Bachelor of Science, Physics (Program Description)

Florida Polytechnic University’s Physics degree program prepares students for careers in physics where physical principles can be applied to the advancement of technology. The Physics program combines depth in physics with computing and design skills producing scientists who can relate fundamental physics to practical problems. Through the required course work students are prepared to address new problems in our rapidly changing technological base. Overall, the B.S. degree program in Physics prepares our graduates with skills and the knowledge to pursue traditional routes of going to graduate school for physics or related engineering disciplines, as well as, to go directly into their career as engineers, research technicians, teachers, analysts, and so on.

Program Educational Objectives

Florida Polytechnic University’s Engineering Physics degree program is built on several goals. Put plainly, upon graduation Engineering Physics majors should be able to:

synthesize knowledge of math and physics,
apply engineering design approaches,
apply experimental research skills,
apply computational techniques,
be broadly understandable,
be employable, and
be bold and passionate in their pursuit and application of knowledge.

For program purpose, objectives, and learning outcomes see the Department of Physics.

For an example degree plan see the Bachelor of Science, Physics (Plan of Study).

Program Curriculum: 120 Total Credits

General Education (38)

Communication (6)

ENC 1101 - English Composition 1: Expository and Argumentative Writing Credits: 3
ENC 2210 - Technical Writing Credits: 3

Arts and Humanities (3-9)

A total of 12 credit hours must be completed in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

At least one course (3 credits) from the following state required list:
ARH 2000 - Art Appreciation Credits: 3
HUM 2020 - Introduction to the Humanities Credits: 3
LIT 2000 - Introduction to Literature Credits: 3
PHI 2010 - Introduction to Philosophy Credits: 3
MUL 2010 - Music Appreciation Credits: 3
Optional additional course elective:
IDS 2144 - Legal, Ethical, and Management Issues in Technology Credits: 3

Social Sciences (3-9)

A total of 12 credits hours must be completed in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

At least one course (3 credits) from the following state required list:
AMH 2010 - American History to 1877 Credits: 3
AMH 2020 - American History Since 1877 Credits: 3
ECO 2013 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credits: 3
POS 2041 - American Government Credits: 3
PSY 2012 - General Psychology Credits: 3
Optional additional course elective:
ECO 2023 - Principles of Microeconomics Credits: 3

Mathematics (12)

MAC 2311 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 Credits: 4
MAC 2312 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 Credits: 4
MAC 2313 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 Credits: 4

Natural Sciences (8)

CHM 2045 - Chemistry 1 Credits: 3
CHM 2045L - Chemistry 1 Laboratory Credits: 1
PHY 2048 - Physics 1 with Calculus Credits: 3
PHY 2048L - Physics 1 with Calculus Laboratory Credits: 1

Advanced Math & Science (6)

MAP 2302 - Differential Equations Credits: 3
MAS 3105 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3

Computing and Design (27)

PHY 1090 - Frontiers of Physics Credits: 3
COP 2271 - Introduction to Computation and Programming Credits: 3
PHY 2750C - Design Techniques in Physics Credits: 3
PHY 2841C - Experimental Techniques in Physics Credits: 3
COP 3337 - Object Oriented Programming Credits: 3
PHY 3802C - Modern Physics Design 1 Credits: 3
PHY 3803C - Modern Physics Design 2 Credits: 3
PHZ 3151 - Computational Physics 1 Credits: 3
PHZ 4153 - Computational Physics 2 Credits: 3
IDS 4941 - Professional Experience Internship Credits: 0

Program Core (25)

PHY 2049 - Physics 2 with Calculus Credits: 3
PHY 2049L - Physics 2 with Calculus Laboratory Credits: 1
PHY 3101 - Modern Physics Credits: 3
PHY 3221 - Classical Mechanics Credits: 3
PHY 3323 - Electricity and Magnetism 1 Credits: 3
PHY 3602 - Quantum Mechanics 1 Credits: 3
PHY 4324 - Electricity and Magnetism 2 Credits: 3
PHY 4513 - Thermal and Statistical Mechanics Credits: 3
PHY 4603 - Quantum Mechanics 2 Credits: 3

Capstone (6)

PHY 4910C - Physics Capstone Design 1 Credits: 3
PHY 4911C - Physics Capstone Design 2 Credits: 3

General Electives (6)

Any 1000 level or above course may fulfill this requirement.

Concentrations (12)

Advanced Topics (12)

Select 2 (6 credits) 3000 level or above AST, PHY, or PHZ prefixed courses and two (6 credits) additional technical courses from the recommended list below or any 3000 or above level approved computing, engineering, mathematics, or science courses (Prefixes include AST, CAI, CAP, CDA, CEN, CIS, CNT, COT, EAS, EEL, EGN, EML, MAA, MAC, MAD, MAS, MAT, MAP, MHF, MTG, PHY, and PHZ).

Technical Course List:
EML 3015 - Fluid Mechanics Credits: 3
EEL 3111 - Circuits 1 Credits: 3
EEL 3112 - Circuits 2 Credits: 3
EGN 3311 - Statics Credits: 3
EGN 3321 - Dynamics Credits: 3
EGN 3331 - Strength of Materials Credits: 3
EGN 3343 - Engineering Thermodynamics Credits: 3
EGN 3365 - Structure and Properties of Materials Credits: 3
EAS 4505 - Orbital Mechanics Credits: 3

Astrophysics (12)

Select 4 courses from the list below:

AST 3222 - Introduction to Astrophysics Credits: 3
PHZ 3601 - Special Relativity Credits: 3
AST 4217 - Stellar Astrophysics Credits: 3
AST 4300 - Galaxies and the Universe Credits: 3
EAS 4505 - Orbital Mechanics Credits: 3

Applied Quantum (12)

Select 4 courses from the list below:

PHY 3445 - Laser Physics Credits: 3
PHY 3650 - Quantum Information and Computing Credits: 3
PHZ 3442 - Semiconductor Physics Credits: 3
PHZ 4308 - Nuclear and Subatomic Physics Credits: 3
PHZ 4444 - Solid State Physics Credits: 3