An understanding of physical phenomena is essential in all fields of science, engineering and technology. It follows that one objective of the physics program is to provide students with a competence and base of knowledge sufficient for their specific requirements. Physics, however, is more than the basic science: it is an art whose techniques (including logical and analytical reasoning, careful observation, experimentation and mathematical model-building) can be valuable assets in any field of endeavor.

A second objective, then, is to educate the student in the basic art of formulating and solving problems. Finally, the basic theories of physics provide a way of perceiving the natural world. Thus, the ultimate objective of the study of physics is to provide the student with a way to appreciate the world with greater understanding.