Applied Physics Major
The Applied Physics Major shares a common core of 43 hours with the Physics Major. These courses establish a strong foundation of in the following areas: calculus, differential equations, introduction to scientific computing, general chemistry, general physics, modern physics, thermodynamics, and physics research. This foundation serves as excellent preparation for later course work in any science or technical program.
Upon completion of this core, students will be in a position to (1) continue with the Applied Physics Major, (2) switch to the Physics Major, or even (3) switch to another program at Marietta, such as biology, chemistry, geology, petroleum engineering, environmental science, mathematics, computer science, or any number of non-science areas.
Over the years, an option that a number of Marietta students with an interest in engineering have found attractive is the 3-2 Engineering Binary Program, for which the Applied Physics Major provides excellent preparation.
Required physics courses:
| PHYS 221/222 | General Physics I & II, with lab | 8 hours |
| PHYS 321 | Modern Physics | 3 hours |
| PHYS 325 | Mathematical Methods for Physics | 3 hours |
| PHYS 331/332 | Experimental Physics I & II | 4 hours |
| PHYS 491/492 | Physics Research I & II | 3 hours |
| Subtotal, required physics: | 19 hours |
Required technical courses outside physics:
| MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 hours |
| MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 hours |
| MATH 225 | Calculus III | 4 hours |
| MATH 302 | Differential Equations with Numerical Methods | 3 hours |
| CSCI 210 | Scientific Computing and Problem Solving | 3 hours |
| CHEM 131/133 | General Chemistry I, with lab | 4 hours |
| Subtotal, required technical courses: | 24 hours |
Plus at least 15 hours selected from the following list of technical electives:
| BIOL 101/105 | Modern Biology, with lab | 4 hours |
| BIOL 102/106 | Environmental Biology, with lab | 4 hours |
| BIOL 131 | Introduction To Cellular Biology | 3 hours |
| BIOL 318/319 | Ecology (319 lab optional) | 3-4 hrs |
| CHEM 132/134 | General Chemistry II, with lab | 4 hours |
| CHEM 331 | Physical Chemistry I | 4 hours |
| CHEM 332 | Physical Chemistry II | 4 hours |
| EGRG 311 | Engineering Statics | 3 hours |
| EGRG 312 | Strength of Materials | 3 hours |
| EGRG 321 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 hours |
| MATH 123 | Practical Statistics | 3 hours |
| MATH 338 | Mathematical Models and Applications | 3 hours |
| MATH 340 | Numerical Analysis | 3 hours |
| MATH 357 | Mathematical Statistics | 3 hours |
| PHYS 322 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 hours |
| PHYS 376 | Environmental Physics | 3 hours |
| PHYS 381 | Special Topics | 3 hours |
| Subtotal, technical electives: | 15 hours | |
| Total hours for the Applied Physics Major: | 58 hours | |
Note: If the particular choice of technical electives results in a total of more than 58 hours, only 58 hours will be applied toward the major; the remaining hours will count toward graduation. Some of the technical electives may have prerequisites that do not count toward the major because no particular technical elective is specifically required for the major. Because students have the option of not taking any particular technical elective, any prerequisites do not apply toward satisfaction of the major.
Suggested Sequence of Courses Required for the Applied Physics Major
| Year | Fall | Spring |
| Freshman | PHYS 221 MATH 125 |
PHYS 222 MATH 224 CSCI 210 |
| Sophomore | PHYS 321 PHYS 331 MATH 225 |
PHYS 325 PHYS 332 MATH 302 |
| Junior | Technical Electives | Technical Electives |
| Senior | PHYS 491 Technical Electives |
PHYS 492 Technical Electives |
Note:The sequence for the final two years is dependent on the interest of each individual student and the courses are chosen in consultation with the student's advisor.
For more information, see the Undergratuate Catalog.