The University of Maine
  Calendar  |  Campus Map  | 
About UMaine | Student Resources | Prospective Students
Faculty & Staff
| Alumni | Arts | News | Parents | Research


Physics and
Astronomy

Links

division
 Undergraduate
 Programs

division
 Graduate Programs

division
 Research
division
 People
division
 Student Opportunities
division
 Public Services
division
 Department Timeline
division
 Sitemap
division
 Physics Organizations

division
 Location

division
 Mainely Physics

division
 Newsworthy Notes
division
 Physics Colloquium

division
 Links of Interest

division
 
 Related Programs

division
 LASST

division
 Jordan Planetarium

division
 Center for Science
 and Mathematics
 Education Research

division
 MST Program

division




Physics and Astronomy


Undergraduate Programs - Degree Programs

The course work can be demanding, but we'll help you. The lab work requires application of new concepts, but we'll show you how. You will need to work, but you will be rewarded for your efforts--today and tomorrow. 

Degree programs are offered leading to the following: 

We offer an uncommon educational experience. 
  • Our classes are small, beyond the introductory level.
  • Homework is graded and returned promptly.
  • Faculty members are actively involved in research and development.
Undergraduates can participate in many research areas, such as: 
    astrophysics, biophysics, chaos, physics education, environmental radiation, liquid crystals, surface science, statistical mechanics, superconductivity and more!

Get PDF readerAcrobat Reader


Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics 

Engineering Physics is a curriculum in applied science, including a carefully chosen sequence of engineering electives in one of the traditional engineering fields. The science and mathematics of engineering are emphasized. The Engineering Physics program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone: (410) 347-7700. Our Engineering Physics Program is the only accredited engineering physics program in New England.

Educational Objectives of the Engineering Physics Program
  The educational objectives of the program are to provide students with:

  • A sound knowledge of the fundamental principles of engineering and physics, together with an appropriate mathematical background for these subjects.
  • Problem solving experience in engineering and physics, in both the classroom and the laboratory learning environment.
  • An understanding of the role of the engineer/scientist in today's society.
     Therefore, preparation also includes an introduction to the humanities, social sciences, communications and raising sensitivity to issues of ethics and professional practice.
     Furthermore, the program encourages majors to participate in student professional organizations, including the Society of Physics Students, the Society of Women Engineers and the various student societies within the student's chosen engineering field.  In addition, majors frequently qualify for membership in the honor societies Sigma Pi Sigma and Tau Beta Pi, among others.

Engineering concentrations (through the College of Engineering): 

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering  
  • Civil and Environmental Engineering 
  • Biological Engineering 
  • Chemical Engineering 
  • Spatial Information
Major Requirements
# Credits Required

Courses

49 Mathematics and Basic Science (Chemistry and Physics)
49 Engineering and Engineering Science (including Physics Lab courses)
18 Humanities & Social Sciences
8 Other Required Courses
3 Free Elective
127 Credits required for graduation

For additional information, download a current Curriculum Guide in PDF format for a B.S. in Engineering Physics (PDF).


Bachelor of Science in Physics 

The Bachelor of Science in Physics is customarily the prerequisite for graduate education in physics, astronomy, or related areas. This prepares the student for careers in basic or applied research and development. Because of its strong emphasis on science and mathematics, it is particularly appropriate for careers in research at industrial, governmental, or academic institutions.

Major Requirements

# Credits Required
Courses
52 Physics (without PHY 100)
21 Humanities & Social Sciences
28 Sciences and Mathematics
19 Electives
120 Minimum credits for graduation (without PHY 100)

For additional information, download an updated Curriculum Guide in PDF format for a B.S. in Physics (PDF)


Bachelor of Arts in Physics 

This program can be tailored to a wide variety of careers, including medicine and dentistry. Or students may pursue broad science areas, such as: astronomy, astrophysics, biophysics, environmental studies, geophysics, or physical oceanography. The program also provides a strong science background for students pursuing management, law, or secondary school science teaching careers.

Major Requirements

# Credits Required
Courses
35 Physics (without PHY 100)
25 Sciences & Mathematics
60 Electives (must also include those necessary to satisfy the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences B.A. requirements)
120 Minimum credits for graduation (without PHY 100)
A minimum of 72 hours must be outside the major

For additional information, download an updated Curriculum Guide in PDF format for a B.A. in Physics (PDF) 


Minors in Physics or Astronomy 

The Minor in Physics and the Minor in Astronomy are both flexible programs intended for students enrolled in any four-year degree program at the University of Maine. The programs provide a stronger science and mathematics background. Students choose either physics or astronomy as areas of study. 

Minor in Physics -- requires 21 credits in Physics (12 specified and 9 elective).

Mandatory Courses

Courses Choices
Physics PHY 121/122*, PHY 223, PHY 236
Choose 3 or more Electives PHY 224, PHY 238, PHY 447, PHY 454, PHY 462, PHY 463, PHY 469,
PHY 470, PHY 471, PHY 472, PHY 473, PHY 476, PHY 480
*may be substituted with PHY 111/112 if previously taken

Look up these courses by their designators under Courses Offered.

Minor in Astronomy -- requires 12 credits in Physics and 9 credits in Astronomy.

Mandatory Courses

Physics PHY 121/122*, PHY 223, PHY 236
choose 3 or more Electives AST 110, AST 114, AST 215, AST 216, AST 451, AST 497
*may be substituted with PHY 111/112

Look up these courses by their designators under Courses Offered (Physics courses found here).


Back to Undergraduate Programs

 

Department of Physics
120 Bennett Hall
Orono, Maine 04469-5709
Phone: (207) 581-1039 | Fax: (207) 581-3410
Chairperson: Dr. David Batuski


The University of Maine
, Orono, Maine 04469
207-581-1110
A Member of the University of Maine System