Physics
Boyd 208 • 678-839-4087
http://www.westga.edu/~physics/
Professor:
J. Hasbun, B. Powell (Chair)
Associate Professors:
J. Talbot
Assistant Professor:
N. Chestnut, A. DeSilva
The physics program offers seven plans leading to the B. S. degree in physics. These plans are Plan A, the general physics major; Plan B, the dual degree (physics and engineering); Plan C, the physics major with a business concentration; Plan D, the physics education major; and Plans E, F, and G, the various physics emphases.
Plan A is designed for students who desire to pursue graduate study in physics or career options for which physics is an excellent gateway.
Plan B is the Dual degree program, where a student may, in approximately five years, receive both an engineering degree and a bachelor's degree in physics. The University of West Georgia has Dual-Degree agreements with several engineering schools, such as Georgia Tech, Mercer University, and Auburn University. Under these agreements, a student can attend West Georgia for 3 years and the other institution for 2 years and obtain a B.S. degree in physics from West Georgia and a bachelor's degree in engineering from the other institution.
Plan C is designed so that students earn credit towards the master's in business administration. In this plan, students obtain a B.S. in physics with a business concentration in four years. Students who are interested in entering the technological business world are thus enabled to complete their M.B.A. in the fifth year at West Georgia.
Plan D is a B.S. in physics education. As mandated by the Board of Regents, students interested in teaching at the secondary level must have a major in the area of their teaching interest.
Finally, plans E, F, and G are similar to Plan A but are specialized depending on the courses students choose in the major area. These three emphases are computational physics (plan E), electro-optics (plan F), and solid state physics (plan G). These plans are designed to make it easier for students to seek employment in specific industry positions. The physics faculty, as a whole, advise students in each of these areas.
PHYS 1111 and 2211 are beginning courses. After receiving credit for PHYS 2211, a student may not receive credit for PHYS 1111.
Learning Outcomes
Students completing the B.S. degree with a major in Physics will:
- Have mastered the basic content of fundamental areas of physics: Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics, by being able to solve and discuss problems
- Be able to apply mathematical and computer techniques to obtain quantitative problems in the fundamental areas of physic
- Be able to make basic physical measurements in the laboratory and analyze and interpret the results
