Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
The Physics Minor provides students with the opportunity to build on their introductory physics courses with a coordinated set of electives based on interests and career objectives selected in consultation with a physics advisor.
Students may earn a minor in Physics by completing a course of study consisting of 18 units in physics and astronomy, of which 10 units must be upper division, and no more than 4 units may be from astronomy courses.
Program Learning Objectives
- Apply the foundational principles of introductory classical and modern physics to solve problems.
- Model physical phenomena through the application of selected topics drawn from upper-division physics and astronomy courses.
- Collect and analyze data from the safe operation of equipment in a physics laboratory.
- Communicate problem solutions and principles of physics effectively through written work.
Minor Requirements and Curriculum
The minor must be completed prior to, or at the same time as, the requirements for the bachelor's degree. A major and a minor may not be taken in the same degree program, and a minor is not required for a degree. Requirements for the minor include:
- At least half of the units must be from upper-division courses (3000-4000 level).
- At least half of the units must be taken at Cal Poly (in residence).
- No more than one-third of the units will be taken with credit-no credit grading (CR/NC), not counting courses with mandatory CR/NC. Departments may further limit CR/NC grading if desired.
- A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in all units counted for completion of the minor.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| PHYS 1143 | General Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 2211 | General Physics III: Modern Physics | 4 |
| Approved Electives | ||
| Select from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Classical Mechanics I | ||
| Optics | ||
| Quantum Mechanics I | ||
| Electromagnetic Fields and Waves I | ||
| Solid State Physics | ||
| Select from the following: 1, 2 | 6-7 | |
Select any 3000-4000 level PHYS courses | ||
| Stars and Planetary Systems | ||
| Galaxies and Cosmology | ||
| Observational Astronomy | ||
| Total Units | 18 | |