Mathematics 200 (Calculus III), Mathematics 218 (Linear Algebra), and Mathematics 243 (Differential Equations) would be desirable. We also have a one-credit-hour course, Physics 250, Introduction to Laboratory Instruments, that is a hands-on way to learn how to use an oscilloscope, digital multimeter, function generator and other types of equipment often seen in science labs. The student will also learn to solder, make and check a cable and wire some simple circuits.
Minors:By the end of student’s first year it is desirable that they have completed Mathematics 198-199, as well as Physics 213-214. By the end of their second year, Physics 320 and Mathematics 200 would be desirable. All these courses are required for the minor. In addition, it would be advisable to consider taking either Physics 345 or Physics 360. These are two of the five upper level courses that must be chosen to complete the minor.
3. What is the minimum a prospective major/minor must do by the end of their first and second year?
Majors:At the end of their first year, at a minimum students interested in completing a Physics major must be ready to take Mathematics 198 (Calculus) in the fall semester, in conjunction with Physics 213. By the end of the second year, at a minimum Physics 213-214, Mathematics 198 and 199 should be taken. A Physics major cannot be completed in four years if the Physics 213-214 sequence or the calculus sequence is started the Junior year. We also have a one-credit-hour course, Physics 250, Introduction to Laboratory Instruments, that is a hands-on way to learn how to use an oscilloscope, digital multimeter, function generator and other types of equipment often seen in science labs. The student will also learn to solder, make and check a cable and wire some simple circuits.
Minors:By the end of the second year it is essential that the student complete Mathematics 198 and 199, as well as Physics 213 and 214. This will provide unrestricted choice of upper level courses to complete the minor. A minor can be completed if Physics 213 and Math 198 is taken in the Junior year, but, due to the sequencing of course offerings, choices would be restricted
4. How important is it for a student with some interest in majoring in your area to make contact with a member of your department?
It is extremely important that a student interested in majoring in Physics talk with a member of the Physics Department before enrolling in courses for the first semester of their first year.
5. What are the major pitfalls a student should avoid during their first year and how can an advisor help the student to avoid them?
* Not getting started in the calculus sequence right away if the student has the preparation to do so. If the student isn’t prepared to start the calculus sequence, it is imperative that they take the prerequisites their first year.
Not talking with a member of the Physics Department before enrolling in courses for the student’s first semester.
| PHYSICS MAJOR | |||||
| RECOMMENDED COURSE SCHEDULE | |||||
| FOR A STUDENT BEGINNING PHYSICS FRESMAN YEAR | |||||
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester | |||
| 12 Week Term | 3 Week Term | 12 Week Term | 3 Week Term | ||
| PHYS 213 | MATH 218 (Calc. I) | PHYS 214 | Distribution Requirement | ||
| Fresh. | Math 198 (Calc. I) | MATH 199 (Calc. II) | |||
| Freshman Colloquium | First Year Seminar | ||||
| PHYS 320 | PHYS 330 | PHYS 345 or PHYS 360 | MATH 243 (Diff. Eq.) | ||
| Soph. | MATH 200 (Calc. III) | ||||
| PHYSICS MAJOR | ||||
| RECOMMENDED COURSE SCHEDULE | ||||
| FOR A STUDENT BEGINNING PHYSICS SOPHOMORE YEAR | ||||
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
| 12 Week Term | 3 Week Term | 12 Week Term | 3 Week Term | |
| MATH 198 (Calc. I) | MATH 218 | MATH 199 (Calc. II) | Distribution Requirement | |
| Fresh. | Freshman Colloquium | First Year Seminar | ||
| Distribution Requirement | Distribution Requirement | |||
| PHYS 213 | Distrib. Req. | PHYS 214 | Distrib. Req. | |
| Soph. | MATH 200 (Calc. III) | |||
| Junior | PHYS 320 | PHYS 330 | PHYS 345 or PHYS 360 or PHYS 370 or PHYS 375 | PHYS 208 |