Department of Physics and Astronomy

Minors offered in physics, astrophysics and renewable energy!

These degree minors give students a basic background and allow them to explore a particular topic of interest.

Students seeking a minor in physics or astrophysics must complete at least 22-25 hours of course work as follows:

• Required for both the Physics and Astrophysics minors:

  • PHYS 2130 and 2140 Physics for Science and Engineering Majors I and II
    or PHYS 2070, 2080 and 2100 General Physics I and II, and Physics with Calculus
  • PHYS 3310 Modern Physics 1
    
    
  • Additional requirements for the Physics minor (view Course Catalog for most current degree information):
    • PHYS 3180 Intermediate Lab and two physics courses numbered above 3400
  • Additional requirements for the Astrophysics minor (view Course Catalog for most current degree information):
    • ASTR 2010 Solar System Astronomy
    • ASTR 2020 Stars, Galaxies and the Universe
    • ASTR 3880 Foundations of Astronomy

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Students seeking a minor in renewable energy must complete at least 21 hours of course work as follows:

• Renewable energy minor

The Minor in Renewable Energy (MRE) has been established as an interdisciplinary minor program. It is designed for students in the STEM areas majoring in the following departments:

• • Physics and Astronomy
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Biology, Mathematics
  • MIME
  • Chemical and Environmental Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  • Civil Engineering
  • Bioengineering

Students with other majors can enroll in the MRE provided they complete the prerequisite courses. The goal of the minor is to expose students to quantitative analyses of the use of energy in human societies, its consequences and environmental impacts. A primary focus will be on the advantages and complexities of introducing renewable energy resources. Students will be required to take at least one course in the social, political, and economic ramifications of the use of energy in general and renewable energy in particular. An internship is required to enhance the practical training of students.

The program is designed to allow students to obtain the 21 hour minor with as few additional requirements as possible beyond their normal STEM major. That is, some of the courses will also serve to satisfy the distribution requirements for graduation.

Students must complete at least 21 hours of coursework selected as follows:

• Required courses (view Course Catalog for most current degree information):
  • PHYS 3400 Physical Principles of Energy Sources for Humans
  • EEES 2200 Climate Change
  • CHEM 3810 Chemistry of Sustainable Energy Resources
  • PHYS 4940 Internship in Renewable Energy
  • PSC 4340 Environmental Policy or
    ECON 3240 Environmental Economics
  • Select two of the following:
    • PHYS 4400 Varieties of Solar Energy
    • MIME 4410 Renewable Energy
    • CHEE/BIOE 4980 Biofuels
    • CHEE 4980 Fuel Cells and the Hydrogen Economy