DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
Acting Chair: Barry A. Friedman (936) 294-1604
Faculty: Hui Fang, Barry Friedman, Hugh Hall, Renee James, Gan Liang, Charles Meitzler, Scott Miller, Brian Oetiker, Joel Walker
Website: www.shsu.edu/~phy_www/
Physics is the study of how nature behaves. It is concerned with the basic principles of the universe and is one of the foundations on which other physical sciences are based. The beauty of physics is exhibited by the simplicity of its fundamental theories and in the way a small number of basic concepts, equations and assumptions can expand the students’ understanding of the world.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Physics is to promulgate the ability to critically think about nature through teaching and to develop the inquisitiveness to seek additional knowledge by research. In conducting this mission, the Department of Physics will provide capable scientists that can make positive contributions to our society. In order to accomplish this mission, the Department of Physics will take the following steps:
- Improve success in learning and research among all students in the department.
- Develop additional methods to plan and assess the program in the department.
- Recruit and retain qualified, motivated students.
- Promote diversity in the faculty and students.
- Collaborate with other institutions and departments to enhance education opportunities.
- Develop and implement additional educational services to off-campus audiences.
- Provide assistance to teachers in the schools preparing the future students for the institution.
Academic Programs
- BS in Physics
- BS in Physics/Engineering Dual Degree
- Pre-engineering Program
Physics students may pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics or a dual degree consisting of a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor’s degree in a engineering field at a university with an accredited degree program in the chosen engineering field. Students also may enroll in a two-year pre-engineering program. The Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Science with Secondary Certification is available to students seeking careers in secondary education.
Career Opportunities
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree either pursue further education at the graduate level or enter the workforce. Approximately one-half of the graduates pursue graduate study seeking either the Master of Science or Ph.D. degree. The remainder primarily enter the engineering profession but may also enter the fields of computer science and education.
Student Organizations
Society of Physics - The Society of Physics is a nationally recognized organization. The society sponsors field trips, campus visits by potential students, and attendance at professional meetings.
Scholarships
The Physics Department awards scholarships on a competitive basis. Other general scholarships are available from the University. Information on University scholarships may be obtained from the Office of Academic Scholarships website at www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www/scholarship.html or telephone (936) 294-1672. Prospective students should contact the chair of the Physics Department, Box 2267, Huntsville, Texas 77341 or the website.
Program Specific Requirements
Physics students will learn the simplicity of nature and the unifying aspects of the laws of physics. This is accomplished by recognizing physical problems, developing a hypothesis and predicting the consequences of it, performing experiments to test the predictions, and formulating the results into a theory. The skills of inquiry, observation, and experimentation are used in all scientific careers including engineering, business, teaching, and administration. The Physics Department has basic research laboratories in selected fields and provides opportunities for advanced students to be involved in research projects. The University operates computer laboratories containing desktop computers, and work stations at several locations on campus.
Curriculum
Required Courses For Major
The Bachelor of Science degree requires 37 hours in Physics as follows:
Required Courses: PHY 141, 142, 245, 391/311, 466, 468, 470, 471, 495 31 hrs.
Advanced Physics Laboratory Electives: PHY 393/313, 395/315, PHY 397/317
or 433/413; Advanced Physics Electives: PHY 370, 467, 496 6 hrs.
All Physics majors meet the requirements for a minor in mathematics.
Bachelor of Science |
||
Major in Physics |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
|
|
Visual & Performing Arts |
3 |
Junior |
Literature or Philosophy |
3 |
Sophomore |
Cultural Studies |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Sophomore |
|
POL 261, POL 200-level |
6 |
Sophomore |
Social and Behavioral Sciences |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option), KIN 215 |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
4 |
Junior |
|
4 |
Junior |
|
Advanced General elective |
8 |
Senior |
MTH (Advanced) or Science (Advanced) |
6 |
Senior |
Major Core |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
4 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
3 |
Senior |
|
Major |
||
Advanced PHY elective |
6 |
Senior |
Minor (if required) |
||
MTH 142 1 |
4 |
Freshman |
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: 1CHM 138/118, CHM 139/119 satisfies the requirement for Component Area III, MTH 142 satisfies the requirement for Component Area II and the degree specific requirement.
A student may need preparatory work in mathematics or might be eligible for advanced placement, either of which necessitates adjustment of the schedule. Such a student should consult a member of the physics or mathematics faculty concerning his/her schedule.
Minor in Physics
A minor in Physics requires a minimum of 24 hours of coursework and shall include PHY 141, 142, 245, 391/311, and eight semester hours of advanced electives in physics.
Bachelor of Science |
||
Physics/Engineering Dual Degree |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
|
|
Visual & Performing Arts |
3 |
Junior |
Literature or Philosophy |
3 |
Sophomore |
Cultural Studies |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Freshman |
|
POL 261, POL 200-level |
6 |
Sophomore |
Social and Behavioral Sciences |
3 |
Junior |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option), KIN 215 |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
Advanced Elective |
3 |
Junior |
Major Core |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
4 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
4 |
Junior |
|
Major |
||
PHY (Advanced)** |
9-10 |
Junior |
Minor (if required) |
||
MTH 142 1 |
4 |
Freshman |
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
3 |
Junior |
|
Total Hours: 102-103 Hours |
||
Notes: 1CHM 138/118, CHM 139/119 satisfies the requirement for Component Area III, MTH 142 satisfies the requirement for Component Area II and the degree specific requirement. Fourth Year at university with recognized accredited degree program.
**Advanced PHY electives include PHY 370, 393/313, 431, 433/413, 466, 468, 471, and 488.
Pre-Engineering
Students wishing to major in any of the many fields of engineering may take their first two years in pre-engineering at Sam Houston State University and transfer to a college of engineering to complete their degree requirements.
Pre-Engineering |
||
|
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
Freshman |
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
Freshman |
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
Freshman |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
|
|
Literature or Philosophy |
3 |
Sophomore |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
|
|
6 |
Freshman |
|
POL 261, POL 200-level |
6 |
Sophomore |
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
Freshman |
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Freshman |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
3 |
Sophomore |
|
KIN elective |
1 |
Sophomore |
Major Core |
||
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
Major |
||
|
|
|
Minor (if required) |
||
MTH 142 1 |
4 |
Freshman |
4 |
Freshman |
|
4 |
Sophomore |
|
Total Hours: 64Hours |
||
Notes: 1CHM 138/118, CHM 139/119 satisfies the requirement for Component Area III, MTH 142 satisfies the requirement for Component Area II and the degree specific requirement. This is to satisfy the first two years toward an engineering degree.
For the Dual Degree Plan the student completes three years in Physics at Sam Houston State University and the curriculum in an engineering field at a university with a recognized accredited degree program in the chosen engineering field. After successfully completing this program, the student receives two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Physics from Sam Houston State University and one in an engineering specialty from the university with the recognized accredited engineering degree program. The applicable engineering specialties are aerospace, agriculture, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, nuclear, petroleum, and radiation protection engineering. For the chemical engineering option, a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry would be received from Sam Houston State University.
For more information on this program contact:
Dual Degree Plan Coordinator
Department of Physics
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas 77341-2267
Students in either of these programs should consult with the Physics/Engineering advisor to adjust the recommended programs to meet the requirements of the particular field of engineering at the terminal university.
To contact the Department of Physics call (936) 294-1601; FAX: (936) 294-1585 or visit our website at shsu.edu/~phy_www/.