Overview

The Minor in Physics provides students with a rigorous foundation in the fundamental principles governing the natural world while cultivating advanced critical thinking, problem-solving, and quantitative analysis skills. These competencies make the minor an invaluable complement to virtually any major, expanding career possibilities and strengthening readiness for competitive graduate programs. Employers and academic institutions alike prioritize the technical proficiency, adaptability, and systematic reasoning honed through physics training.

Ideal for STEM-focused disciplines, the program offers distinct advantages to students majoring in engineering, renewable energy, data science, mathematics, or environmental science, where physics principles underpin innovation in areas like materials design, climate modeling, and sustainable technologies. It also proves particularly valuable for pre-medical tracks, as physics drives advancements in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and biomechanical research.

Beyond traditional STEM fields, the minor bridges into emerging domains. Computer science students gain exposure to computational physics and quantum mechanics—skills increasingly vital for breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, cryptography, and quantum computing. Similarly, finance and economics majors can leverage physics-inspired quantitative modeling to excel in algorithmic trading, risk management, and complex systems analysis.

By integrating physics with diverse disciplines, the minor prepares students to tackle multifaceted challenges at the intersection of science, technology, and society, positioning them as versatile thinkers in an evolving global landscape.

Mission

The mission of the Minor in Physics is to provide students with an opportunity to broaden and strengthen their educational credentials in physical sciences. It supports LAU students to complement their majors with a cross-disciplinary education in physical sciences. It will enhance future employment prospects and prepare students for advanced graduate studies where a strong physics background is useful. With the discipline and training that goes with a Minor in Physics, students will be better equipped to work on forefront ideas in science and technology.

Program Educational Objectives

By completing the Minor in Physics, students will:

1. Acquire additional knowledge in physical sciences
2. Use multidisciplinary problem-solving skills that are valuable for a wide range of career choices
3. Pursue a broader career choice, including teaching, industry, and research.

Student Outcomes

Students who complete the Minor in Physics should be able to:

1. Demonstrate multi-disciplinary knowledge in physical science
2. Acquire the skills needed to study various physical applications
3. Acquire basic skills for analytical thinking
4. Identify and solve problems in physical sciences

Curriculum

Students interested in the Minor in Physics must complete a minimum of 18 credits of the following:

• PHY201    Electricity and Magnetism (3 cr.)
• PHY201B   Electricity and Magnetism Lab (1 cr.)
• PHY202    Classical Mechanics (3 cr.)
• PHY203    Classical Mechanics Lab (1 cr.)
• PHY301* Classical Physics for Life Sciences (3 cr.)
• PHY302* Classical Physics for Life Sciences Lab (1 cr.)
• PHY304   Mathematical Methods for Physicists ( 3 cr.)
• PHY305* Modern Physics for Life Sciences (3 cr.)
• PHY306* Modern Physics for Life Sciences Lab (1 cr.)
• PHY307   Thermodynamics (4 cr.)
• PHY308   Quantum Mechanics (3 cr.)
• PHY309   Thermodynamics and Quantum Lab (2 cr.)
• PHY321   Introduction to Modern Physics (3 cr.)
• PHY322   Modern Physics Lab (1 cr.)
• PHY323    Intro. to Astrophysics (3 cr.)
• PHY324   Nuclear Physics (3 cr.)
• PHY325   Particle Physics (3 cr.)
• PHY326   Computational Physics (3 cr.)
• PHY402   Solid State Physics (3 cr.)
• PHY404   Fluid Mechanics (3 cr.)
• PHY405   Statistical Mechanics (3 cr.)
• PHY413   Electromagnetic Waves (3 cr.)
• PHY424   Introduction to Nanotechnology (3 cr.)
• PHY450   Medical Imaging and Instrumentation (3 cr.)
• PHY480   Topics in Physics (3 cr.)

* Engineering students cannot take PHY301, PHY302, PHY305, and PHY306 as part of this program.

Notes:

i. If your program requires you to take more than 9 credits of physics, only 9 credits can be counted toward your minor.

ii. Courses will be offered on a rotating schedule.