Introduction
One of 13 departments within the College of Letters and Science, the Department of
Physics and Astronomy at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point offers coursework leading to the Bachelor
of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in physics. With either of these programs, a student may attain certification
to teach at the secondary level. Academic minors may be obtained in both physics and natural science. Numerous
courses in astronomy are offered at the introductory and advanced levels. Pre-professional fields of study,
such as engineering and medicine, are serviced by designated courses in physics.
High School Preparation
You should complete four years of college preparatory mathematics in high
school and at least three years of high school science including chemistry and physics.
Why Study Physics at UW-Stevens Point ?
Since the department does not employ teaching assistants, students have an
opportunity to work closely with the professors who teach the courses and conduct the laboratories. Classes
are small, and students majoring in physics are able to work directly with the faculty early in their academic
careers. Students from this department who have pursued graduate studies have been very successful in their
post-baccalaureate work; this can be attributed, in large measure, to the undergraduate teaching they have
received here.
Department Research
The department administers laboratories for studying physics and astronomy.
Specialized areas include solid state laboratories employing x-ray diffraction, electrical conductivity, and
tensiometry, CO2, Ne/He, and diode lasers and associated test equipment, a photographic dark room, and a
femto-second laser lab. The department also maintains a planetarium and observatory (containing a 16"
Cassegrainian telescope) and an adjacent observation area. The department currently has access to the 0.9m
telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona. Current research activities involving students
majoring in physics include solid state ionics, computational solar physics, lasers, observational astronomy,
liquid crystal and superconductor physics.
Sample Program of Study for Physics Majors
Every student majoring in physics should be aware that the department does have a
course rotation policy for some of its advanced courses. A new student fully aware of this course rotation policy
will have no difficulty completing a physics major within the normal four-year college program. Any student
intending to major in physics should register with the chair as soon as possible upon entering the university.
The department office is located in B-109, Science Building.
|
Freshman Year
|
|
First Semester |
Credits |
Second Semester |
Credits |
| Freshman English - Eng 101 |
3 |
Freshman English - Eng 102 |
3 |
| Physics 111** |
1 |
Communication 101 |
2 |
| Mathematics 120* |
4 |
Mathematics 121* |
4 |
| Physics 150** |
5 |
Physics 250**
|
5 |
| Total |
13 |
Total |
14 |
Sophomore Year |
| Mathematics 222*
|
4 |
Mathematics 220* |
4 |
| Chemistry 101; or 115; or 105* |
4-5 |
Chemistry 116 or 106 or electives if Chem 101 was taken* |
5 |
| Electives |
8 |
Physics 300**
|
3 |
| |
|
Electives
|
4 |
| Total |
16-17 |
Total |
16 |
* Collateral requirement
** Physics course required for the physics major
**A major in physics consists of 61credits, including physics and collateral courses. Those courses that carry a
double asterisk are required. Other courses may be taken to give the student a total of 61 credits. This is only a
suggested course of study; courses can be shifted to meet the individual's needs. A physics department faculty
member will be appointed as an academic advisor to each physics major. The advisor will help plan an individual's
program to assist in assuring that all requirements are met.
|
UWSP Physics Graduates at Work
Industries &
National Laboratories
Bluefin Robotics
Boston, MA
Fermi National Lab
Chicago, IL
Intel Corporation
Portland, OR
Lockheed/Martin
Fort Worth, TX
Lunar Corporation
Madison, WI
Lucent Technologies
Allentown, PA
Stora Enso
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
High School
Teaching
Milwaukee
Prairie du Chien
Stevens Point
Wausau
Graduate Programs
at
Auburn University
Florida State University
Mass. Institute of Technology
Northwestern University
University of Arkansas
University of Iowa
UW-Madison
|
Suggested Course of Study for Physics Minors
|
Freshman Year
|
|
First Semester |
Credits |
Second Semester |
Credits |
| Mathematics 120* |
4 |
Mathematics 121* |
4 |
| Physics 111 |
1 |
Physics 150** |
5 |
Sophomore Year |
| Mathematics 222*
|
4 |
Physics 300** |
3 |
| Physics 250** |
5 |
|
|
|
Junior Year
|
| Physics 435 or 325 |
3 |
Physics 326 |
3 |
| |
|
Physics 470 |
2 |
Senior Year |
| Physics 335 or 405
|
3 |
Physics 370 |
2 |
| Physics 315 |
3 |
|
|
* Collateral requirement
** A minor in physics consists of 25 credits; those courses that carry a double asterisk ARE REQUIRED. At least
one elective credit must include a laboratory. Students entering a teaching field may select Astronomy 311 as
an elective for credit. The above schedule is only a suggested course of study. Students are strongly encouraged
to meet with a faculty advisor in the physics major to plan the appropriate courses for the physics minor.
