Dr. W. Christopher Hughes,
Interim Department Head
Dr. M. Iona Niculescu,
Interim Associate Department Head
Phone: (540) 568-6109
Email: hugheswc@jmu.edu
Location: Physics/Chemistry Building, Suite 2186
Website
Professors
K. Giovanetti, W. C. Hughes,
B. Newcomer, G. Niculescu,
I. Niculescu, S. Scully
Associate Professors
A. Banu, H. Butner, A. Constantin,
K. Feitosa, M. Mattson, S. Paulson,
G. Scarel
Assistant Professors
G. Albright, C. Constantin, M. Dias,
K. Fukumura, I. Melnikov, S. Virani
Print Version of Catalog
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Physics and Astronomy is the preparation of scientifically enlightened citizens. Science literacy is promoted by the production of teachers, researchers, technical professionals and knowledgeable individuals through the integration of classroom and experiential learning.
Vision
We strive to be a leading undergraduate physics and astronomy department by building a research-active, student-centered community.
Values
Excellence, integrity and mutual respect are the core values that define our department. The vigorous pursuit of research with undergraduates is central to extending our understanding of nature and the engagement of students directly in the practice of physics and astronomy.
Service to the university, the public and the profession is essential for continued vitality of science education and research.
Goals
To help students:
- Develop competence in using computers for computation, data acquisition, numerical control, device development, and information acquisition and processing.
- Appreciate the role of science in society and the historical development of physics in the ongoing quest to discover the structure of the universe.
- Gain an understanding of the basic principles and the experimental basis of the various fields of physics and the logical relationships of the various fields.
- Become capable problem solvers using techniques that require mathematical skills, conceptual and mathematical models, order-of-magnitude estimates, and an understanding of limiting cases.
- Develop competence in designing, constructing, and using laboratory instruments, and to draw valid conclusions from experimental data.
- Improve written and oral technical communication skills.
Co-Curricular and Organizations
Degree and Major Requirements
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Degree Requirements
|
Required Courses |
Credit Hours |
|
|
General Education1 |
41 |
|
|
Foreign Language classes (intermediate level required)2 |
0-14 |
|
|
Philosophy course (in addition to General Education courses) |
3 |
|
|
University electives |
23-37 |
|
|
Major core requirements3 |
39 |
|
|
Major concentration requirements3 |
26-39 |
|
|
|
||
|
120 |
||
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level (typically 232) of the student's chosen language or by placing out of that language through the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures' placement test.
3 Some of the courses required for the major complete Cluster Three of General Education. PHIL 101 is part of Cluster Two.
Program Concentrations
Each student, in consultation with his/her faculty adviser, will choose one of the following program concentrations:
- Individual Option
- Professional
Major Core Requirements
|
Courses |
Credit Hours |
|
|
PHYS 105. Foundations of Physics |
1 |
|
|
Choose one of the following: |
6 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Choose one of the following: |
2 |
|
|
|
||
|
PHYS 246-247. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques in Physics I, II |
|
|
|
PHYS 260. University Physics III |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 270. Modern Physics |
4 |
|
|
12 |
||
|
4 |
||
|
Choose one of the following: |
4 |
|
|
BIO 140. Foundations of Biology I |
|
|
|
GEOL 110. Physical Geology |
|
|
|
1 |
||
|
1 |
||
|
|
||
|
39 |
||
Students must complete one of the following concentrations:
Individual Option
The individual option is a course of study chosen specifically to match the interest and career plans of the student. This option will allow custom-designed cross disciplinary majors such as the history of physics and physics and the fine arts.
A student electing the individual option must complete the major core requirements of the B.A. in physics and will select a program consisting of a coherent collection of a minimum of 26 additional credits of physics courses numbered above 265, astronomy courses numbered above 301 and courses in related fields. This individualized program must be selected in consultation with a faculty adviser in the department and must be approved by that adviser, the department head and one other faculty member in the department.
The individualized program, as approved by the department and accepted by the student, becomes the major requirements for the student.
Students are expected to review progress toward completion of the selected program of study with their faculty adviser.
Professional
Students in this concentration must complete the following courses in addition to core requirements:
|
Required Courses |
Credit Hours |
|
|
MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 340. Mechanics |
3 |
|
|
PHYS 350. Electricity and Magnetism |
3 |
|
|
Three credits chosen from PHYS courses at the 265-level or higher |
3 |
|
Students are expected to review progress toward completion of the selected program of study with their faculty adviser.
Pre-Medical Preparation
Students pursuing the B.A. in physics and astronomy with a professional concentration may complete a track in pre-medical preparation.
In addition to degree and General Education requirements, students complete the following courses.
|
First Year Courses |
|
PHYS 105. Foundations of Physics |
|
PHYS 246. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques in Physics I |
|
Second Year Courses |
|
PHYS 247. Acquisition and Analysis Techniques in Physics II |
|
PHYS 260. University Physics III |
|
PHYS 270. Modern Physics |
|
MATH 237. Calculus III |
|
MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations |
|
Third Year Courses |
|
PHYS 340. Mechanics |
|
PHYS 350. Electricity and Magnetism |
|
PHYS elective 265 or higher (PHYS 326 recommended) |
|
CHEM 361. Biochemistry I |
|
Fourth Year Courses |
|
Two PHYS electives 265 or higher |
|
Additional courses suggested by the Pre-professional Health program |
Teaching Licensure Preparation
Students pursuing the B.A. in physics and astronomy with a professional concentration may complete a track in teaching licensure at the secondary education level.
In addition to degree and General Education requirements, students complete the following courses.
|
First Year Courses |
|
PHYS 105. Foundations of Physics |
|
PHYS 246. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques in Physics I |
|
BIO 140. Foundations of Biology I |
|
MSSE 101. Orientation to the Profession (suggested, not required) |
|
Second Year Courses |
|
PHYS 247. Acquisition and Analysis Techniques in Physics II |
|
PHYS 260. University Physics III |
|
PHYS 270. Modern Physics |
|
PHYS 397. Topics in Physics |
|
MATH 237. Calculus III |
|
MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations |
|
EDUC 300. Foundations of American Education |
|
Third Year Courses |
|
PHYS 340. Mechanics |
|
PHYS 350. Electricity and Magnetism |
|
PHYS elective 265 or higher |
|
EDUC 310. Teaching in a Diverse Society |
|
MSSE 370. General Instructional Methods for Grades 6-12 |
|
MSSE 371. Clinical Experience in Adolescent Education |
|
Fourth Year Courses |
|
Two PHYS electives 265 or higher (PHYS 380 recommended) |
|
MSSE 470S. Natural Sciences Teaching Methods, Grades 6-8 |
|
MSSE 471. Content Area Field Experiences in Middle Schools |
|
READ 440. Literacy-Based Learning in Secondary Education |
To achieve teaching licensure, a student needs to supplement this curriculum with a fifth-year in the College of Education; see their website for more details.
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Degree Requirements
|
Required Courses |
Credit Hours |
|
|
General Education 1 |
41 |
|
|
Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education) |
3 |
|
|
Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education) |
3-4 |
|
|
University electives |
2-8 |
|
|
Major core requirements (listed below) |
40 |
|
|
Major program concentration requirements |
25-31 |
|
|
|
||
|
120 |
||
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
Major Core Requirements
|
Courses |
Credit Hours |
|
|
PHYS 105. Foundations of Physics |
3 |
|
|
Choose one of the following: |
6 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
PHYS 246, PHYS 247. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques in Physics I, II |
2 |
|
|
PHYS 260. University Physics III |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 270. Modern Physics |
4 |
|
|
Cognate Disciplines |
|
|
|
6 |
||
|
2 |
||
|
12 |
||
|
MATH 248. Computer Methods in Engineering and Science |
4 |
|
|
|
||
|
40 |
||
Program Concentrations
Each student, in consultation with his/her faculty adviser, will choose one of the following program concentrations.
Applied Physics Concentration
The applied physics concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in a wide variety of scientific areas including laboratory and industrial settings. It is separated into four tracks: applied nuclear physics, computational physics, , and electronics and instrumentation.
All students in the applied physics concentration must complete the following courses:
|
Required Courses (in addition to core requirements |
Credit Hours |
|
|
PHYS 344, PHYS 345, PHYS 346. Advanced Physics Laboratory I, II, III |
3 |
|
|
PHYS 360. Analog Electronics |
4 |
|
|
1 |
||
|
1 |
||
|
2 |
||
|
MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations |
4 |
|
|
Additional physics courses approved by the physics adviser |
3 |
|
|
|
||
|
18 |
||
In addition to the required courses, students must complete one of the following tracks: Applied nuclear physics, electronics and instrumentation, or computational physics.
|
Applied Nuclear Physics Courses |
Credit Hours |
||
|
PHYS 340. Mechanics |
3 |
||
|
PHYS 460. Quantum Mechanics |
3 |
||
|
PHYS 339. Introductory Nuclear Science |
4 |
||
|
|
|||
|
PHYS 338. Nuclear Physics |
3 |
||
|
or PHYS 333. Introduction to Particle Physics |
|
||
|
|
|||
|
13 |
|||
|
Electronics and Instrumentation Courses |
Credit Hours |
||
|
PHYS 350. Electricity and Magnetism |
3 |
||
|
PHYS 371. Digital Electronics |
2 |
||
|
PHYS 372. Microcontrollers and Applications |
2 |
||
|
PHYS 380. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
3 |
||
|
Additional physics courses approved by the physics adviser |
2-3 |
||
|
|
|||
|
12-13 |
|||
|
Computational Physics Courses1 |
Credit Hours |
|
|
PHYS 340. Mechanics |
3 |
|
|
PHYS 380. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
3 |
|
|
Choose one of the following pairs of courses: |
3 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Choose one of the following pairs of courses: |
3 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
12 |
||
1 Students in this track must minor in mathematics.
Physics and Engineering Combined Program Concentration
This dual degree program makes it possible for the student to earn a B.S. degree in physics from JMU and a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Virginia. The engineering areas available under this program include biomedical, environmental, transportation, materials science, systems engineering and engineering physics.
During the first three years at JMU, the student must complete 96 credit hours including all JMU General Education requirements, the physics core requirements, differential equations and at least 12 additional credit hours in physics courses designated by the JMU Department of Physics and Astronomy with at least a "B+" average. In general, these 12 additional hours will be chosen from those recommended for the applied physics track, but substitutions may be approved by the program adviser, Dr. Sean Scully. During the fourth year of study (when the student will be in residence at the University of Virginia), the student will take further courses approved by the JMU Department of Physics and Astronomy for credit toward the Bachelor of Science degree in physics. A total of 37 credit hours of physics or other physics-related courses taken at either school will be required for the JMU Bachelor of Science degree in physics. For further information, consult the head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Fundamental Studies Concentration
The fundamental studies concentration is designed to prepare students for immediate post-baccalaureate employment or for entrance to advanced study in physics or related areas.
|
Required Courses (in addition to core requirements) |
Credit Hours |
|
|
MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 340. Mechanics |
3 |
|
|
PHYS 344, PHYS 345, PHYS 346. Advanced Physics Laboratory I, II, III |
3 |
|
|
PHYS 350. Electricity and Magnetism |
3 |
|
|
PHYS 360. Analog Electronics |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 380. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
3 |
|
|
1 |
||
|
PHYS 460. Quantum Mechanics |
3 |
|
|
1 |
||
|
Choose one of the following: |
2-6 |
|
|
|
||
|
PHYS/ASTR 498R. Undergraduate Research in Physics or Astronomy (2 credits) |
|
|
|
ISCI 450. Interscience Research (2 credits) |
|
|
|
PHYS 494. Internship in Physics (2 credits) |
|
|
|
PHYS 499. Honors (6 credits) |
|
|
|
|
||
|
27-31 |
||
Multidisciplinary Concentration
The multidisciplinary concentration is designed to provide a solid foundation in physics for students whose interests extend beyond traditional physics fields. The four tracks of business, technical and scientific communication, biophysics, and secondary education open doors to the pursuit of graduate degrees in law, the medical sciences, business and education, and other career paths requiring a technical background. Also, the concentrations in business and technical and scientific communication concentrations are excellent preparation for jobs in industry.
The following are also required for all tracks in the multidisciplinary concentration:
|
Courses |
Credit Hours |
|
|
BIO 140. Foundations of Biology I |
4 |
|
|
MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations |
4 |
|
|
3 |
||
|
PHYS 340. Mechanics |
3 |
|
|
PHYS 350. Electricity and Magnetism |
3 |
|
|
PHYS 380. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
3 |
|
|
1 |
||
|
1 |
||
|
Two credits from the following: |
2 |
|
|
PHYS/ASTR 398. Independent Study in Physics and Astronomy (2 credits) |
|
|
|
PHYS/ASTR 498R. Undergraduate Research in Physics or Astronomy (2 credits) |
|
|
|
ISCI 450. Interscience Research (2 credits) |
|
|
|
PHYS 494. Internship in Physics (2 credits) |
|
|
|
PHYS 499. Honors (6 credits) |
|
|
|
|
||
|
24 |
||
The student must choose one of the following tracks:
- Business
- Technical and Scientific Communication (TSC)
- Biophysics
- Geophysics
- Secondary Education
|
Business Track Courses |
Credit Hours |
|
|
CIS 204. Computer Information Systems for Non-Business Majors |
3 |
|
|
ACTG 244. Accounting for Non-Business Majors |
3 |
|
|
ECON 201. Principles of Economics (Micro) |
3 |
|
|
FIN 345. Finance for the Non-Financial Manager |
3 |
|
|
MGT 305. Management and Organizational Behavior |
3 |
|
|
MKTG 380. Principles of Marketing |
3 |
|
|
|
||
|
18 |
||
No more than 27 hours may be taken in the College of Business.
|
TSC Track Courses |
Credit Hours |
|
|
Choose six credits: |
6 |
|
|
Physics course numbered above 300 |
|
|
|
ASTR 480. Astrophysics |
|
|
|
WRTC 103. Critical Reading and Writing |
3 |
|
|
WRTC 300. Professional Editing |
3 |
|
|
WRTC 316. Research Methodologies |
3 |
|
|
WRTC 350. Foundations of Technical Communication |
3 |
|
|
Choose six credits: |
6 |
|
|
WRTC 301. Language, Law and Ethics |
|
|
|
WRTC 318. Intercultural Professional Communication |
|
|
|
WRTC 458. Writing about Science and Technology |
|
|
|
Other upper-level courses with permission |
|
|
|
|
||
|
24 |
||
|
Biophysics Track Courses |
Credit Hours |
|
|
PHYS 326. Biophysics |
3 |
|
|
6 |
||
|
CHEM 242L. Organic Chemistry Laboratory |
2 |
|
|
3 |
||
|
BIO 140. Foundations of Biology I |
4 |
|
|
BIO 370. Animal Physiology |
4 |
|
|
BIO 490. Mechanics of Animal Movement |
4 |
|
|
|
||
|
26 |
||
|
Geophysics Track Courses |
Credit Hours |
|
|
Choose one of the following: |
3-4 |
|
|
GEOL 110. Physical Geology |
|
|
|
GEOL 210. Applied Physical Geology |
|
|
|
Choose one of the following: |
3 |
|
|
ASTR 220. Astronomy |
|
|
|
GEOL 272. Planetary Geology |
|
|
|
GEOL 365. Structural Geology |
|
|
|
GEOL 440. Geophysics |
|
|
|
At least three credits from a field- or geographic-based course: |
3-6 |
|
|
GEOG 215. Cartography and GIS |
|
|
|
GEOG 216. Remote Sensing and GPS |
|
|
|
GEOL 399. Field Geology (Ireland) |
|
|
|
GEOL 444. Field Geophysics |
|
|
|
At least nine credits from the following: |
9 |
|
|
GEOL 280. Mineralogy |
|
|
|
GEOL 300. Petrology |
|
|
|
|
||
|
GEOL 396. X-Ray Characterization |
|
|
|
GEOL 415. Evolution of North America |
|
|
|
GEOL 460. Geohydrology |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
PHYS 360. Analog Electronics |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Any other 300- or 400-level geology or physics course (Upon approval from adviser). |
3 |
|
|
|
||
|
24 |
||
|
Secondary Education Track Required Courses |
Credit Hours |
|
|
PSYC 160. Life Span Human Development |
3 |
|
|
Students must be fully admitted into pre-professional teacher education prior to enrolling in these courses: |
|
|
|
EDUC 310. Teaching in a Diverse Society |
3 |
|
|
MSSE 370. General Instruction Methods for Grades 6-12 |
3 |
|
|
MSSE 371. Clinical Experience in Adolescent Education |
1 |
|
|
MSSE 470S. Natural Sciences Teaching Methods, Grades 6-8 |
3 |
|
|
MSSE 471. Content Area Experiences in Middle Schools |
3 |
|
|
READ 440. Literacy-Based Learning in Secondary Education |
3 |
|
|
|
||
|
22 |
||
Students interested in becoming teachers must meet specific curriculum requirements in their major as part of the undergraduate academic degree.
In addition to the General Education and academic major requirements, physics majors desiring secondary teacher licensure must be admitted to teacher education, complete the pre-professional program in secondary education at the undergraduate level and complete the graduate level Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
It is critical that students seeking licensure consult regularly with both their education adviser and their major adviser to support their progression through the programs. For a full description of the program in secondary teaching, refer to the Department of Middle, Secondary and Mathematics Education, in addition to the College of Education section of the catalog.
Individual Option Concentration
The individual option is a course of studies chosen specifically to match the interest and career plans of the student. This option will allow custom designed cross disciplinary majors such as chemical physics, as well as majors designed for students whose educational and career goals are not met by the existing concentrations in the major.
A student electing the individual option must complete the core requirements for the B.S. in physics and will select a program consisting of a coherent collection of a minimum of 25 additional credits of physics courses numbered above 260, astronomy courses numbered above 301 and courses in related fields.
This individualized program must be selected in consultation with a faculty adviser in the department, and must be approved by that adviser, the department head and one other faculty member in the department.
The individualized program, as approved by the department and accepted by the student, becomes the major requirements for that student.
Students are expected to review progress toward completion of the selected program of study with their faculty adviser.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
|
First Year |
Credit Hours |
|
|
6 |
||
|
2 |
||
|
General Education, Cluster One: Skills for the 21st Century |
9-12 |
|
|
8 |
||
|
PHYS 246. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques in Physics I |
1 |
|
|
Choose one of the following: |
6 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
32-35 |
||
|
Second Year |
Credit Hours |
|
|
MATH 237. Calculus III |
4 |
|
|
MATH 238. Linear Algebra with Differential Equations |
4 |
|
|
MATH 248. Computer Methods in Engineering and Science |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 260. University Physics III |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 270. Modern Physics |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 247. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques in Physics II |
1 |
|
|
General Education courses |
11 |
|
|
|
||
|
32 |
||
Third and Fourth Years
During their junior and senior years, students will select courses to complete the specific program track which they are following. These course selections will be made with the assistance of a faculty adviser.
Minor Requirements
Astronomy Minor
The minimum requirement for a minor in astronomy is 21 credit hours selected as follows:
|
Astronomy Minor Electives |
Credit Hours |
|
|
Choose one of the following: |
6 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Choose one of the following: |
2 |
|
|
|
||
|
PHYS 246-247. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques in Physics I, II |
|
|
|
7 |
||
|
ASTR 320. Astronomical Techniques |
3 |
|
|
One course selected from the following: |
3 |
|
|
GEOL 272. Planetary Geology |
|
|
|
ASTR 480. Astrophysics |
|
|
|
HON 300Z. Life Beyond Earth |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Appropriate topics could include the relativity, cosmology, cosmic rays or other astronomy-related topics with approval of minor adviser. |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
21 |
||
Physics Minor
The minimum requirement for a minor in physics is 22 credit hours selected as follows:
|
Physics Minor Electives |
Credit Hours |
|
|
Choose one of the following: |
6 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Choose one of the following: |
2 |
|
|
|
||
|
PHYS 246-247. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques in Physics I, II |
|
|
|
PHYS 260. University Physics III |
4 |
|
|
Ten credits selected from the following: |
10 |
|
|
Physics courses numbered above 260 |
|
|
|
ASTR 320. Astronomical Techniques |
|
|
|
ASTR 480. Astrophysics |
|
|
|
|
||
|
22 |
||
Other Minors
Materials Science Minor
Refer to the materials science minor in Centers for Materials Science for more detailed information on this cross disciplinary program.
Physics Minor for Engineers
Dr. Ioana Niculescu, Coordinator
Phone: (540) 568-2980
Email: niculemi@jmu.edu
The minor in physics for engineering students is a program that enables JMU undergraduate students majoring in engineering to take a minor in physics. Interested students will take courses in upper-level physics to explore physical phenomena related to their professional development as an engineer.
|
Physics Minor for Engineers Electives |
Credit Hours |
|
|
Choose one of the following: |
6 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Choose one of the following: |
2 |
|
|
|
||
|
PHYS 246-247. Data Acquisition and Analysis Techniques in Physics I, II |
|
|
|
ENGR 313. Circuits and Instrumentation or PHYS 360. Analog Electronics |
4 |
|
|
PHYS 270. Modern Physics with lab |
4 |
|
|
PHYS course at the 300-level or above1 |
3-4 |
|
|
|
||
|
19-20 |
||
1 May not include PHYS 360