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.
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.
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
A total of at least 120 credits are required, which must include
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
Binary Engineering Program Home
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.
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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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