Physics Major:
Health Physics Track

Health physics is the profession devoted to protecting people and their environment from potential radiation hazards, while making it possible to enjoy the benefits of the peaceful use of the atom.

Radiation control incorporates an understanding of many disciplines. It has common scientific interests with many areas of specialization: physics, biology, biophysics, engineering (nuclear, civil, mechanical, or electrical), chemistry, genetics, ecology, environmental sciences, metallurgy, medicine, physiology, and toxicology. The wide spectrum of knowledge required of the health physicist makes this profession both challenging and rewarding.

Health Physicists at Francis Marion University include:

Dr. Derek Jokisch(843) 661-4653
Dr. Philip Fulmer

Course Requirements

Physics

  • PHYS 200 – Technical Physics I
  • PHYS 201 – Technical Physics II
  • PHYS 202 – Technical Physics III
  • PHYS 210 – Radiation Protection
  • PHYS 220 – Computational Methods
  • PHYS 310 – Electronics
  • PHYS 314 – Modern Physics
  • PHYS 316 – Nuclear Physics
  • PHYS 416 – Nuclear Radiation Physics
  • PHYS 417 – Principles of Health Physics
  • PHYS 418 – Practical Applications of Health Physics
  • PHYS 419 – Senior Seminar in Physics

Mathematics

  • MATH 201 – Calculus I
  • MATH 202 – Calculus II
  • MATH 203 – Calculus III
  • MATH 301 – Ordinary Differential Equations
  • MATH 306 – Multivariable Calculus

Biology

  • One of the following options:
    • BIOL 105 – Introduction to Life Science AND BIOL 115 – Life Science Lab OR
    • BIOL 107 – Integrated Biology Concepts I AND EITHER BIOL 106 – Organismal Biology OR BIOL 108 – Integrated Biology Concepts II
  • BIUOL 415 – Radiation Biology
  • One of the following:
    • BIOL 301 – Cell Biology
    • BIOL 401 – Genetics
    • BIOL 402 – Terrestrial Ecology
    • BIOL 406 – Human Physiology

Chemistry

  • CHEM 111/111L – General Chemistry I: General Concepts/Lab
  • CHEM 112/112L – General Chemistry II: General Concepts Chemistry/Lab
  • CHEM 201 – Organic Chemistry I
  • CHEM 203 – Analytical Chemistry I

Computer Science

  • CS 226 – Programming and Algorithmic Design I OR MATH 213 – Scientific Programming in Python

Engineering

  • ENGR 310/310L – Electronics and Instrumentation/Lab

In addition to the course requirements above, the student majoring in health physics is required to complete one summer of supervised training at a previously approved, professionally related site off campus. No additional minor or collateral is required. The minimum number of semester hours required in physics courses for a health physics concentration is 36. The minimum number of semester hours in all courses (major and non-major) required for the health physics concentration is 120.

Course Descriptions

    Courses Found: 46