Overview

Foek T. Hioe, Chair

Krsna Dev, Munawar Karim

The Physics program is designed to prepare Physics majors for:

• Graduate study in physics or astronomy (B.S. Option I)
• An industrial or government position in physics or optics (B.A. or B.S. Option I or II)
• Engineering school (Pre-Engineering Program)
• A career in science education (B.S. Option II)
• Medical, dental, optometry, or pharmacy professional school (B.S. Option II)
• A career in law, especially patent law
• A career in business management

In addition, the program provides the opportunity for students with an interest in science to gain an understanding of the nature of physical laws and the methodology of physics. One year of high school physics and four years of high school mathematics are assumed.

The degree programs in Physics are:

• Bachelor of Arts: Requires completion of the Physics Core Requirements, plus an additional 12 hours of physics electives.
• Bachelor of Science: Requires completion of the Physics Core Requirements (33 credits), plus the additional courses specified in Option I or Option II.

Minor

Minor in Physics

A Physics minor consists of the following 18 credit hours of Physics courses:

Note: A grade point average of 2.00 is required for all courses taken in residence that may be applied to the minor.

Program Requirements

B.A. Physics Requirements

B.S. Physics Requirements

For students majoring in Physics, only courses designated as Physics courses (PHYS) that may be applied to the major are included in the determination of the grade point average in the major.

Recommended Progression

B.S. Physics Major (Option I)

Recommended progression of required courses for the B.S. Physics major (Option I). Students should consult Core Requirements for a complete description of the College’s Core.

B.S. Physics Major (Option II)

Recommended progression of required courses for the B.S. Physics major (Option II). Students should consult Core Requirements for a complete description of the College’s Core.

*The 12-hour combination of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses (in addition to the required additional 12 hours of Physics credits) for Option II must be distributed as follows: Biology and Chemistry courses must be chosen from those that satisfy the minors in those disciplines, and the Physics courses, if used, must be from the 200-400 level. The 12-hour science course combination can consist of courses entirely from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

B.A. Physics Major

Recommended progression of required courses for the B.A. Physics major. Students should consult Core Requirements for a complete description of the College’s Core.

Academic Opportunities

Pre-Engineering Program

The program is designed to prepare students for careers in engineering and applied science. Depending on the option selected, students spend two or three years at St. John Fisher College followed by two years at one of the affiliated schools. St. John Fisher College has an engineering program in cooperation with the schools of engineering at:

• Clarkson University
• Columbia University
• University of Detroit
• Manhattan College
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• University of Rochester
• S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo

Engineering Programs

The affiliated schools offer many different engineering programs. Further details are available from the directors of admissions of the affiliated schools and the Pre-Engineering advisor.

Pre-Engineering Options

Several programs of study are possible at St. John Fisher College. Some lead to a single degree from the engineering school, while others lead to two degrees—one from the engineering school and one from St. John Fisher College.

3+2 Program

The most popular option is the 3+2 Program. A student in this program selects a non-engineering major at St. John Fisher College and completes a minimum of 90 credit hours in the liberal arts, mathematics, science, and pre-engineering. The student then transfers to any affiliated engineering school and completes a minimum of 60 credit hours. Upon successful completion of the five-year program, the student is awarded baccalaureate degrees from the engineering institution and from St. John Fisher College.

By combining a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences with a degree in engineering, graduates maximize employment opportunities and flexibility within their chosen field. The major area of study at St. John Fisher College provides yet another option for graduate study and career opportunities.

Co-Op Program (2+2)

The University of Detroit provides a unique opportunity for the engineering student to participate in a work-study program while working toward the baccalaureate degree. The student spends seven trimesters, including summers, alternating between school and engineering-related employment with a sponsoring corporation. The program requires two years at St. John Fisher College (non-Co-Op) and two years at the University of Detroit. It enables students to gain work-related experience and to earn a major portion of their college expenses. This option leads to a degree only from the University of Detroit. Further details may be obtained from the Pre-Engineering advisor.

2+2 Program

Students may spend two years at St. John Fisher College before transferring to Manhattan College for two additional years of study. This program leads to a degree in engineering only from Manhattan College.

4+2 Program

Offered by Columbia University, the 4+2 program is for students who have completed the work for a bachelor’s degree and have the proper background in science and mathematics. Those who exhibit superior academic achievement may be admitted for the Master of Science degree in engineering.

Transferring

In most schools, acceptance by the college or university does not guarantee acceptance into its school of engineering. Separate application is sometimes necessary after satisfactory completion of a certain core of courses. A similar relationship exists between St. John Fisher College and its affiliated engineering schools. In the academic year prior to transferring, students must apply to the engineering school(s) of their choice. Admission to an affiliated engineering school is not automatic but depends on the completion of certain courses and the student’s academic achievement. Favorable recommendations from the Pre-Engineering advisor will be forwarded for highly motivated students with satisfactory academic achievement.

Pre-Engineering Core Requirements

The following courses constitute a core that must be completed by all Pre-Engineering students:

CHEM 103C, 103L, 104C, and 104L
MATH 120C, 122C, 221C, and 222
PHYS 131C, 132C, and 211

Additional courses are required for specific engineering programs. Certain affiliated institutions may also require additional courses. Contact the Pre-Engineering advisor for further details.

Pre-Health Professions Program

For students interested in medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, podiatry, chiropractic, or other health professions, see Pre-Health Professions Programs or consult the department chair for more information.