Academic Catalog

Home 2016-2017 Undergraduate College Catalog Undergraduate Programs of Study(Majors, Minors & Requirements) Physics

Print this page

Physics

*** As of March 2013, the admission of new students into the Physics program has been suspended until further notice. Current students will be able to continue their progression in this program.***

Introduction

Physics is the study of the natural world, focusing on the fundamental nature of matter and energy, and interactions between the two. Physicists are engaged in understanding as much as they can about the workings of the universe, and the physics major at Manhattanville equips students to join this remarkable effort. However, training in physics develops skills in problem-solving, analysis, and applying knowledge that are essential to many disciplines and careers beyond scientific or industrial research, including engineering, medicine, business and finance, economics, and the law. A Manhattanville physics major is equipped for all of these careers and more, while acquiring the full benefits of a liberal arts education.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Optional Minors

Students can minor in Physics

Career Ideas

Consultant, Doctor, Engineer, Entrepreneur, High School Teacher, Physicist, Video Game Designer

Program Administrators

Austin Purves, department chair, 914-323-5334, austin.purves@mville.edu

Faculty and Staff

DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Austin Purves

FULL-TIME FACULTY

Austin Purves

ADJUNCT FACULTY

Pooja Pathak

Ilya Reznikov

Overview

The Physics Department offers a unique program that a student can realistically complete within three years. Students fulfill the major requirements by taking courses in advanced physics, mathematics, computer programming, and chemistry. Students will also take a senior research symposium, in which they apply knowledge gained through coursework to understanding current research and unsolved problems. Majors are also strongly encouraged to broaden their experience through summer research internships off campus. A physics minor allows students with multiple interests to benefit from some training in physics as well. The minor can typically be completed in two years.

The Department also offers a variety of general-interest courses designed for non-science majors, in which particular topics are explored as a way of understanding fundamental physics principles. At least one such course is offered every semester. Students interested in science are encouraged to take College Physics I & II or University Physics I & II. College Physics is the algebra based course designed to satisfy the requirements of pre-professional programs in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. University Physics, for which calculus is a co-requisite, covers similar material at a more advanced level and prepares the student for more advanced courses in physics and other natural sciences.

**NOTE THAT THE PHYSICS MAJOR REQUIREMENTS ARE EXPECTED TO CHANGE DURING THE 2016-2017 ACADEMIC YEAR. PLEASE SEE DEPARTMENT CHAIR FOR UPDATES.

Physics Major Requirements

Physics Major Requirements 

• PHY 1003 University Physics I
• PHY 1004 University Physics II
• The advanced physics core of five courses:
  • PHY 2006 Foundations of Scientific Inquiry
  • PHY 2010 Mechanics
  • PHY 2021 Electromagnetism
  • PHY 2030 Quantum Physics
  • PHY 2040 Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics
• Mathematics courses
  • MATH 1030 Calculus I
  • MATH 1032 Calculus II
  • MATH 2030 Calculus III
  • MATH 2021 Differential Equations
• Two computer programming courses or two biology courses
  • MAC 1010 Computer Programming I
  • MAC 2010 Computer Programming II
  • BIO 1001 Principles of Biology I
  • BIO 1002 Principles of Biology II
• Chemistry courses
  • CHM 1001 Principles of Chemistry I
  • CHM 1002 Principles of Chemstry II
  • CHM 1003 Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I
  • CHM 1004 Principles of Chemistry Laboratory II
  • PHY 3090 Senior Research Project and Seminar

No course with a grade lower than C - will be accepted toward the major in physics. In addition, students must maintain a C average in all courses required for the major.

Physics Senior Evaluation

Seniors must complete the capstone research course PHY 3090: Senior Research Project & Seminar. See description under course listings.

Physics Departmental Honors

Departmental Honors in physics are conferred upon graduating seniors who have maintained a G.P.A. of 3.5 or more in courses required for the major.

Physics Minor Requirements

The minor provides students with rigorous physics training that develops their analytical reasoning and quantitative analysis skills. In addition to introductory physics and calculus, there is a two-course advanced physics requirement that can be readily fulfilled within an academic year:

• PHY 1003 University Physics I
• PHY 1004 University Physics II
• MATH 1030 Calculus I
• MATH 1032 Calculus II
• Two advanced physics courses (2000 level and beyond).

A C average is required in all courses for the physics minor, with no course grade less than C-.

Physics Education Program

By combining the physics major with a second major in Science Education, offered through the School of Education, graduates can be eligible for certification as high-school physics teachers (grades 7-12) in New York State. See the School of Education catalog for more details.

Catalog Contents

Click arrowheads to expand or collapse contents

Expand all • Collapse all

Catalog Links

• Catalog Home
• Alphabetical Index
• Site Map