Physics, Minor
Visit the Physics Department page for more information on the program and access to advising.
Program Description
A minor in physics represents a substantial investment in mastering the basics of physics and gaining suitable problem solving skills that may then be applied to other disciplines.
Matriculation Requirements
- Admitted to a bachelor degree program at UVU.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours | 20 | |
| Discipline Core Requirements | 20 Credits | |
| PHYS 2210 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I | 4 |
| PHYS 2215 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 2220 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II | 4 |
| PHYS 2225 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 3110 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 3115 | Introduction to Experimental Physics I | 2 |
| Complete a minimum of 5 credits from the following courses: | 5 | |
| Astrophysics I (3) | ||
| Astrophysics II (3) | ||
| Elementary Fluids and Thermal Physics (3) | ||
| Biophysics (undefined) | ||
| Introduction to Materials Physics (3) | ||
| Modern Physics II (3) | ||
| Introduction to Experimental Physics II (2) | ||
| Principles of Electronics for the Physical Sciences (3) | ||
| Mathematical and Computational Physics I (3) | ||
| Advanced Mathematical Physics (3) | ||
| Mathematical and Computational Physics II (undefined) | ||
| Classical Mechanics (3) | ||
| Thermodynamics (3) | ||
| Optics (undefined) | ||
| Energy Use on Earth (3) | ||
| Advanced Experimental Techniques (3) | ||
| Nuclear Physics (3) | ||
| Electrostatics and Magnetism (3) | ||
| Electrodynamics (3) | ||
| Quantum Mechanics I (3) | ||
| Quantum Mechanics II (3) | ||
| Acoustics (3) | ||
| Solid State Physics (3) | ||
| Seminar (0.5) | ||
| Climate and the Earth System (3) | ||
Graduation Requirements
- A minimum grade of "C" must be earned in all minor courses.
Graduation Plan
This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credit Hours | |
| PHYS 2210 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I | 4 |
| PHYS 2215 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Lab | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 5 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| PHYS 2220 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II | 4 |
| PHYS 2225 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Lab | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 5 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Semester 3 | ||
| PHYS 3110 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 3115 | Introduction to Experimental Physics I | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 5 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| Complete a minimum of 5 Credits from the following courses: | 5 | |
| Astrophysics I | ||
| Astrophysics II | ||
| Elementary Fluids and Thermal Physics | ||
| Introduction to Materials Physics | ||
| Modern Physics II | ||
| Introduction to Experimental Physics II | ||
| Principles of Electronics for the Physical Sciences | ||
| Mathematical and Computational Physics I | ||
| Advanced Mathematical Physics | ||
| Mathematical and Computational Physics II | ||
| Classical Mechanics | ||
| Thermodynamics | ||
| Optics | ||
| Energy Use on Earth | ||
| Advanced Experimental Techniques | ||
| Nuclear Physics | ||
| Electrostatics and Magnetism | ||
| Electrodynamics | ||
| Quantum Mechanics I | ||
| Quantum Mechanics II | ||
| Acoustics | ||
| Solid State Physics | ||
| Seminar | ||
| Climate and the Earth System | ||
| Credit Hours | 5 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 20 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of how science and physics work in practice by correctly using evidence, experiment and observation, interpretation, physical concepts, etc.
- Apply fundamental physical concepts including conservation laws, forces, fields, energy, optics, thermal and statistical physics, relativity, and quantum mechanics.
- Use mathematics and mathematical models correctly to solve physics problems.
- Follow practices necessary for safely using laboratory equipment.
- Demonstrate understanding of the role of computation in physics and appropriate computer skills.
- Communicate effectively about physics in writing and in presentations, in both formal and informal settings.
- Demonstrate physics research skills and use ethical research practices.
Natural sciences managers
- Total Positions100,100
- Field Growth7.5%
- Median Salary$157,740
- Average Openings8.3
Physicists
- Total Positions21,100
- Field Growth7.2%
- Median Salary$155,680
- Average Openings1.4
Physics teachers, postsecondary
- Total Positions17,700
- Field Growth3.7%
- Median Salary$98,020
- Average Openings1.4
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
- Total Positions1,071,400
- Field Growth-0.6%
- Median Salary$65,220
- Average Openings64.0