Physics Programs

The goal of the Computational Physics program is to prepare students for success in applying the power of computers to the solution of physics and engineering problems. Majors take a combination of mathematics, computer science, and physics courses designed to increase their knowledge of physical laws and processes, mathematics, and quantitative abilities, as well as the computational physics courses where they apply these skills to the solution of physical problems where analytic techniques are insufficient.

Computational Physics majors learn a wide variety of practical numerical techniques including curve fitting, approximations of derivatives and integrals, root finding, solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations, Fourier series, Monte Carlo methods, and many more. In addition, they gain experience utilizing important numerical software tools that are used in academic and industrial settings, such as Maple, MATLAB, in addition to gaining competency in programming languages such as FORTRAN and C++.

Computational Physicists at Francis Marion include:

Dr. Larry Engelhardt
Dr. Jordan McDonnell

Physics Minor

A minor in physics requires 18 semester hours, including:

  • PHYS 200 – Technical Physics I
  • PHYS 201 -Technical Physics II
  • PHYS 202 – Technical Physics III
  • PHYS 314 – Modern Physics

NOTE: PHYS 215 – General Physics I and PHYS 216 – General Physics II may not be counted toward the minor.

Course Descriptions

    Courses Found: 5

    • PHYS 200 - Technical Physics I

      PHYS 200 - Technical Physics I

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take MATH-132 or MATH-137. (Required, Previous or concurrent). | Take PHYS-200L. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: 4; Max:...

    • PHYS 201 - Technical Physics II

      PHYS 201 - Technical Physics II

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take MATH-201. (Required, Previous or concurrent). | Take PHYS-201L. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: 4; Max:

      Description:...

    • PHYS 202 - Technical Physics III

      PHYS 202 - Technical Physics III

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take PHYS-201. (Required, Previous). | Take MATH-202. (Required, Concurrent). | Take PHYS-202L. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: 4;...

    • PHYS 314 - Modern Physics

      PHYS 314 - Modern Physics

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take PHYS-202 MATH-202. (Required, Previous). | Take PHYS-314L. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: 4; Max:

      Description: Introduction...

    • PHYS 314L - Modern Physics Lab

      PHYS 314L - Modern Physics Lab

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take PHYS-314. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: ; Max:

      Description:

Physics Collateral

A collateral in physics requires 12 semester hours, including:

  • PHYS 200 – Technical Physics I
  • PHYS 201 -Technical Physics II
  • One of the following:
    • PHYS 202 – Technical Physics III OR
    • PHYS 215/215L – General Physics I/Lab AND PHYS 216/216L – General Physics II/Lab

Course Descriptions

    Courses Found: 5

    • PHYS 200 - Technical Physics I

      PHYS 200 - Technical Physics I

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take MATH-132 or MATH-137. (Required, Previous or concurrent). | Take PHYS-200L. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: 4; Max:...

    • PHYS 201 - Technical Physics II

      PHYS 201 - Technical Physics II

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take MATH-201. (Required, Previous or concurrent). | Take PHYS-201L. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: 4; Max:

      Description:...

    • PHYS 202 - Technical Physics III

      PHYS 202 - Technical Physics III

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take PHYS-201. (Required, Previous). | Take MATH-202. (Required, Concurrent). | Take PHYS-202L. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: 4;...

    • PHYS 215 - General Physics I

      PHYS 215 - General Physics I

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take MATH-132. (Required, Previous). | Take PHYS-215L. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: 4; Max:

      Description: Algebra-based introduction...

    • PHYS 215L - General Physics I Laboratory

      PHYS 215L - General Physics I Laboratory

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take PHYS-215. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: ; Max:

      Description:

    • PHYS 216 - General Physics II

      PHYS 216 - General Physics II

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take PHYS-215. (Required, Previous). | Take PHYS-216L. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: 4; Max:

      Description: Algebra-based introduction...

    • PHYS 216L - General Physics II Laboratory

      PHYS 216L - General Physics II Laboratory

      Prerequisites/Corequisites: Take PHYS-216. (Required, Concurrent).
      Credit Hours: Min: ; Max:

      Description: