Minors
A minor represents a coherent program of study in a discipline other than the student’s major degree program. Successful completion of a minor program is recognized on the transcript and with a Minor Certificate at graduation. Recognition is thus provided for a significant educational experience in another discipline.
General requirements for minor programs in engineering or science:
- Entry to a minor program requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- A student wishing to pursue a minor program must complete a Minor Program Study Plan approved by the Minor Advisor from the relevant discipline. Each minor requires a separate study plan and a student can earn no more than two minors in engineering and science.
- The minor program must be in a discipline other than that of a student’s major program of study. As such, minors are distinguished from options within the major discipline or concentrations within the chosen major program.
- The minor program will consist of a coherent sequence of at least six courses. A minimum of two courses (minimum six credits) must be in addition to those courses required to complete a student’s major degree program (which includes general education courses).
- In order for a course to count towards a minor, a grade of C or above must be achieved. At the discretion of the Minor Advisor, transfer credits may be applied to a minor, but these must constitute fewer than half of those applied to the minor program.
For more information regarding the School of Engineering and Science requirements for minor programs, please see the Guidelines for Science Minor Programs.
Minor in Physics Requirements
The minor in Physics is suitable for students who are not majoring in physics but who have a strong interest in physics or who plan to pursue graduate studies in physics or related field. The minor covers the core areas of modern physics providing students with a strong foundation for further studies at the graduate level or research in physics.
Required courses:
| PEP 242 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| | Or | |
| PEP 201 | Physics III for Engineering Students | 3 |
| | | |
| PEP 538 | Introduction to Mechanics | 3 |
| PEP 542 | Electromagnetism | 3 |
| PEP 553 | Quantum Mechanics and Engineering Applications | 3 |
Plus any two of the following courses:
| PEP 209 | Fundamentals of Optics | 3 |
| PEP 330 | Introduction Thermal and Statistical Physics | 3 |
| PEP 332 | Mathematical Techniques for Engineering Physics | 3 |
| PEP 336 | Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology | 3 |
| PEP 501 | Fundamentals of Atomic Physics | 3 |
| PEP 503 | Introduction to Solid State Physics | 3 |
| PEP 509 | Intermediate Waves and Optics | 3 |
| PEP 510 | Modern Optics Laboratory | 3 |
| PEP 520 | Computational Physics | 3 |
| PEP 527 | Mathematical Methods of Science and Engineering I | 3 |
| PEP 552 | Theory of Relativity | 3 |
| PEP 554 | Quantum Mechanics II | 3 |
| PEP 555 | Statistical Physics and Kinetic Theory | 3 |
| PEP 557 | Quantum Information and Quantum Computation | 3 |
The following are prerequisites needed to undertake the minor program:
Minor in Astronomy Requirements
The minor in Astronomy is available to all students including those majoring in Physics. It is suitable for both students who are fascinated by astronomy and simply wish to learn more about the field as well as for those who wish to pursue graduate studies in astronomy or astrophysics.
Required courses:
| PEP 151 | Introduction to Astronomy | 3 |
| PEP 336 | Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology | 3 |
Plus any four of the following courses:
| PEP 209 | Fundamentals of Optics | 3 |
| PEP 351 | Introduction to Planetary Science | 3 |
| PEP 337 | Observational Astrophysics | 3 |
| PEP 440 | Astrophysical Flows: Planets, Stars, and Accretion Disks | 3 |
| PEP 445 | Black Holes, White Dwarfs, and Neutron Stars | 3 |
| PEP 506 | Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology | 3 |
| PEP 552 | Theory of Relativity | 3 |
The following are prerequisites needed to undertake the minor program:
Minor in Photonics Requirements
The Photonics minor covers the core areas of modern optical technology. It is suited for students in engineering and science who wish to pursue a career in industries that utilize or develop optical technologies.
Required courses:
Plus any three of the following courses:
The following are prerequisites needed to undertake the minor program: