Major in Physics | Physics/Engineering Dual Degree | Minor in Physics | Pre-Engineering | Course Descriptions
Chair: Rex Isham (936) 294-1607
Faculty:Hui Fang, Barry Friedman, Hugh Hall, Renee James, Gan Liang, Charles Meitzler, Brian Oetiker, Joel Walker
Website: https://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.
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.
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.
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.
All Physics majors meet the requirements for a minor in mathematics.
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.
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 https://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.
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.
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,
or 433/413 Advanced Physics Electives: PHY 467, 496 |
6 hrs. |
All Physics majors meet the requirements for a minor in mathematics.
Major in Physics
Bachelor of Science
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| PHY 141 | 4 | PHY 142, 245 | 8 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | MTH 244 | 4 |
| MTH 142, 143 | 8 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | POL 261, POL (200-level) | 6 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | HIS 163, 164 | 6 |
| 27 | CS 164 | 4 | |
| 31 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| PHY 391/311, 471 | 7 | PHY 466, 468, 470, 495 | 12 |
| MTH 376, 476 | 6 | Advanced PHY elective | 6 |
| BIO 161/111, 162/112 or GEL 133/113, 134/114 | 8 | Advanced General elective | 8 |
| Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) | 3 | MTH (Advanced) or Science (Advanced) | 6 |
| Component Area 5 | 3 | 32 | |
| Component Area 4 (Visual & Performing Arts) | 3 | ||
| 30 |
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. PHY 138 is considered a preparatory course in physics and as such cannot be used to meet major hour requirements for the B.S. degree.
A minor in Physics requires a minimum of 24 hours of coursework and shall include PHY 141 and 142, 245, 391/311, and eight semester hours of advanced electives in physics.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| PHY 141 | 4 | PHY 142, 245 | 8 |
| MTH 142, 143 | 8 | MTH 244 | 4 |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | POL 261, POL (200-level) | 6 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | ENG 330 | 3 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | IT 161 | 3 |
| 33 | Component Area 4 (Cultural) | 3 | |
| CS 164 | 3 | ||
| 34 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| PHY 395/315, 360, 361, 391/311 | 11 | University with Recognized Accredited Degree Program | |
| Component Area 4 (Visual & Performing Arts) | 3 | ||
| MTH 376, 476 | 6 | ||
| PHY (Advanced)** | 9-10 | ||
| Component Area 5 | 3 | ||
| Advanced Elective | 3 | ||
| 35-36 |
** Advanced PHY electives include PHY 393/313, 431, 433/413, 466, 468, 471, and 488.
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
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| PHY 141 | 4 | PHY 142, 245 | 8 |
| MTH 142, 143 | 8 | MTH 244 | 4 |
| CHM 138/118, 139/119 | 8 | POL 261, POL (200-level) | 6 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | ENG 330 | 3 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | IT 161 | 3 |
| 33 | KIN elective | 1 | |
| Component Area 6 (Computer Literacy) | 3 | ||
| 34 |
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 https://www.shsu.edu/~phy_www/.
PHY 133 Introductory Astronomy. [PHYS 1311] The development of astronomy, the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology are studied. Emphasis is placed on discovering astronomical phenomena through individual observational activities. The Sam Houston planetarium and observatory are also used in laboratory activities. No mathematics or physics prerequisites. Credit 3.
PHY 113 Introductory Astronomy Laboratory. [PHYS 1111] Credit 1
PHY 134 Stars and Galaxies. The study of the universe beyond the solar system. Topics include the nature of stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, quasars, cosmology, the universe as a whole, and theories about the origin and fate of the universe. Along the way, students will be introduced to tools astronomers use to determine such properties as temperatures, compositions, motions, masses, and evolution of astronomical objects. Credit 3.
PHY 114 Laboratory – Stars and Galaxies. This laboratory will introduce students to the tools and techniques used by ancient and modern astronomers to determine the nature of stars, galaxies, the interstellar medium, and the universe as a whole. This is a companion course to PHY 134. Credit 1.
PHY 135, 136 General Physics for Non-Science Majors. These courses are for liberal arts students. They are NOT open to students majoring in programs offered by Chemistry, Physics, Biological Sciences, Geology, or Mathematics. Concepts and principles are stressed. No Mathematics or Physics prerequisites.
PHY 135 Fundamentals Of Physics I. [PHYS 1305] This is an elementary course covering the fundamentals of motion, forces and heat. Credit 3.
PHY 115 Fundamentals of Physics I Laboratory. [PHYS 1105] Credit 1.
PHY 136 Fundamentals of Physics II. [PHYS 1307] The course is a continuation of PHY 135. Fundamentals of electricity and magnetism, sound, light, and modern physics are included. Credit 3.
PHY 116 Fundamentals of Physics II Laboratory. [PHYS 1107] Credit 1.
PHY 138, 139 General Physics. These courses are designed for students majoring in biological sciences and their related pre-professional programs.
PHY 138 General Physics — Mechanics and Heat. [PHYS 1301] A modern treatment is made of the laws and principles of mechanics and heat. Derivations are carefully done using a non-calculus approach and considerable problem work is required. The laboratory work consists of quantitative experiments. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for MTH 163 or equivalent. Credit 3.
PHY 118 General Physics Laboratory I. [PHYS 1101] Credit 1.
PHY 139 General Physics — Sound, Light, Electricity and Magnetism. [PHYS 1302] The course is a continuation of PHY 138, covering the subjects of sound, light, electricity and magnetism. The same emphasis is placed on derivations and problem solving as in PHY 138. The laboratory work consists of quantitative experiments. Prerequisites: PHY 138, MTH 163. Credit 3.
PHY 119 General Physics Laboratory II. [PHYS 1102] Credit 1.
PHY 141,142, 245 Introduction to Physics.These are comprehensive courses for students majoring or minoring in physics, pre-engineering, mathematics, and programs requiring calculus level mathematics.
PHY 141 Introduction to Physics I. [PHYS 2425] A thorough introduction to the more general topics in mechanics. Considerable attention is given to the solution of problems with the emphasis placed on fundamental concepts. A laboratory/problem session is an integral part of the course. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisites MTH 142. If high school physics or calculus has been taken, then MTH 142 may be taken concurrently. Credit 4.
PHY 142 Introduction to Physics III. [PHYS 2427] An introduction to the general topics of electricity and magnetism, and basic electrical circuits. The emphasis continues to be on problem solving with the laboratory/problem session an integral part of the course. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisites: PHY 141 and MTH 143.
PHY 245 Introduction to Physics II. [PHYS 2426] An introduction to topics in heat and wave motion including sound and light. The quantitative description of phenomena is emphasized. The laboratory continues as an integral part of the course. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisites: PHY 141 and MTH 142. Credit 4. Credit 4.
PHY 360 Statics and Dynamics.Study of equilibrium, kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies using concepts of force, mass, and energy, and momentum. Vectors, calculus and differential equations are used. Prerequisites: PHY 141 and MTH 244. :. Credit 3.
PHY 391 Modern Physics I. Relativity is introduced, quantum theory of light, Compton effect, photoelectric effect, Bohr atom, particles as waves, quantum mechanics in one dimension, tunneling, and atomic structure are covered. Prerequisites: PHY 243 and MTH 244. PHY 311 must be taken concurrently. Credit 3.
PHY 311 Modern Physics Laboratory I. Writing Enhanced. Credit 1.
PHY 393 Modern Physics II. Statistical physics, lasers, molecular structure, solid state, superconductivity, low energy nuclear physics, nuclear physics applications, and elementary particles are covered. Prerequisite: PHY 391. PHY 313 must be taken concurrently. Credit 3.
PHY 313 Modern Physics Laboratory II. Writing Enhanced. Credit 1.
PHY 395 Electronics and Circuit Analysis. Active circuit analysis, analog and digital integrated circuits, selected discrete components, and application to certain digital and analog systems are studied. PHY 315 must be taken concurrently. Credit 3.
PHY 315 Electronics and Circuit Analysis Laboratory. Writing Enhanced. Credit 1.
PHY 397 Astronomy. A study is made of the solar system, sun, stars, and stellar systems, their motions, structure, energy sources and evolution, star clusters, interstellar matter, galaxies, and cosmology. PHY 317 must be taken concurrently. Credit 3.
PHY 317 Astronomy Laboratory. Writing Enhanced. Credit 1.
PHY 410 Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory I. This laboratory course provides additional, in-depth laboratory experience for physics majors and minors and transfer students. It will emphasize measurement and data handling. Writing Enhanced. Credit 1.
PHY 431 Physics for the Forensic Sciences. Forensic science makes use of a number of physical techniques. This course is designed to provide a student with an understanding of the physics used in forensic science that enhances the standard introductory physics course. Topics covered include interior and exterior ballistics, optics, stress and strain, elementary fluid mechanics. Credit 3.
PHY 433 Light and Optics. The wave theory of light is emphasized. The phenomena of interference, diffraction and polarization are treated both theoretically and in selected laboratory experiments. The theory and applications of lasers are discussed and investigated in the laboratory. PHY 413 must be taken concurrently. Credit 3.
PHY 413 Light and Optics Laboratory. Writing Enhanced. Credit 1.
PHY 466 Introductory Quantum Mechanics. This course includes introductory quantum mechanics, application of quantum theory to the harmonic oscillator, potential barriers, the hydrogen atom, theory of atomic spectra, the free electron, and elementary band theory of solids. Prerequisite: PHY 391. Credit 3.
PHY 467 Introduction to Solid State Physics. This course introduces the concepts of crystal structure, crystal diffraction, reciprocal lattices, crystal binding, phonons, free electron Fermi gas, semi-conductors, energy bands, Fermi surfaces, point defects, and optical properties of crystals. Credit 3.
PHY 468 Electricity and Magnetism. Properties of dielectrics and magnetic materials, electromagnetic fields, and Maxwell’s equations are studied. Prerequisite: MTH 376. Credit 3.
PHY 470 Introduction to Theoretical Physics. The dynamics of rigid bodies, vibrating systems and normal coordinates, and other selected topics of advanced mechanics are stressed. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian concepts are introduced. Prerequisite: MTH 376. Credit 3.
PHY 471 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. Basic concepts of classical thermodynamics, including the first and second laws, properties of gases, entropy, thermodynamic functions, and introductory statistical mechanics are studied. Prerequisites: PHY 391 and MTH 376. Credit 3.
PHY 495 Undergraduate Research. This course consists of special projects or topics in experimental or theoretical physics for individual physics students. Each student pursues an approved project of interest to him, or he may participate in one of the organized research programs conducted by the physics faculty. The projects are supervised by the physics faculty, but each student is expected to demonstrate individual initiative in planning and conducting the research program or topic. Writing Enhanced. Prerequisite: consent of Department Chair. The course may be repeated for an additional three semester hours credit with consent of Department Chair. This course should be taken in addition to hours required for physics major or minor and may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalog. Credit 3.
PHY 496 Selected Topics in Physics. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for additional credit. Credit 3.
PHY 498 Senior Thesis. This is a directed elective for senior students majoring in physics seeking additional experience in a sophisticated research project. This research will be conducted under the supervision of a member of the physics faculty and the results will be presented in the form of a thesis. Writing Enhanced.