Overview
Physics is the study of the universe and the matter,
energy and interactions that take place within it. Physics
is a discipline which not only brings coherence and simplicity
to our understanding of the universe and the way it works,
but also advances technology by imagining and designing
new processes, materials and devices. The Physics B.S.
program prepares students to contribute to the scientific
and non-scientific needs and opportunities of the nation
either as B.S. graduates or as successful candidates
for graduate and professional schools. In addition,
the Department provides courses to support and enhance
the mission of other disciplines by improving a student's
understanding of the physical sciences and scientific
method.
Missions
The B.S. in physics contributes to the School of National
Science & Mathematics mission of training highly
qualified students "to contribute to the future
success of the University, the State, and the science
community" through an exceptional undergraduate
education program.
Program Goals
- Ensure that all graduates have a high degree of
scientific problem-solving and communication skills,
and relevant professional experience.
- Prepare graduates to apply their scientific and
analytical skills to more generalized problems and
opportunities in society.
- Help graduates reach their specific career goals,
by preparing them for admission to graduate or professional
school, for teaching positions, or for jobs in industry
or research labs.
- Increase retention and graduation rates.
Program Objectives
- Knowledge of fundamental physics
concepts and their application: graduating
physics majors will demonstrate
knowledge of fundamental concepts
in classical mechanics, electricity
and magnetism, thermodynamics and
optics, special relativity, modern
physics, and quantum mechanics
and will be able to apply this
knowledge. Courses in which this
learning outcome is achieved are:
PH 221, 222, 351, 352, 445, 450,
and 461. Course descriptions can
be found in the physics
section of the UAB Undergraduate
Catalog. Syllabi for individual
courses are listed at the physics
course syllabi web site.
- Ability to use technical skills
in a physics-related laboratory
environment: graduating physics
majors will have a working knowledge
of physics-related technical and
laboratory skills including data
analysis. Courses in which this
learning outcome is achieved are:
PH 351L, 352L, 490, 491, 492, and
495. Course descriptions can be
found in the physics
section of the UAB Undergraduate
Catalog. Syllabi for individual
courses are listed at the physics
course syllabi web site.
- Ability to communicate scientific
ideas and physical concepts: graduating
physics majors will be able to
communicate scientific ideas and
physical concepts clearly and effectively
in both oral and written forms
of communications. Courses in which
this learning outcome is achieved
are: PH 351L, 352L, and 495. Course
descriptions can be found in the physics
section of the UAB Undergraduate
Catalog. Syllabi for individual
courses are listed at the physics
course syllabi web site.
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