Environmental Science - Physics Concentration

The environmental science major’s physics concentration shows you how to apply the laws and principles of physics to understand the environment and solve related problems.

Preparing You for Success

As an environmental science - physics major, you gain a foundation in the application of physics to environmental issues. You begin research as early as your sophomore year and build a research portfolio valuable to graduate schools and future employers. The physics concentration allows you to further explore theoretical topics such as quantum physics, nanoscience and nanotechnology and the impact these areas of physics have in studying and understanding the environment. In addition, you learn physics' role in solving air pollution problems through resources such as green and renewable energy.

By the time you graduate, your experiences may include:

• Research and mentorship from faculty
• Opportunities to publish research and share it at professional conferences
• Networking and professional development through Sigma Pi Sigma honor society and the Society of Physics Students

Making your Mark

Environmental science majors are valuable as scientists, government employees, environmental consultants and policy developers. Recent students attended graduate school at the University of Illinois, Texas A&M University and Indiana University, while many went directly into careers.

Major Requirements

Core Requirements

• BIO 151: Molecules to Cells - 3 hrs.
• BIO 152: Molecules to Cells Lab - 1 hr.
• BIO 251: Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity - 3 hrs.
• BIO 252: Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Lab - 1 hr.
• BIO 300: Populations, Resources and Environment - 3 hrs.
• BIO 420: Ecosystems Ecology - 4 hrs.
• CHM 110: General Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
• CHM 111: General Chemistry I Lab - 1 hr.
• CHM 116: General Chemistry II - 4 hrs.
• CHM 117: General Chemistry II Lab - 1 hr.
• CHM 252: Organic Chemistry I - 4 hrs.
• CHM 253: Organic Chemistry I Lab - 1 hr.
• CHM 416: Environmental Chemistry - 3 hrs.
• ENS 150: Introduction to Environmental Science - 2 hrs.
• ENS 470: Environmental Science Capstone - 1 hr.
• GES 101:Principles of Earth Science - 3 hrs.
  and GES 102: Principles of Earth Science Lab - 1 hr.
  or GES 110: Principles of Historical Geology - 3 hrs.
  and GES 111: Principles of Historical Geology Lab - 1 hr.
• MTH 121: Calculus I - 4 hrs.
• MTH 122: Calculus II - 4 hrs.
• ECO 100: Introduction to Economics - 3 hrs.
  or *ECO 221: Principles of Microeconomics - 3 hrs.
  or *ECO 222: Principles of Macroeconomics - 3 hrs.

*Both Micro and Macro Economics (221 and 222) are highly recommended.

Physics Concentration

• MTH 223: Calculus III - 4 hrs.
• PHY 110: University Physics I - 4 hrs.
• PHY 140: Physics of the Small World: Nanophysics and Applications - 3 hrs.
• PHY 201: University Physics II - 4 hrs.
• PHY 202: Applied Quantum Physics - 3 hrs.
• PHY 320: Optics - 3 hrs.
• PHY 350: Advanced Physics Experiments - 2 hrs.
• PHY 399: Special Problems in Physics - 3 hrs.
• PHY 440: Advanced Nanophysics - 3 hrs.
• PHY 441: Advanced Nanophysics Lab - 2 hrs.
  or Suitable Internship