Program Revisions Approved

In December 1997 the Sonoma State University Department of Physics and Astronomy obtained final approval for major revisions of its two Bachelor of Science degree programs.

The most extensive changes were in the B.S. with a Concentration in Applied Physics. The total number of semester units required for the major has been decreased from 75 to 63-64 (46-47 physics, 12 mathematics, 5 chemistry), 9 of which may be used to meet General Education requirements. The changes include the introduction of new courses in opto-electronics and X-ray analysis, a restructuring of the electronics courses, and a reduction in theoretical physics.

The new program is intended to serve the increasing number of students who wish to remain in the area and employers who desire graduates with strong back grounds in physics, mathematics, and problem-solving abilities. It will also be useful to those who wish to attend graduate school in engineering or applied science.

In addition to completion of the core courses in introductory physics and calculus, electromagnetism, electronics, optics, quantum mechanics, and statistical physics; advanced elective courses; and a senior design project or equivalent; students now choose one or more Areas of Specialization.

Areas currently offered are Applied Optics, Applied Electronics and Devices, and Applied Nuclear Physics. The specialization in Applied Optics includes new courses in lasers, fiber optics, and detectors, while Applied Electronics and Devices includes analog and digital electronics (including microprocessor applications) and the physics of semiconductor devices. Applied Nuclear Physics includes the popular and recently improved courses in applied nuclear chemistry and physics as well as x-ray analysis. All of these courses include both lecture and laboratory components.

The principal change to the B.S. in Physics is the reduction of 4 units of theoretical physics, leaving a total of 71 units (46 physics, 15 mathematics, and 10 chemistry), 9 of which may be used to meet General Education requirements). This remains the recommended curriculum for those intent on graduate school in physics or a closely-related field, such as astronomy.

Both B.S. programs now require a new junior-level course in mathematical physics, which includes the use of powerful symbolic software such as Mathematica.