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The Applied Physics Emphasis

Intended for students who are interested in the application of physics to problems in a business or industrial environment.

Specific focus options are possible within this emphasis to meet the students' needs.

A companion academic minor may complement the applied physics emphasis.

Participation in the Univeristy's Cooperative Education program is strongly recommended.

Within the physics major, a emphasis on applied physics is best for students who are considering applying their physics knowledge and skills in a business or industrial environment. Participation in the University's Cooperative Education program is strongly recommended to give "on the job" experience for over one semester. This orientation helps appreciate what workplace opportunities exist, gives a sense of purpose to the classroom and laboratory courses, helps focus curricular choices, and earns a salary while in the "Coop" program.

There are four focus options within the Applied Physics emphasis.

• Mechanics and Materials
• Electronics
• Computational Physics
• Industrial Project Management

This is intended for students who are interested in the research and development side of commercial and industrial businesses where the broad physics foundation is augmented by some focus in mechanics and materials through specific courses for this focus. One can elect courses to complete the major in physics as well as establish a minor (16 s.h. minimum) in Mechanics and Materials.

The elective courses within the physics major which are most helpful for this focus in the applied physics emphasis are the following:

NOTES:

• Catalog descriptions of the physics courses and a catalog description of the mechanical engineering course are available.
• There are a total of 25 s.h. (out of a minimum of 32 s.h.) of required couses in the physics major.
• The elective courses in blue above are required for the minor in Mechanics and Materials.
• Most of the upper level physics elective courses are taught in alternate years.
• Specific courses of study are worked out with your department faculty academic advisor each semester.
• You may puruse current information about the physics courses from the home page under courses.

Return to Focus Options for Applied Physics

This is intended for students who are interested in the research and development side of commercial and industrial businesses where the broad physics foundation is augmented by some focus in electonics through specific courses for this focus. One can elect courses to complete the major in physics as well as establish a minor (16 s.h. minimum) in Electronics.

The elective courses within the physics major which are most helpful for this focus in the applied physics emphasis are the following:

NOTES:

• Catalog descriptions of the physics courses and a catalog description of the electrical engineering courses are available.
• There are a total of 25 s.h. (out of a minimum of 32 s.h.) of required couses in the physics major.
• The elective courses in blue above are required for the minor in Electronics.
• Most of the upper level elective courses are taught in alternate years, but all are available in the 4 yr program.
• Specific courses of study are worked out with your department faculty academic advisor each semester.
• You may puruse current information about the physics courses from the home page under courses.

Return to Focus Options for Applied Physics

Students who have an interest in computer applications might find this emphasis appropriate. Probably the most important applications skills physics major students bring to the job search after completing the B.S. degree are problem solving skills and computer skills to be used in problem solving. These skills are respected in a wide range of commercial and industrial settings. There are numerous physics courses which emphasize problem solving and data analysis skills making use of the

Augmenting the broad foundation in the physics major with courses which develop the skills, both analytical as well as numeric and computational will be especially useful in job applications.

Students who intend to emphasize this focus might well consider a senior research project (PHYS-445) which incorporates a considerable amount of computer use. In addition, a minor in Computer Science to provide the development of structured computer programming skills in several languages, file management skills, and numerical problem solving techniuqes is also suggested.

NOTES:

• Catalog descriptions of the physics courses and a catalog description of the computer science courses are available.
• There are a total of 25 s.h. (out of a minimum of 32 s.h.) of required couses in the physics major.
• Most of the upper level elective courses are taught in alternate years, but all are available in the 4 yr program.
• Specific courses of study are worked out with your department faculty academic advisor each semester.

You may puruse current information about these courses from the home page under courses.

Return to Focus Options for Applied Physics

This is intended for students who are interested in management and project leadership in technological and scientific environments in business and industry. In addition to the major in physics and astronomy, students are encouraged to complete the Liberal Arts Business Minor or the Minor in Business Administration.

The elective courses within the physics major which are most helpful for this focus in the applied physics emphasis are the following:

NOTES:

• Catalog descriptions of the physics courses and are available
• There are a total of 25 s.h. (out of a minimum of 32 s.h.) of required couses in the physics major.
• Most of the upper level elective courses are taught in alternate years, but all are available in the 4 yr program.
• Specific courses of study are worked out with your department faculty academic advisor each semester.

You may puruse current information about these courses from the home page under courses.

Return to Focus Options for Applied Physics

You wlll find more details about other options within the major program of study from the degree programs main page.

Return to Degree Programs main page

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Please forward questions, comments, or suggestions to us at physics@valpo.edu .
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