Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences – PHYSICS
College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
If you have ever wondered scientifically, “why” something is the way it is, or “how” can something exist or behave the way it does, then you’ve entered the realm of physics. Physics is the most fundamental of all sciences, and is the study of nature that is all around us. Physicists try to understand the most basic laws that govern the behavior of nature.
Program Chart for Physics Majors
Back to Physics Home Page | Click here for Full Course Descriptions
Program Chart for Physics Majors
| General Physics | B.S Degree in Physics /General Physics | |
| Pre-Medicine Concentration | B.S Degree in Physics /Pre-Medicine Concentration | |
| Theoretical Physics | B.S Degree in Physics /Theoretical Physics | |
| Atmospheric Physics | B.S Degree in Physics/Atmospheric Physics | |
| Teachers Certification | B.S Degree in Physics /Teachers Certification Concentration | |
|
3/2 Engineering Dual Degree Plan |
Applied Physics |
B.S Degree in Physics / Applied Physics |
| Computational Physics |
B.S Degree in Physics / Computational Physics |
|
| Chemical Physics |
B.S Degree in Physics / Chemical Physics |
|
3/2 Engineering Dual Degree Plan
*Transfer from JSU after Junior Year
*Two years at cooperating School of Engineering
*B.S Degree in Physics from JSU after fourth year
*Engineering Degree from cooperation institution after fifth year*Aerospace Engineering
*Computer Engineering
*Materials Science
*Civil Engineering
*Computer Science
*Metallurgy Engineering
*Electrical Engineering
*Operations Research
*Mineral Engineering
*Industrial Engineering
*Mechanical Mining
*Nuclear Engineering
*Applied Engineering
*Applied Physics
3/2 Engineering Dual Degree Plan
*Transfer from JSU after Junior Year
*Two years at cooperating School of Engineering
*B.S Degree in Physics from JSU after fourth year
*Engineering Degree from cooperation institution after fifth year*Aerospace Engineering
*Computer Engineering
*Materials Science
*Civil Engineering
*Computer Science
*Metallurgy Engineering
*Electrical Engineering
*Operations Research
*Mineral Engineering
*Industrial Engineering
*Mechanical Mining
*Nuclear Engineering
*Applied Engineering
*Applied Physics
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MAJOR: PHYSICS
CONCENTRATION: GENERAL PHYSICS
FRESHMAN YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 104, 105 Composition and Literature 3 3
HIST 101, 102 History of Civilization 3 3
MATH 231, 232 Calculus I and II 5 5
BIO 111, L111 General Biology, Lab 4
PHY 211, L211 General Physics, Lab 5
GUID 100 Concepts Success in College 2
PE 100 – 196 Physical Education 1 1
PHY 198, 199 Physics Seminar .5 .5
18.5 17.5
SOPHOMORE YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 205 World Literature 3
ENG 206 Literature of Science 3
CSC 117C Fortran Programming 3
PSY 201 General Psychology 3
CHEM 141, 142 General Chemistry I & II 3 3
CHML 141, 142 General Chemistry Lab I, II 2 2
PHY 212, L212 General Physics, Lab 5
PHY 216 Modern Physics 3
PHY 361 Math Meth Physics Chem I 3
PHY 298, 299 Physics Seminar .5 .5
16.5 17.5
JUNIOR YEAR Course Title F S
FR/GR 101, 102 French or German 3 3
Humanities Humanities/Fine Arts Opt 3 3
SPCH Speech Opt 3
PHY 311, 312 Theoretical Mechanics I & II 3 3
PHY 330W Meth Experiment Physics I 3
PHY 351 Thermodynam Stat Physics 3
PHY 362 Math Meth Physics Chem II 3
PHY 398, 399 Physics Seminar .5 .5
15.5 15.5
SENIOR YEAR Course Title F S
SS Social Science Option 3
PHIL Philosophy Opt 3
Elec Free Electives 3 6
PHY 411, 412 Electromagnetic Theory I & II 3 3
PHY 422 Quantum Mechanics 3
PHY 430W Meth Experiment Physics II 3
PHY 431 Atomic Nuclear Physics 3
PHY 498, 499 Physics Seminar .5 .5
15.5 15.5
Total Hours: 132
TOP
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CONCENTRATION: Pre-Medicine
FRESHMAN YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 104, 105 Composition and Literature 3 3
HIST 101, 102 History of Civilization 3 3
MATH 231, 232 Calculus I and II 5 5
BIO 111, L111 General Biology, Lab 4
PHY 211, L211 General Physics, Lab 5
GUID 100 Concepts Success in College 2
PE 100 – 196 Physical Education 1 1
PHY 198, 199 Physics Seminar .5 .5
18.5 17.5
SOPHOMORE YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 205 World Literature 3
ENG 206 Literature of Science 3
CSC 117C Fortran Programming 3
PSY 201 General Psychology 3
CHEM 141, 142 General Chemistry I & II 3 3
CHML 141, 142 General Chemistry Lab I, II 2 2
PHY 212, L212 General Physics, Lab 5
PHY 216 Modern Physics 3
PHY 361 Math Meth Physics Chem I 3
PHY 298, 299 Physics Seminar .5 .5
16.5 17.5
JUNIOR YEAR Course Title F S
Humanities Humanities/Fine Arts Opt 3 3
SPCH Speech Opt 3
BIO 112, L112 General Biology II, Lab 4
CHEM 241, 242 Organic Chemistry 3 3
CHML 241, 242 Organic Chemistry Lab 2 2
PHY 330W Meth Experiment Physics I 3
PHY Physics Option 3
15 14
SENIOR YEAR Course Title F S
FR/GR 101, 102 French or German 3 3
SS Social Science Option 3
PHIL Philosophy Opt 3
BIO 218, L218 Comparative Anatomy 4
BIO Biology Opt, Lab 4
CHEM 431, L431 Biochemistry 4
PHY 430W Meth Experiment Physics II 3
PHY Physics Options 3 3
16 17
Total Hours: 132
TOP
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CONCENTRATION: THEORETICAL PHYSICS
FRESHMAN YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 104, 105 Composition and Literature 3 3
HIST 101, 102 History of Civilization 3 3
MATH 231, 232 Calculus I and II 5 5
BIO 111, L111 General Biology, Lab 4
PHY 211, L211 General Physics, Lab 5
GUID 100 Concepts Success in College 2
PE 100 – 196 Physical Education 1 1
PHY 198, 199 Physics Seminar .5 .5
18.5 17.5
SOPHOMORE YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 205 World Literature 3
ENG 206 Literature of Science 3
CSC 117C Fortran Programming 3
PSY 201 General Psychology 3
CHEM 141, 142 General Chemistry I & II 3 3
CHML 141, 142 General Chemistry Lab I, II 2 2
PHY 212, L212 General Physics, Lab 5
PHY 216 Modern Physics 3
PHY 361 Math Meth Physics Chem I 3
PHY 298, 299 Physics Seminar .5 .5
16.5 17.5
JUNIOR YEAR Course Title F S
FR/GR 101, 102 French or German 3 3
Humanities Humanities/Fine Arts Opt 3 3
SPCH Speech Opt 3
MATH Mathematics Opt 3
PHY 311, 312 Theoretical Mechanics I & II 3 3
PHY 330W Meth Experiment Physics I 3
PHY 362 Math Meth Physics Chem II 3
PHY 398, 399 Physics Seminar .5 .5
15.5 15.5
SENIOR YEAR Course Title F S
SS Social Science Option 3
PHIL Philosophy Opt 3
Elec Free Electives 3
MATH Mathematics Opt 3 3
PHY 411, 412 Electromagnetic Theory I & II 3 3
PHY 422 Quantum Mechanics 3
PHY 430W Meth Experiment Physics II 3
PHY 431 Atomic Nuclear Physics 3
PHY 498, 499 Physics Seminar .5 .5
15.5 15.5
Total Hours: 132
TOP
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CONCENTRATION: ATMOSPHERIC PHYSICS
FRESHMAN YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 104, 105 Composition and Literature 3 3
HIST 101, 102 History of Civilization 3 3
MATH 231, 232 Calculus I and II 5 5
BIO 111, L111 General Biology, Lab 4
PHY 211, L211 General Physics, Lab 5
GUID 100 Concepts Success in College 2
PE 100 – 196 Physical Education 1 1
PHY 198, 199 Physics Seminar .5 .5
18.5 17.5
SOPHOMORE YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 205 World Literature 3
ENG 206 Literature of Science 3
CSC 117C Fortran Programming 3
PSY 201 General Psychology 3
CHEM 141, 142 General Chemistry I & II 3 3
CHML 141, 142 General Chemistry Lab I, II 2 2
PHY 212, L212 General Physics, Lab 5
PHY 216 Modern Physics 3
PHY 361 Math Meth Physics Chem I 3
PHY 298, 299 Physics Seminar .5 .5
16.5 17.5
JUNIOR YEAR Course Title F S
FR/GR 101, 102 French or German 3 3
Humanities Humanities/Fine Arts Opt 3 3
SPCH Speech Opt 3
Elective Free Elective 3
MET 311 General Meteorology 3
MET 321 Atmospheric Thermodynamics 3
PHY 330W Meth Experiment Physics I 3
PHY 362 Math Meth Physics Chem II 3
PHY 398, 399 Physics Seminar .5 .5
15.5 15.5
SENIOR YEAR Course Title F S
SS Social Science Option 3
PHIL Philosophy Opt 3
MET 341 Dynamic Meteorology 3
MET 411 Physical Meteorology 3
MET 487 Physical Dynamic Climatology 3
PHY 311, 312 Theoretical Mechanics I, II 3 3
PHY 411, 412 Electromagnetic Theory I, II 3 3
PHY 430W Meth Experiment Physics II 3
PHY 498, 499 Physics Seminar .5 .5
15.5 15.5
Total Hours: 132
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CONCENTRATION: TEACHER CERTIFICATION
FRESHMAN YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 104, 105 Composition and Literature 3 3
HIST 101, 102 History of Civilization 3 3
MATH 111 College Algebra 3
MATH 115 Plane Trigonometry 3
PHY 151 Intro to Physics 3
CHEM 141, L141 General Chemistry I, Lab 5
EDCI 100 Intro to Education 3
GUID 100 Concepts Success in College 2
PE 100 – 196 Physical Education 1 1
PHY 198, 199 Physics Seminar .5 .5
15.5 18.5
SOPHOMORE YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 205 World Literature 3
ENG 206 Literature of Science 3
BIO 101, L101 Biological Science, Lab 3
SPCH Speech Option 3
EDFL 203 Foundations of Education 3
MATH 231, 232 Calculus I & II 5 5
PHY 241 Intro to Astronomy 4
PHY 211, L211 General Physics I, Lab 5
PHY 298, 299 Physics Seminar .5 .5
18.5 16.5
JUNIOR YEAR Course Title F S
FL Foreign Language 3 3
Humanities Humanities/Fine Arts Opt 3
PSY 201 General Psychology 3
EDFL 315 Human Development Learn 3
EDFL 367 Assess Measure Evaluation 3
SPED 311 Exceptional Chil Youth Sch 3
PHY 212, L212 General Physics II, Lab 5
PHY 216C Modern Physics 3
PHY 330 Meth Experiment Physics I 3
PHY 398, 399 Physics Seminar .5 .5
17.5 15.5
SENIOR YEAR Course Title F S
Humanities Humanities/Fine Arts Opt 3
SS Social Science Option 3
PHIL Philosophy Opt 3
PHY 401W Physics Secondary Teachers 3
RE 455 Diagnostic Reading Instruct 3
EDCI 401 Res Theory Clinical Practice 3
EDCI 402 Clin Internship Stud Teach 12
18 12
Total Hours: 132
TOP
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CONCENTRATION: APPLIED PHYSICS
FRESHMAN YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 104, 105 Composition and Literature 3 3
HIST 101, 102 History of Civilization 3 3
MATH 231, 232 Calculus I and II 5 5
BIO 111, L111 General Biology, Lab 4
PHY 211, L211 General Physics, Lab 5
GUID 100 Concepts Success in College 2
PE 100 – 196 Physical Education 1 1
PHY 198, 199 Physics Seminar .5 .5
18.5 17.5
SOPHOMORE YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 205 World Literature 3
ENG 206 Literature of Science 3
CSC 117C Fortran Programming 3
PSY 201 General Psychology 3
CHEM 141, 142 General Chemistry I & II 3 3
CHML 141, 142 General Chemistry Lab I, II 2 2
PHY 212, L212 General Physics, Lab 5
PHY 216 Modern Physics 3
PHY 361 Math Meth Physics Chem I 3
PHY 298, 299 Physics Seminar .5 .5
16.5 17.5
JUNIOR YEAR Course Title F S
Humanities Humanities/Fine Arts Opt 3 3
SPCH Speech Opt 3
PHY 311, 312 Theoretical Mechanics I & II 3 3
PHY 330W Meth Experiment Physics I 3
PHY 342 Optics 3
PHY 351 Thermodynam Stat Physics 3
PHY 362 Math Meth Physics Chem II 3
PHY 398, 399 Physics Seminar .5 .5
15.5 15.5
3/2 ENGINEERING DUAL DEGREE PLAN
Upon completion of the Junior Year, students are eligible to transfer to a cooperating Engineering School to seek a Degree in one of the Physical Track Engineering Fields. After the Fourth Year, upon completion of 30 hours of the Engineering curriculum, students can also earn the B.S. Degree in Physics from Jackson State University provided they complete the additional courses equivalent to the following FR or GR 101, 102 (6.0), Social Science Option (3.0), Philosophy Option (3.0), and Technical Writing (3.0). In the Fifth year, students would then complete the Engineering curriculum at the chosen institution. Students electing not to transfer at the end of the Junior Year may instead choose to remain at Jackson State University to complete the Senior Year as follows and receive the B.S. Degree in Physics.
SENIOR YEAR Course Title F S
FR/GR 101, 102 French or German 3 3
SS Social Science Option 3
PHIL Philosophy Opt 3
PHY 411, 412 Electromagnetic Theory I & II 3 3
PHY 422 Quantum Mechanics 3
PHY 430W Meth Experiment Physics II 3
PHY 431 Atomic Nuclear Physics 3
PHY 433 Solid State Physics 3
PHY 498, 499 Physics Seminar .5 .5
15.5 15.5
Total Hours: 132
TOP
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CONCENTRATION: COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
FRESHMAN YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 104, 105 Composition and Literature 3 3
HIST 101, 102 History of Civilization 3 3
MATH 231, 232 Calculus I and II 5 5
BIO 111, L111 General Biology, Lab 4
PHY 211, L211 General Physics, Lab 5
GUID 100 Concepts Success in College 2
PE 100 – 196 Physical Education 1 1
PHY 198, 199 Physics Seminar .5 .5
18.5 17.5
SOPHOMORE YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 205 World Literature 3
ENG 206 Literature of Science 3
CSC 117C Fortran Programming 3
PSY 201 General Psychology 3
CHEM 141, 142 General Chemistry I & II 3 3
CHML 141, 142 General Chemistry Lab I, II 2 2
PHY 212, L212 General Physics, Lab 5
PHY 216 Modern Physics 3
PHY 361 Math Meth Physics Chem I 3
PHY 298, 299 Physics Seminar .5 .5
16.5 17.5
JUNIOR YEAR Course Title F S
Humanities Humanities/Fine Arts Opt 3 3
SPCH Speech Opt 3
CSC 118, 119 Computer Programming 3 3
MATH 311 Abstract Algebra I 3
PHY 311, 312 Theoretical Mechanics I & II 3 3
PHY 330W Meth Experiment Physics I 3
PHY 362 Math Meth Physics Chem II 3
PHY 398, 399 Physics Seminar .5 .5
15.5 15.5
3/2 ENGINEERING DUAL DEGREE PLAN
Upon completion of the Junior Year, students are eligible to transfer to a cooperating Engineering School to seek a Degree in one of the Physical Track Engineering Fields. After the Fourth Year, upon completion of 30 hours of the Engineering curriculum, students can also earn the B.S. Degree in Physics from Jackson State University provided they complete the additional courses equivalent to the following FR or GR 101, 102 (6.0), Social Science Option (3.0), Philosophy Option (3.0), and Technical Writing (3.0). In the Fifth year, students would then complete the Engineering curriculum at the chosen institution. Students electing not to transfer at the end of the Junior Year may instead choose to remain at Jackson State University to complete the Senior Year as follows and receive the B.S. Degree in Physics.
SENIOR YEAR Course Title F S
FR/GR 101, 102 French or German 3 3
SS Social Science Option 3
PHIL Philosophy Opt 3
CSC/MATH Computer Science/Math Opt 3 3
PHY 411, 412 Electromagnetic Theory I & II 3 3
PHY 430W Meth Experiment Physics II 3
PHY 461 Computational Physics 3
PHY 498, 499 Physics Seminar .5 .5
15.5 15.5
Total Hours: 132
TOP
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CONCENTRATION: CHEMICAL PHYSICS
FRESHMAN YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 104, 105 Composition and Literature 3 3
HIST 101, 102 History of Civilization 3 3
MATH 231, 232 Calculus I and II 5 5
BIO 111, L111 General Biology, Lab 4
PHY 211, L211 General Physics, Lab 5
GUID 100 Concepts Success in College 2
PE 100 – 196 Physical Education 1 1
PHY 198, 199 Physics Seminar .5 .5
18.5 17.5
SOPHOMORE YEAR Course Title F S
ENG 205 World Literature 3
ENG 206 Literature of Science 3
CSC 117C Fortran Programming 3
PSY 201 General Psychology 3
CHEM 141, 142 General Chemistry I & II 3 3
CHML 141, 142 General Chemistry Lab I, II 2 2
PHY 212, L212 General Physics, Lab 5
PHY 216 Modern Physics 3
PHY 361 Math Meth Physics Chem I 3
PHY 298, 299 Physics Seminar .5 .5
16.5 17.5
JUNIOR YEAR Course Title F S
Humanities Humanities/Fine Arts Opt 3 3
SPCH Speech Opt 3
CHEM 341, 342 Physical Chemistry I & II 3 3
CHML 341, 342 Physical Chem Lab I & II 2 2
PHY 311, 312 Theoretical Mechanics I & II 3 3
PHY 330W Meth Experiment Physics I 3
PHY 362 Math Meth Physics Chem II 3
PHY 398 Physics Seminar .5
14.5 17
3/2 ENGINEERING DUAL DEGREE PLAN
Upon completion of the Junior Year, students are eligible to transfer to a cooperating Engineering School to seek a Degree in one of the Physical Track Engineering Fields. After the Fourth Year, upon completion of 30 hours of the Engineering curriculum, students can also earn the B.S. Degree in Physics from Jackson State University provided they complete the additional courses equivalent to the following FR or GR 101, 102 (6.0), Social Science Option (3.0), Philosophy Option (3.0), and Technical Writing (3.0). In the Fifth year, students would then complete the Engineering curriculum at the chosen institution. Students electing not to transfer at the end of the Junior Year may instead choose to remain at Jackson State University to complete the Senior Year as follows and receive the B.S. Degree in Physics.
SENIOR YEAR Course Title F S
FR/GR 101, 102 French or German 3 3
SS Social Science Option 3
PHIL Philosophy Opt 3
CHEM 458 Quantum Mechanics 3
CHEM/PHY Chemical Physics Opt 3 3
PHY 411, 412 Electromagnetic Theory I & II 3 3
PHY 430W Meth Experiment Physics II 3
PHY 498 Physics Seminar .5
15.5 15
Total Hours: 132
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DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
