BS in Physics
The B.S. degree in physics requires completion of a common core of 34 hours of physics courses and 29 hours of related-area courses and a choice of one concentration with additional requirements as listed below. The concentrations contain an additional 6-20 hours of physics, astronomy and related courses.
Recommended Introductory Course
PHYS 1910 Frontiers Of Physics And Astronomy (strongly recommended)
Completion of one of the following concentrations is required:
Physics
Required Core Physics Courses
PHYS 2130 Physics For Science And Engineering Majors I 1
PHYS 2140 Physics For Science And Engineering Majors II 1
PHYS 3310 Modern Physics I
PHYS 3410 Thermal Physics
PHYS 4210 Theoretical Mechanics
PHYS 4230 Electricity And Magnetism I
PHYS 4240 Electricity And Magnetism II
PHYS 4310 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 4920 Senior Capstone Project
PHYS 4950 Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar
PHYS 4910 Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy (4 hours)
The following related courses are also required:
CHEM 1230 & CHEM 1280 General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I
EECS 1500 Introduction to Programming
Calculus I and II: either (MATH 1830 & MATH 1840) or (MATH 1850 & MATH 1860)
MATH 2850 Elementary Multivariable Calculus
Linear Algebra: (MATH 1890 or MATH 2890)
MATH 2860 Elementary Differential Equations
MATH 3610 Statistical Methods I
One additional course chosen from major-level courses in biology, chemistry, or environmental sciences
Physics Course:
PHYS 3180 Intermediate Laboratory
PHYS 4580 Molecular And Condensed Matter Laboratory or PHYS 4780 Atomic And Nuclear Physics Laboratory
Astrophysics
Required Core Physics Courses
PHYS 2130 Physics For Science And Engineering Majors I 1
PHYS 2140 Physics For Science And Engineering Majors II 1
PHYS 3310 Modern Physics I
PHYS 3410 Thermal Physics
PHYS 4210 Theoretical Mechanics
PHYS 4230 Electricity And Magnetism I
PHYS 4240 Electricity And Magnetism II
PHYS 4310 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 4920 Senior Capstone Project
PHYS 4950 Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar
PHYS 4910 Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy (4 hours)
The following related courses are also required:
CHEM 1230 & CHEM 1280 General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I
EECS 1500 Introduction to Programming
Calculus I and II: either (MATH 1830 & MATH 1840) or (MATH 1850 & MATH 1860)
MATH 2850 Elementary Multivariable Calculus
Linear Algebra: (MATH 1890 or MATH 2890)
MATH 2860 Elementary Differential Equations
MATH 3610 Statistical Methods I
One additional course chosen from major-level courses in biology, chemistry, or environmental sciences
ASTROPHYSICS COURSES
ASTR 2010 Solar System Astronomy
ASTR 2020 Stars, Galaxies, And The Universe
ASTR 3880 Foundations of Astronomy
ASTR 4810 Astrophysics I
ASTR 4820 Astrophysics II
ASTR 4880 Astrophysical Measurements
Applied Physics
Required Core Physics Courses
PHYS 2130 Physics For Science And Engineering Majors I 1
PHYS 2140 Physics For Science And Engineering Majors II 1
PHYS 3310 Modern Physics I
PHYS 3410 Thermal Physics
PHYS 4210 Theoretical Mechanics
PHYS 4230 Electricity And Magnetism I
PHYS 4240 Electricity And Magnetism II
PHYS 4310 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 4920 Senior Capstone Project
PHYS 4950 Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar
PHYS 4910 Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy (4 hours)
The following related courses are also required:
CHEM 1230 & CHEM 1280 General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I
EECS 1500 Introduction to Programming
Calculus I and II: either (MATH 1830 & MATH 1840) or (MATH 1850 & MATH 1860)
MATH 2850 Elementary Multivariable Calculus
Linear Algebra: (MATH 1890 or MATH 2890)
MATH 2860 Elementary Differential Equations
MATH 3610 Statistical Methods I
One additional course chosen from major-level courses in biology, chemistry, or environmental science
Applied Physics Courses:
PHYS 3180 Intermediate Laboratory
PHYS 3610 Optics And Lasers
PHYS 4510 Physics Of Condensed Matter
PHYS 4580 Molecular And Condensed Matter Laboratory or PHYS 4780 Atomic And Nuclear Physics Laboratory
Plus 3 additional hours of appropriate courses from physics or engineering, chosen with the advisor's approval
Biomedical Physics
Required Core Physics Courses
PHYS 2130 Physics For Science And Engineering Majors I 1
PHYS 2140 Physics For Science And Engineering Majors II 1
PHYS 3310 Modern Physics I
PHYS 3410 Thermal Physics
PHYS 4210 Theoretical Mechanics
PHYS 4230 Electricity And Magnetism I
PHYS 4240 Electricity And Magnetism II
PHYS 4310 Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 4920 Senior Capstone Project
PHYS 4950 Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar
PHYS 4910 Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy (4 hours)
The following related courses are also required:
CHEM 1230 & CHEM 1280 General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I
EECS 1500 Introduction to Programming
Calculus I and II: either (MATH 1830 & MATH 1840) or (MATH 1850 & MATH 1860)
MATH 2850 Elementary Multivariable Calculus
Linear Algebra: (MATH 1890 or MATH 2890)
MATH 2860 Elementary Differential Equations
MATH 3610 Statistical Methods I
One additional course chosen from major-level courses in biology, chemistry, or environmental sciences
Biomedical Physics Course:
PHYS 3180 Intermediate Laboratory
PHYS 4430 Physics Applications in Medicine I
PHYS 4440 Physics Applications in Medicine II
PHYS 4580 Molecular And Condensed Matter Laboratory or PHYS 4780 Atomic And Nuclear Physics Laboratory
BIOL 2150 Fundamentals Of Life Science: Diversity Of Life, Evolution And Adaptation 2
BIOL 2160 Fundamentals Of Life Science Laboratory: Diversity Of Life, Evolution And Adaptation 2
EXSC 2510 Human Anatomy 3
EXSC 2520 Human Anatomy Laboratory 3
EXSC 2530 Human Physiology 3
EXSC 2540 Human Physiology Laboratory 3
Recommended Electives
In addition to the above requirements, students should consider the following recommended elective courses:
MATH 4740 Advanced Applied Mathematics I
MATH 4750 Advanced Applied Mathematics II
| 1 | With department approval, a student may substitute PHYS 2070, PHYS 2080 and PHYS 2100 for PHYS 2130 and PHYS 2140. |
| 2 | Related courses, which satisfy the related major-level course requirement above. |
| 3 | Or select alternate sequence of EXSC 2460 ,EXSC 2470, EXSC 2560, and EXSC 2570. |
Bachelor of Science in Physics (Applied Physics Concentration)
Below is a sample program of study. Consult your degree audit for your program requirements.
| First Term | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| NSM 1000 | Natural Sciences & Mathematics | 2 |
| PHYS 2130 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors I | 5 |
| ENGL 1110 | College Composition I | 3 |
| PHYS 1910 | Frontiers Of Physics And Astronomy | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus I | ||
| Hours | 17 | |
| Second Term | ||
| MATH 1890 or MATH 2890 |
Elementary Linear Algebra or Numerical Methods And Linear Algebra |
3 |
| ENGL 1130 | College Composition II: Academic Disciplines And Discourse | 3 |
| PHYS 2140 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors II | 5 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus II For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus II | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Term | ||
| PHYS 3310 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| CHEM 1230 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 1280 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| MATH 3610 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| MATH 2850 | Elementary Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| EECS 1500 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| PHYS 3180 | Intermediate Laboratory | 3 |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| PHYS 3410 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| MATH 2860 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fifth Term | ||
| PHYS 4230 | Electricity And Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 4210 | Theoretical Mechanics | 3 |
| Arts/Humanities Core | 3 | |
| Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) non-physics course | 3 | |
| Non-US Diversity | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sixth Term | ||
| PHYS 4240 | Electricity And Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS 4310 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Major Level BIOL, EEES, eg: | 3-4 | |
| Fundamentals Of Life Science: Diversity Of Life, Evolution And Adaptation | ||
| Fundamentals of Life Science: Biomolecules, Cells, and Inheritance | ||
| Introduction To Environmental Studies | ||
| Fundamentals Of Geology | ||
| Biodiversity | ||
| Diversity of US | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Seventh Term | ||
| PHYS 3610 | Optics And Lasers | 3 |
| PHYS 4510 | Physics Of Condensed Matter | 3 |
| PHYS 4910 | Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy | 2 |
| PHYS 4950 | Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar | 1 |
| Arts/Humanities Core | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Eighth Term | ||
| Physics or Eng 3000/4000 | 3 | |
| PHYS 4580 or PHYS 4780 |
Molecular And Condensed Matter Laboratory or Atomic And Nuclear Physics Laboratory |
3 |
| PHYS 4910 | Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy | 2 |
| PHYS 4920 | Senior Capstone Project | 1 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 120-121 | |
Bachelor of Science in Physics (Astrophysics Concentration)
Below is a sample plan of study. Consult your degree audit for your program requirements.
| First Term | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| NSM 1000 | Natural Sciences & Mathematics | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus I | ||
| ASTR 2010 | Solar System Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYS 1910 | Frontiers Of Physics And Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYS 2130 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors I | 5 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ENGL 1110 | College Composition I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus II For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus II | ||
| ASTR 2020 | Stars, Galaxies, And The Universe | 3 |
| PHYS 2140 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors II | 5 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Term | ||
| PHYS 3310 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| CHEM 1230 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 1280 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| MATH 3610 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| MATH 2850 | Elementary Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| ASTR 3880 | Foundations of Astronomy | 4 |
| ENGL 1130 | College Composition II: Academic Disciplines And Discourse | 3 |
| MATH 2860 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 1890 or MATH 2890 |
Elementary Linear Algebra or Numerical Methods And Linear Algebra |
3 |
| EECS 1500 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fifth Term | ||
| PHYS 4230 | Electricity And Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 4210 | Theoretical Mechanics | 3 |
| Major Level BIOL, EEES, eg: | 3-4 | |
| Fundamentals Of Life Science: Diversity Of Life, Evolution And Adaptation | ||
| Fundamentals of Life Science: Biomolecules, Cells, and Inheritance | ||
| Introduction To Environmental Studies | ||
| Fundamentals Of Geology | ||
| Biodiversity | ||
| Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) non-physics | 3 | |
| Non-US Diversity | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Sixth Term | ||
| PHYS 4240 | Electricity And Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS 4310 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 3410 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| Diversity of US | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Seventh Term | ||
| ASTR 4810 | Astrophysics I | 3 |
| ASTR 4880 | Astrophysical Measurements | 3 |
| PHYS 4910 | Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy | 2 |
| PHYS 4950 | Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar | 1 |
| Arts/Humanities Core | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Eighth Term | ||
| ASTR 4820 | Astrophysics II | 3 |
| PHYS 4910 | Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy | 2 |
| PHYS 4920 | Senior Capstone Project | 1 |
| Arts/Humanities Core | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 120-121 | |
Bachelor of Science in Physics (Biomedical Physics Concentration)
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 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus I | ||
| PHYS 1910 | Frontiers Of Physics And Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYS 2130 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors I | 5 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Second Term | ||
| MATH 1890 or MATH 2890 |
Elementary Linear Algebra or Numerical Methods And Linear Algebra |
3 |
| ENGL 1130 | College Composition II: Academic Disciplines And Discourse | 3 |
| PHYS 2140 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors II | 5 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus II For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus II | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Term | ||
| PHYS 3310 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| CHEM 1230 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 1280 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| MATH 3610 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| MATH 2850 | Elementary Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| PHYS 3180 | Intermediate Laboratory | 3 |
| MATH 2860 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| PHYS 3410 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| EECS 1500 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fifth Term | ||
| PHYS 4230 | Electricity And Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 4210 | Theoretical Mechanics | 3 |
| Arts/Humanities Core | 3 | |
| Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) non physics | 3 | |
| Non- US Diversity | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sixth Term | ||
| PHYS 4240 | Electricity And Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS 4310 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| BIOL 2150 & BIOL 2160 |
Fundamentals Of Life Science: Diversity Of Life, Evolution And Adaptation and Fundamentals Of Life Science Laboratory: Diversity Of Life, Evolution And Adaptation |
5 |
| Diversity of US | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Seventh Term | ||
| PHYS 4430 | Physics Applications in Medicine I | 3 |
| PHYS 4580 or PHYS 4780 |
Molecular And Condensed Matter Laboratory or Atomic And Nuclear Physics Laboratory |
3 |
| PHYS 4910 | Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy | 2 |
| PHYS 4950 | Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar | 1 |
| EXSC 2510 & EXSC 2520 |
Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Lab |
4 |
| Arts/Humanities Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Eighth Term | ||
| PHYS 4440 | Physics Applications in Medicine II | 3 |
| PHYS 4910 | Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy | 2 |
| PHYS 4920 | Senior Capstone Project | 1 |
| EXSC 2530 & EXSC 2540 |
Human Physiology and Human Physiology Lab |
4 |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Bachelor of Science in Physics (Physics Concentration)
Below is a sample program 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 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus I For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus I | ||
| PHYS 1910 | Frontiers Of Physics And Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYS 2130 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors I | 5 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Second Term | ||
| MATH 1890 or MATH 2890 |
Elementary Linear Algebra or Numerical Methods And Linear Algebra |
3 |
| ENGL 1130 | College Composition II: Academic Disciplines And Discourse | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Calculus II For Mathematicians, Scientists And Educators | ||
| Single Variable Calculus II | ||
| PHYS 2140 | Physics For Science And Engineering Majors II | 5 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Term | ||
| PHYS 3310 | Modern Physics I | 3 |
| CHEM 1230 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 1280 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| MATH 3610 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| MATH 2850 | Elementary Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| PHYS 3180 | Intermediate Laboratory | 3 |
| MATH 2860 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| PHYS 3410 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| EECS 1500 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fifth Term | ||
| PHYS 4230 | Electricity And Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 4210 | Theoretical Mechanics | 3 |
| Arts/Humanities Core | 3 | |
| Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) Non-Physics | 3 | |
| Non-US Diversity | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sixth Term | ||
| PHYS 4240 | Electricity And Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS 4310 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Major Level BIOL, EEES, eg: | 3-4 | |
| Fundamentals Of Life Science: Diversity Of Life, Evolution And Adaptation | ||
| Fundamentals of Life Science: Biomolecules, Cells, and Inheritance | ||
| Introduction To Environmental Studies | ||
| Fundamentals Of Geology | ||
| Biodiversity | ||
| Diversity of US | 3 | |
| Social Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Seventh Term | ||
| PHYS 4580 or PHYS 4780 |
Molecular And Condensed Matter Laboratory or Atomic And Nuclear Physics Laboratory |
3 |
| PHYS 4910 | Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy | 2 |
| PHYS 4950 | Undergraduate Professional Development Seminar | 1 |
| Arts/Humanities Core | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Eighth Term | ||
| PHYS 4910 | Research Problems-Physics And Astronomy | 2 |
| PHYS 4920 | Senior Capstone Project | 1 |
| Electives | 10 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 120-121 | |