Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the major, students will be able to:

• Write well on exams and laboratory reports.
• Exhibit critical thinking when reading texts, lecture supplements, and other materials.
• Recognize and use connections of physics to mathematics and science.
• Exhibit critical thinking when reading texts, lecture supplements, and other materials.
• Demonstrate skill with numerical, algebraic and calculus problem-solving and in thinking spatially.
• Understand mathematical notation.

Learning Outcomes Matrix [PDF]

» Click here to view more detailed learning outcomes listings for each course.

Chatham University Physics

Curriculum

+Major Requirements (BA)

20 courses, including:

IND350	Scientific Research Methods This course serves as an introduction to research literature and research methodology in the sciences. Students prepare a research proposal including literature review, experimental design and methods, budget, timetable, and bibliography. Other topics include professional presentation techniques and research ethics. The student's major department must approve proposals prior to the Tutorial.	2
INTPHY303	Internship - Physics Internship - Physics	3
MTH151	Calculus I This is the first course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for algebraic and trigonometric functions with applications. Four hours of class per week.	4
MTH152	Calculus II This is the second course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for the transcendental functions, advanced methods of integration, and infinite sequences and series.	4
MTH222	Multivariate and Vector Calculus An introduction to multivariate calculus using vector spaces, partial differentiation and multiple integration, calculus of vector functions, applications to extremum problems, and differential equations. Three hours of class per week.	3
PHY251	Principles of Physics I Introduction to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. This is the first course in a calculus-based sequence that focuses on classical mechanics. Topics include vector analysis, kinematics, Newton's laws, work, conservation of energy and momentum, collisions, gravity, harmonic motion, and wave phenomena.	4
PHY252	Principles of Physics II Introduction to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. The second course in a calculus-based physics sequence. Topics include thermodynamics, fluids, electricity, circuit analysis, magnetism, Maxwell’s equations, properties of light, and optics. Four hours of class per week.	4
PHY490	Integrative Capstone The integrative capstone, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional. The study usually centers on the student’s major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience. Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theater production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs.	3
Physics 211, 231, 234, 331, 338, 340, and 341 at CMU are also required.
One physics elective taken at CMU.
One “technical” elective in physics, mathematics, computing, chemistry, or biology that is approved in advance.

+Major Requirements (BS)

23 courses, including:

IND350	Scientific Research Methods This course serves as an introduction to research literature and research methodology in the sciences. Students prepare a research proposal including literature review, experimental design and methods, budget, timetable, and bibliography. Other topics include professional presentation techniques and research ethics. The student's major department must approve proposals prior to the Tutorial.	2
INTPHY303	Internship - Physics Internship - Physics	3
MTH151	Calculus I This is the first course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for algebraic and trigonometric functions with applications. Four hours of class per week.	4
MTH152	Calculus II This is the second course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for the transcendental functions, advanced methods of integration, and infinite sequences and series.	4
MTH222	Multivariate and Vector Calculus An introduction to multivariate calculus using vector spaces, partial differentiation and multiple integration, calculus of vector functions, applications to extremum problems, and differential equations. Three hours of class per week.	3
PHY251	Principles of Physics I Introduction to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. This is the first course in a calculus-based sequence that focuses on classical mechanics. Topics include vector analysis, kinematics, Newton's laws, work, conservation of energy and momentum, collisions, gravity, harmonic motion, and wave phenomena.	4
PHY252	Principles of Physics II Introduction to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. The second course in a calculus-based physics sequence. Topics include thermodynamics, fluids, electricity, circuit analysis, magnetism, Maxwell’s equations, properties of light, and optics. Four hours of class per week.	4
PHY490	Integrative Capstone The integrative capstone, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional. The study usually centers on the student’s major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience. Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theater production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs.	3
Physics 211, 231, 234, 331, 338, 340, 341, and 439 at CMU are also required.
Two physics electives taken at CMU.
Two “technical” electives in physics, mathematics, computing, chemistry, or biology that are approved in advance.

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