Undergraduate Studies

Duquesne's undergraduate physics programs offer a top quality curriculum with the flexibility to optimally serve the spectrum of students interested in diverse career paths. In addition to a solid preparation in the fundamental areas of physics, our curriculum offers a selection of unconventional electives specifically designed to bring the leading edge of the field into the classroom. Students in the physics programs at Duquesne enjoy the many benefits of a small student-to-faculty ratio: student-centered instruction, close mentoring by faculty, hands-on learning, participation in ongoing research of the Department and attention to individual needs and interests. Our faculty members are dedicated teachers and scholars with active research interests spanning a broad spectrum of physics, from quantum information and science of materials to cosmology. Through close advisement and careful selection of courses, most of our students are able to graduate in four years with two degrees: a bachelor in physics and a bachelor in mathematics.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

Two degree options exist for students majoring in physics: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). The B.S. program, with two credit hours of research and a minimum of 39 to 45 credit hours of physics coursework depending on the track, is recommended for students interested in pursuing employment in science and technology businesses or advanced degrees in physics, astronomy, chemistry, engineering and secondary education. The B.A., with a minimum of 32 credit hours of physics coursework, is suitable for students with a broader range of interests, particularly those planning to seek professional degrees in law, medical or dental school. A grade of C or better in all physics courses is required for graduation in the major.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE B.S. IN PHYSICS

A total of at least 128 credits are required, which must include

BS Course Sequence – All tracks in parallel
BS Course Sequence – Astronomy concentration
BS Course Sequence – Broad track
BS Course Sequence – Condensed Matter concentration
BS Course Sequence – Education track

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE B.A. IN PHYSICS

A total of at least 120 credits are required, which must include

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE B.A. IN PHYSICS AS PART OF THE BINARY ENGINEERING PROGRAM

A total of at least 100 credits are required, which must include

Completion of the B.S. in engineering degree at Case Western Reserve University or the University of Pittsburgh is a requirement for graduation.

BA Course Sequence – Binary Engineering program
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REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR

A student may choose to minor in physics by completing 211, 212 and 12 additional credits in physics courses numbered 300 or above, all with a grade of C or better. Individual course prerequisites must be satisfied.

University Core Requiements- 28 credits required

Course # Course Name

Credits

UCOR 101

Thinking and Writing

3

UCOR 102

Literature and Critical Writing

3

UCOR 132

Basic Philosophical Questions

3

UCOR 14X

Theology

3

COSC 030

Research/Info Skills

1

 

1 Course in Ethics

3

 

1 Course in Creative Arts

3

  1 Course in Faith and Reason 3
  1 Course in Global Diversity 3

 

1 Course in Social Justice

3

Total University Core Credits -- 28

BSNES Core Requirements- 23 credits required

 
Course Name

Credits

ENGL 302W Science Writing

3

HIST 307 History of Science

3

SPRG 105 Career Development Seminar

1

General Elective Credits

6

Math Credits (10)

embedded

Total BSNES Core Credits - 13

This core curriculum will apply to all incoming freshmen beginning the fall 2006 semester.

Science, computer science and math – 34 credits required

Course #

Course Name

Credits

CHEM 121

General Chemistry I

5

CHEM 122

General Chemistry II

5

MATH 115

Calculus I

4

MATH 116

Calculus II

4

MATH 215

Calculus III

4

MATH 310

Linear Algebra

3

MATH 314

Differential Equations

3

MATH 30x

Applied math elective (301 or 308)

3

COSC 160

Scientific Programming: C++

3

Total science, computer science and math credits -- 34


Physics Core – 35 credits required

Course #

Course Name

Credits

PHYS 211

General Analytical Physics I

4

PHYS 212

General Analytical Physics II

4

PHYS 302

Optics

3

PHYS 312

Optics Lab

1

PHYS 332

Analog Electronics

3

PHYS 364

Modern Physics Lab

1

PHYS 374

Modern Physics

3

PHYS 401

Thermal Physics

3

PHYS 461

Mechanics

4

PHYS 472

Electromagnetism

4

PHYS 474

Quantum Mechanics

3

PHYS 499W

Senior Research

2

Total Physics Core Credits – 35


Broad track – 12 credits required

Course #

Course Name

Credits

PHYS 350

Theoretical Methods in Science

3

PHYS 4xx

Advanced electives

9

Total Broad-track-specific Credits – 12


Condensed Matter concentration – 12 credits required

Course #

Course Name

Credits

PHYS 491

Introductory Materials Science I

3

PHYS 492

Introductory Materials Science II

3

PHYS 493

Solid State Physics I

3

PHYS 494

Solid State Physics II

3

Total Condensed-Matter-specific Credits – 12


Astronomy concentration – 12 credits required

Course #

Course Name

Credits

X-reg

Introduction to astronomy

3

X-reg

Stellar structure and stellar evolution

3

X-reg

Galaxies and cosmology

3

X-reg

Astronomical techniques

3

Total Astronomy-specific Credits – 12


Education track – 12 credits required

Course #

Course Name

Credits

PHYS 481

Descriptive Cosmology

3

PHYS 482W

Elementary-Particle Physics

3

UCOR 124

Earth Science

3

BIOL 11x

Biology I with lab or Biology II with lab

4

Total Education-specific Credits – 13


Advanced electives

Course #

Course Name

Credits

PHYS 480

Chaos with lab

4

PHYS 481

Descriptive Cosmology

3

PHYS 482W

Elementary-Particle Physics

3

PHYS 485

Relativity

3

Any but no more than two courses from any concentration

3-6

Any approved advanced physics course in PCHE

3

 
   
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