Physics and Astronomy BS
Program Purpose
Career Preparation
Students completing the B.S. Physics-Astronomy program will be prepared for graduate study in astronomy or astrophysics or for work in observatories, planetariums or science museums. They will also be prepared to pursue graduate education in other fields such as engineering, education, business, law, or medicine.
Alignment with BYU Aims and Mission
Intellectually enlarging
Physics students gain a broad education in the principal theories that describe the physical world. They learn to approach complex problems in science and technology, and to conduct scientific research.
Spiritually strengthening and character-building
Students are strengthened in character and faith through faculty instruction and mentoring. These interactions provide opportunities for faculty to demonstrate commitment to both spiritual and intellectual pursuits in their personal and professional lives, and to help students adopt spiritual and professonal perspectives and practices consistent with the Gospel. Students learn ethical scientific behaviour.
Promotes life-long service
The broad scientific background provided enables students to be informed participants in solving community issues. Students are given opportunities to participate in educational outreach and tutoring through undergraduate activities sponsored by student leaders and the department.
Curricular Structure
Freshman and sophomore courses include 1) a three-or four course mathematics sequence 2) a four-course introductory including modern physics, covering the primary theories described below 3) a three-course experimental laboratory sequence, 4) a first course in scientific computing with a symbolic manipulation program and 5) an introduction to research and careers in physics. Training with two courses, solar system and stellar/extra-galactic astrophysics
The upper division curriculum treats classical mechanics, electricity and magnetisim, quantum mechanics, optics and thermal physics at the advanced level, and includes a course in scientific computing with technical programming tools. Advanced astronomy courses focus on observational astronomy experience and astrophysics. The culminating experience is research and writing for the senior thesis. A writing and presentation course is also offered for those who have completed their thesis research.
Advising resources for physics majors
Learning Outcomes
Students completing the B.S. Physics-Astronomy program will be prepared for graduate study in astronomy or astrophysics or for work in observatories, planetariums or science museums, or graduate education in other fields such as engineering, education, business, law, or medicine by demonstrating the following abilities:
Physics Theory and ApplicationStudents will be able to apply principles to model and solve representative problems both analytically and computationally, at an introductory level from the primary physical theories (classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, special relativity, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and optics), and at an advanced level from classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and in topics chosen from quantum mechanics, optics and thermal physics. Apply physical theories to the solution of astrophysical problems.
Students will be able to locate and observe astronomical objects, write scientific programs to simulate physical systems, and analyze astrophysical data.
Communicate professionally to a technical audience both orally and in writing. Be able to understand scientific ideas by reading books and journal articles.
Students will be able to understand scientific ethical practices and demonstrate them in the conduct of scientific research.
Students will be able to conduct astronomical or astrophysical research under the direction of a faculty mentor to contribute to the generation of new knowledge, and prepare to do this professionally.
Evidence of Learning
Direct Measures
1. Student mastery of the primary physical theories and analytic, computational and experimental skills will be assessed by requiring graduating students to take the nationally-normed Physics Major Field Test provided each year by ETS.
2. Student achievement of the methods and data analysis outcome will be assessed by the student's research advisor and undergraduate research committee.
3. Communication skills will be assessed by the student's research advisor and undergraduate research committee.
4. Adherence of ethical principles will be assessed by the student's research advisor and undergraduate research committee.
5. Professional preparation will be assessed by the student's research advisor and undergraduate research committee.
Indirect Measures
Senior exit surveys and alumni surveys are monitored to assess student achievement of learning outcomes.
Department Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee
Currently under revision.
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
Learning and teaching assessment improvement is watched over by the department learning outcomes assessment committee under the direction of the department chair. This committee looks at the direct and indirect measures of learning in the department and reports to the faculty once a year on trends and possibilities for improvement. The faculty then votes, as needed, and actions are taken. The faculty and the chair also monitor student ratings and peer reviews of teaching to find things that need to be improved in individual classes and in the performance of faculty members, but the review of program learning outcomes is primarily the responsibility of the department learning outcomes assessment committee.
Department Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee Members
Currently under revision.