Physics A.B.
Chair: Associate Professor Kamela
A Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Physics requires the completion of the Elon Core Curriculum as well as the Major Requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Students earning an A.B. in Astronomy cannot also earn an A.B. in Physics.
Select one PHY course at the 1000 level or higher: 4 sh
Select three PHY courses at the 3000 level or higher: 12 sh
Select two PHY courses at the 4000 level or higher: 8 sh
Additional Requirements:
Students must complete a full minor or a second major in another discipline. A minor in astronomy does not count toward fulfillment of this requirement.
Required courses: 22 sh
Total Credit Hours: 44
Program Outcomes
Goal 1: Students will have conceptual understanding of mechanics, electrodynamics, and modern physics.
• Students will interpret physics demonstrations using the framework of Newton’s Laws of Motion.
• Students will solve problems that involve gravitational and electromagnetic forces.
Goal 2: Students will be able to design, conduct, and present research with the assistance of a faculty member.
• Students will present science research with at least one poster and one slideshow.
• Students will include error analysis and hypothesis testing in research results.
• Students will read physics research articles and design experiments to confirm or expand the findings.
Goal 3: Students will reflect on their learning to reassess their beliefs and attitudes relating to the physics enterprise.
• Students will begin to fulfill the role and carry out the duties of scientists in society.
• Students will understand the history and significance of science as perceived by experts.
Goal 4: Students will be able to effectively communicate scientific ideas using written and oral methods.
• Students will be able to summarize complex scientific ideas and confront scientific misconceptions in a way that will allow someone who is interested in the topic, but not very knowledgeable in it, to expand their understanding. The style of this summary would be similar to what you might find in a newspaper opinion piece, or a popular magazine.