BA in Physics
The B.A. in Physics requires a minimum of 120 hours of coursework and provides a strong background in basic physics while also allowing flexibility for students to customize their undergraduate education.
The B.A. degree in physics a minimum of 34 hours of required physics or astronomy courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, 15 hours of mathematics, and at least 9 additional hours in the natural sciences and mathematics, chosen with the Advisor’s approval are required.
Recommended Introductory Course
PHYS 1910 Frontiers Of Physics And Astronomy (strongly recommended)
The following courses are required:
Basic Physics Sequence: either (PHYS 2130 & PHYS 2140) or (PHYS 2070 & PHYS 2080 & PHYS 2100)
PHYS 3180 Intermediate Laboratory
PHYS 3310 Modern Physics I
PHYS 4920 Senior Capstone Project
PHYS 4950 Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar
Select at least 16 hours of advanced physics or astronomy courses numbered above 3000
The following related courses in Mathematics are also required:
Calculus I and II: either (MATH 1830 & MATH 1840) or (MATH 1850 & MATH 1860)
MATH 2850 Elementary Multwarlable Calculus
MATH 3610 Statistical Methods I
Other courses in related science areas: At least 9 additional hours hours of approved electives, of which at least two courses must be major-level chosen from at least two of the departments: in biology, chemistry, or environmental sciences, approved by the student’s academic advisor.
This program is intended to provide the flexibility required by students who wish to pursue interdisciplinary studies, or prepare for careers in teaching or other professions requiring a fundamental understanding of the physical sciences.
Below is a sample plan of study. Consult your degree audit for your program requirements.
| First Term | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| NSM 1000 | Natural Sciences & Mathematics | 2 |
| ENGL 1110 | College Composition I | 3 |
| PHYS 1910 | Frontiers Of Physics And Astronomy (Or electives to reach 120 hours) | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus I | ||
| Arts/Humanites Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Term | ||
| PHYS 2130 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors I 1 | 5 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus II For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus II | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Composition II: Academic Disciplines And Discourse | ||
| Science And Technical Report Writing | ||
| Professional and Business Writing | ||
| Social Science Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Term | ||
| MATH 2850 | Elementary Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| Arts/Humanities Core | 3 | |
| MATH 3610 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| PHYS 2140 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors II 1 | 5 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| PHYS 3180 | Intermediate Laboratory | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
BIOL 2150 to BIOL 4xxx | ||
CHEM 1230 to CHEM 4xxx | ||
EEES 2010 to EEES 4xxx | ||
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Arts/Humanities Core | 3 | |
| Arts/Humanities Core (Fine Arts) | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Fifth Term | ||
| PHYS 3310 | Modern Physics I (WAC) | 3 |
| PHYS 3000-4000 Level Electives | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Elementary Foreign Langauge I | 4 | |
| Arts/Humanities Core (History) | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Sixth Term | ||
| PHYS 3000-4000 Level Electives | 4 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
BIOL 2150 to BIOL 4xxx | ||
CHEM 1230 to CHEM 4xxx | ||
EEES 2010 to EEES 4xxx | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elementary Foreign Language II | 4 | |
| Hours | 14-15 | |
| Seventh Term | ||
| PHYS 4950 | Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar | 1 |
| PHYS 3000-4000 Level Electives | 3 | |
| ENGL 2710-2800 Arts/Humanities Core (English Lit) | 3 | |
| Elective(s) > 3000-level | 4 | |
| Diversity of US | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Eighth Term | ||
| PHYS 4920 | Senior Capstone Project | 1 |
| PHYS 3000-4000 Level Electives | 6 | |
| Non-US Diversity | 3 | |
| Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 120-122 | |
Our students must be able to perform experiments, in a modern laboratory setting, to measure physical properties of interest. Our students must also be able to analyze these experiments in order to interpret their observations, including an estimation of the uncertainties associated with their measurements.
Our students must be able to discuss and explain scientific information in both written and oral formats.