Faculty: Poynor (Chair), Lombardi, Petasis, Willey

The Physics minor is a program in the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Area of Study.

Physics Minor Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete a minor in Physics are expected to

• (PLO1) Have a broad understanding of the basic principles of physics such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, Maxwell’s Equations, Conservation Laws, the Laws of Thermodynamics, the fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics, and the principles of Relativity.
• (PLO2) Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• (PLO3) Use experimental and computational skills and interpret the significance of the results.
• (PLO4) Be able to design and carry out an independent research project and communicate the results 

The Physics Minor

The Physics minor consists of 20 credits, at least eight of which must be taken at Allegheny. At graduation, Physics minors must have a GPA of at least 2.0 in the minor. The calculation is based on the grades of all courses presented for the minor. Only the most recent grade is considered for courses that have been repeated. Only the first Physics course taken at Allegheny (usually PHYS 101  or PHYS 110 ) may be taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. A maximum of 12 transfer credits may be counted toward the minor; exceptions must be approved by the department chair. 

Not all courses are offered each year, and the College reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses for enrollment, staffing, or other reasons.