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:
- Acquire additional knowledge in physical sciences
- Use multidisciplinary problem-solving skills that are valuable for a wide range of career choices
- Pursue a broader career choice, including teaching, industry, and research.
Student Outcomes
Students who complete the Minor in Physics should be able to:
- Demonstrate multi-disciplinary knowledge in physical science
- Acquire the skills needed to study various physical applications
- Acquire basic skills for analytical thinking
- 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.
