Department of Life and Physical Sciences - Physics

Academic Programs in Physics

Mission

The mission of the Physics program is to provide educational opportunities for students from various backgrounds to be successful in a complex, technological and diverse society. The program is dedicated to teaching the principles and concepts of physical sciences and demonstrating how it applies to our natural and social environment; provides majors with current and relevant programs that prepare them for employment or professional advancement and conducts laboratory and research experiences for undergraduates that reinforce learning and applications of empirical methods of science. The program accomplishes its goals through small classes and individual attention in a nurturing educational environment

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science with a major in Physics

Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Physics

Objectives

Students completing the B.S. degree in Physics or the B.S. Ed. degree with a major in Physics will

  1. Acquire a basic understanding of major concepts of physical processes in their environment;
  2. Gain the ability to observe, measure, analyze, and interpret data from the physical environment;
  3. Demonstrate the ability to express themselves effectively in both written and oral scientific communication;
  4. Show evidence of success in graduate study or employment in fields related to physics.

Assessment Program

Assessment of physics knowledge and skills will take place in the junior and senior years of the majors.  The assessment will include both written and oral presentations of scientific information as well as a detailed examination of their scientific experiences.  In order to assess student progress in the objective areas they will participate in the following courses or activities:

  1. Students will generate a portfolio of their laboratory reports, homework and essay exams and participate in class presentations which will be documented for later review.
  2. Students receiving a B.S. degree in physics will take the major field exit exam prior to graduation.
  3. Students receiving a B.S.Ed. degree with a major in physics will take the Praxis exam prior to graduation.

Computer Skills Requirement

Upon completion of the Physics or Physics Education degree program at Lincoln University, the student will have gained a basic understanding of computers and various software programs.  Students will have the opportunity to gain the necessary computer knowledge and skills by taking CS 103 (or the equivalent).  Students will also have opportunities to develop computer skills in other science courses which require the use of the computer.

Required Courses

A minimum of 40 upper division hours (those numbered 300 and above) is required for graduation.

Major: B.S. in Physics

A minimum grade of “C” in 30 semester hours of Physics including at least 18 credit hours of upper division Physics courses:  PHY 201 and 202 (PHY 101 and 102 with consent of department head), PHY 301, 306, 316, 320, 330, 340L; 4-6 credit hours of upper division Physics; CHM 101 and 102; MAT 123, 203 and 304.

Major: B.S. Ed. in Physics

Students working toward the B.S. Ed. degree with a major in Physics must meet all of the requirements for the B.S. in Physics.  In addition, the following courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better:  BIO 423 or ENV 103; PHY 103, 104, 105, and 106L.  In addition, all candidates must also complete PHI 308, BIO 103, 104, BIO 105; CHM 103, 104 and 205 may be substituted for CHM 101 and 102.

Minor in Physics

At least 18 credit hours with a minimum grade of “C” in PHY 201 and 202 (PHY 101 and 102 with consent of department head), PHY 340, and 7-9 credit hours of 300-400 level Physics courses.