Physics

Faculty

Don H. Olive, Chair, Professor; Director of Christenberry Planetarium
Eric H. Remington, Assistant Professor
Stephen L. Strickland, Assistant Professor

Undergraduate Programs and Requirements

Majors
Engineering Physics Major (B.S.)
Physics Major (B.A.)
Physics Major (B.S.)

Minor
Physics Minor
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The Department of Physics offers a full array of theoretical, experimental, and applied physics courses leading to either a degree in physics (B.A./B.S.), or engineering physics (B.S.). We also offer opportunities to collaborate directly with faculty members on research and the design of and building of research equipment in our machine shop and labs.

To obtain a major in physics or engineering physics, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 in mathematics and physics courses.

Students interested in pursuing a career in physics or engineering, and taking basic courses in the fields of mathematics, physics, computer science, and chemistry are well prepared for graduate programs upon graduation, or transfer to any engineering school. At Samford, students can complete half the curriculum required in any of the following fields of engineering: mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, highway, and aeronautical. Interested students are advised to check with several engineering schools to determine which Samford courses would transfer directly.

A dual-degree option is allowed for those that transfer whereby upon completion of a B.S. from an accredited engineering school, credit can be awarded at Samford for the completion of a B.S. in engineering physics.

The department also offers a minor in physics.

General Education: University Core Curriculum and Distribution Requirements

See General Education Overview in the Howard College of Arts and Sciences introductory pages for a list of required and applicable courses.

For a major or minor in physics or a major in engineering physics, the general education mathematics requirement is satisfied by MATH 240 (Calculus I) . For a major in physics or engineering physics, the general education natural and computational sciences requirement is satisfied by CHEM 205 (Foundations of Chemistry I) and its associated laboratory CHEM 206 . Physics and engineering physics majors cannot use COSC 107 (Introduction to Computer Science) to fulfill this requirement.

Programs

Major

Minor

Physics Minor

Courses

Physics

Of related interest: IDSC 201 - Scientific Methods (4) .

Note on Special Problems courses: A maximum of five credits total for PHYS 461 , PHYS 471 , and/or PHYS 481 may count toward graduation requirements.