The minor in physics is intended to provide a strong support program for majors in mathematics, computer science, engineering, natural sciences, pre-medicine or any of the other pre-professional areas. The program of study is designed to provide a wide background in physics principles in such areas as mechanics, electricity & magnetism, thermal physics, optics, waves, and modern physics that best complements the student's primary degree area or interests. Laboratory exercises are included to ensure that the student has "hands-on" experience with physics principles in action. An additional course consisting of computational physics and principles of data acquisition provides the student with the tools to understand the role of physics in the laboratory and on the computer from a higher perspective. Finally, a research project, tailored by the students and faculty, introduces the aspects of design, implementation, and publishing.
A three-year sequence of courses, with some flexibility in scheduling, is required to complete the physics minor. For more information see the University Catalog.
Physics 220: A calculus-based introduction to the basic principles of mechanics. Taught every semester.
Physics 221: A calculus-based introduction to the basic principles of electricity and magnetism. Taught every semester.
Physics 322: A calculus-based introduction to the basic principles of waves, heat, thermodynamics, and optics. Taught once a year.
Physics 323: A calculus-based introduction to the basic principles of modern physics. Taught once a year.
Physics 343: An introduction to experimental methods, computational physics, and data acquisition. Taught once a year.
Physics 491: A senior research on a project of student interest, approved by the faculty. The project can be in collaboration with physics faculty on their research, or inter-disciplinary research combining physics with the student's major field of study. Taught once a year.
The course sequence is designed to follow progressively from Physics 220 to Physics 491, beginning in the sophomore year (or 3rd year for a 5-year student). Rescheduling of the sequence is allowed to accommodate the needs of the student. The only requirement is that Physics 220 must be taken first, as much of the needed mathematics is introduced in that course. The first four lecture-based courses should be taken in the first two years, to give the necessary background for the final two project-based courses. However, other scheduling options are available to the student on an as needed basis.
If you decide to pursue a minor in physics at UT-Martin, you must first fill out a tracking form. This form will provide the physics faculty with the necessary information to keep your minor on track. To obtain a form, click on the link below and save it to your computer. You can then either enter in the information in the Word document and email it back to the faculty (email@example.com), or you can print out a copy of the form, fill it out, and hand deliver it to one of the faculty members.
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Physics & Astronomy Program
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When do labs start?
CHEM 112L and CHEM 359 are meeting the first day of classes, Thursday, 1-8-15
All ASTR, PHYS, and the rest of CHEM LABS starts the first full week of classes, starting Monday, 1-12-15
ALL PLTL Classes for CHEM 121 start the first full week of classes, starting Monday, 1-12-15