Physics Minor
The physics minor provides students with a broad introduction to the discipline of physics combined with further exploration of at least one area of interest. The minor introduces students to the fundamental laws that govern nature and the universe and complements other majors where additional physics knowledge is of benefit. It prepares students to apply scientific methodology to solve physics problems, to think critically and quantitatively, to relate physics to their daily life and environment, and to understand the experimental and theoretical methods used in modern physics.
Each student must complete 19 credits in the minor including at least 5 upper division credits and at least 10 credits completed at Metropolitan State University. All prerequisite and required courses must be completed with grades of C- or above. A minor represents significant learning beyond the student's major or program; therefore, each student must include at least 5 credits of coursework in the physics minor that is not counted as part of their major or any other minor.
Students can be admitted to the physics minor once they have successfully completed the Prerequisite and Foundation courses and a program assessment survey.
Prerequisites
Requirements (19 total credits)
Foundation Courses (10 credits)
- PHYS 211 Calculus-based Physics I with laboratory
- PHYS 212 Calculus-based Physics II with laboratory
Elective Courses (9 credits)
At least two courses from the following list, at least one of which must be a physics course, as needed to reach a total of 24 credits.
- PHYS 305 Thermodynamics
- PHYS 489 Directed Research in Physics
- PHYS 479 Special Topics in Physics
- MATH 340 Mathematical Modeling
- MATH 350 Ordinary Differential Equations
- MATH 420 Numerical Analysis
