Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Physics is specifically for students who want a rigorous undergraduate experience in physics, but who are not necessarily planning a career in physics. The strong focus on critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to work and learn independently make a degree in physics from Truman excellent preparation for a variety of non-physics career paths such as law or medical school, secondary school teaching or work in industry.
After three semesters of basic Physics and Calculus, candidates for the Bachelor of Arts in Physics study Modern Physics, and then choose at least 6 hours from among more advanced topics such as Electronics, Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism, Statistical Mechanics, and Quantum Mechanics. In addition, students do Advanced Laboratory work. Bachelor of Arts candidates must also design their own 15 hour Learning Plan outside of physics -- this could, for example, be a minor in another discipline.
Recent graduates from Truman's physics program have gone on to work in many different non-physics fields, such as in energy and environmental policy, in the environmental clean-up industry and in the entertainment software industry.
Suggested Curricula
Note: "LSP" stands for "Liberal Studies Program."
As there is much more room for individual variation for Juniors and Seniors, only suggested options for the first two years are listed.
A full description of courses is available in Truman's online catalog.
Please also see the list of prerequisites for physics courses.
| Course # | Course name | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1: for students ready to take Calculus | |||
| Fall | PHYS 145 | Physics Seminar | 1 |
| #1 | PHYS 195 | Physics with Calculus I | 5 |
| MATH 198 | Calculus I | 5 | |
| LSP course | 3 | ||
| LSP course | 1-3 | ||
| Total = | 15-17 | ||
| Spring | PHYS 196 | Physics with Calculus II | 5 |
| #1 | MATH 263 | Calculus II | 5 |
| CHEM 120 | General Chemistry I | 5 | |
| LSP course | 1-2 | ||
| Total = | 16-17 | ||
| Fall | PHYS 250 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| #2 | PHYS 275 | Vibrations & Waves | 3 |
| MATH 264 | Calculus III | 3 | |
| CHEM 121 | General Chemistry II | 5 | |
| LSP course | 1-3 | ||
| Total = | 15-17 | ||
| Spring | PHYS 251 | Modern Physics II | 3 |
| #2 | PHYS 382 | Mathematical Physics | 3 |
| MATH 365 | Differential Equations | 3 | |
| STAT 290 | Statistics | 3 | |
| LSP course | 3-4 | ||
| Total = | 15-16 | ||
| Option 2: for students ready to take Calculus | |||
| Fall | PHYS 145 | Physics Seminar | 1 |
| #1 | PHYS 195 | Physics with Calculus I | 5 |
| MATH 198 | Calculus I | 5 | |
| CHEM 120 | General Chemistry I | 5 | |
| Total = | 16 | ||
| Spring | PHYS 196 | Physics with Calculus II | 5 |
| #1 | MATH 263 | Calculus II | 5 |
| CHEM 121 | General Chemistry II | 5 | |
| LSP course | 1-2 | ||
| Total = | 16-17 | ||
| Fall | PHYS 250 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| #2 | PHYS 275 | Vibrations & Waves | 3 |
| MATH 264 | Calculus III | 3 | |
| LSP course | 3 | ||
| LSP course | 3 | ||
| LSP course | 1-2 | ||
| Total = | 16-17 | ||
| Spring | PHYS 251 | Modern Physics II | 3 |
| #2 | PHYS 382 | Mathematical Physics | 3 |
| MATH 365 | Differential Equations | 3 | |
| STAT 290 | Statistics | 3 | |
| LSP course | 3-4 | ||
| Total = | 15-16 | ||
| Option 3: for students not ready to take Calculus | |||
| Fall | PHYS 145 | Physics Seminar | 1 |
| #1 | MATH 186 | Elementary Functions | 3 |
| CHEM 120 | General Chemistry I | 5 | |
| LSP course | 3 | ||
| LSP course | 3 | ||
| (MS 100) | 0-1 | ||
| Total = | 15-16 | ||
| Spring | PHYS 195 | Physics with Calculus I | 5 |
| #1 | MATH 198 | Calculus I | 5 |
| CHEM 121 | General Chemistry II | 5 | |
| MS 101 or HLTH 195/6 | 1-2 | ||
| Total = | 16-17 | ||
| Fall | PHYS 196 | Physics with Calculus II | 5 |
| #2 | MATH 263 | Calculus II | 5 |
| STAT 290 | Statistics | 3 | |
| LSP course | 3 | ||
| Total = | 16 | ||
| Spring | PHYS 382 | Mathematical Physics | 3 |
| #2 | MATH 264 | Calculus III | 3 |
| LSP course | 3 | ||
| LSP course | 3 | ||
| LSP course | 3-4 | ||
| Total = | 15-16 | ||
For students not beginning with either Elementary Functions or Calculus I : The Physics programs require a high level of mathematics; students starting with Algebra should expect their degree program to require more than 8 regular semesters. Such students might consider gaining some mathematics credits in summer school and they may consider taking PHYS 100, "Concepts in Physics" (which can only be used as a general elective for Physics majors) to prepare better for future physics courses within the major.