Through art and science in their broadest senses it is possible to make a permanent contribution towards the improvement and enrichment of human life and it is these pursuits that we students are engaged in.
Undergraduate learning outcomes
Learning outcomes common for all undergraduate programs- Develop a grasp of the scientific method, i.e. understand how observation, experiment and theory work together to achieve understanding of the physical world.
- Develop sufficient physical intuition, including the ability to estimate an approximate or conceptual answer to a physics problem and recognize whether or not the result of a calculation makes physical sense.
- Know and be able to apply the basic laws of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, geometrical and physical optics, and thermodynamics.
- Know and be able to apply basic mathematical tools commonly used in physics, including differential and integral calculus, vector calculus, ordinary differential equations, and linear algebra.
- Become proficient in using basic laboratory data analysis techniques, including distinguishing statistical and systematic errors, error propagation, and representing data graphically.
- Acquire basic knowledge and be able to solve textbook problems in quantum mechanics, solid state physics, and statistical mechanics.
- Be able to use more advanced mathematical tools, including Fourier series and transforms, partial differential equations, and functions of a complex variable.
- Be able to represent verbally, graphically, and in writing the results of theoretical calculations and laboratory experiments in a clear and concise manner that incorporates the stylistic conventions used in scientific literature.
- Be able to use basic computational techniques for modeling physical systems and solving problems using computers.
- Develop understanding of application of fundamental laws of physics in engineering disciplines such as electric circuits, telecommunications, and optoelectronics.