Objectives
The Bachelor of Science in Physics provides a solid foundation in classical, quantum, and relativistic physics. By choosing appropriate physics electives in consultation with her/his faculty advisor, the student can study astrophysics, condensed matter systems, cosmology, particle physics, and space physics. In addition to regular coursework, all Physics majors must complete a senior thesis project as a graduation requirement. This hands-on research experience with Physics faculty exposes students to the type of work encountered in graduate school and industry, and enhances their undergraduate portfolio. Upon graduation, Physics students can pursue advanced studies in a variety of physics-related disciplines, as well as in fields such as teaching, medicine, business management, and law, where physics majors can utilize their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Learning Outcomes
Physics majors will be able to:
- Comprehend the concepts and theories of classical and modern physics, as well as the discoveries and inquiries of contemporary physics.
- Solve problems using the relevant mathematical methods.
- Design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret the resulting data.
- Form new inferences about the physical world by carrying out scientific investigations.
- Communicate effectively core physical principles, experimental results, and analysis of physical problems.
- Demonstrate ethical and unbiased behaviors while engaging in scientific endeavors.
Major Requirements
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Semester Hours |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 114 | General Chemistry for Engineers | 3 |
| ENGR 1300 | Engineering Visualization | 2 |
| MATH 131 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 132 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 234 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 246 | Differential Equations and Linear Algebra | 4 |
| PHYS 1100 | Introduction to Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 1200 | Computational Lab | 2 |
| PHYS 1600 | Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics | 4 |
| PHYS 2100 | Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 2200 | Intermediate Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 2600 | Foundations of Modern Physics | 4 |
| 44 |
| MATH 356 | Methods of Applied Mathematics | 4 |
| PHYS 3100 | Electrodynamics | 4 |
| PHYS 3200 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 3300 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 3400 | Advanced Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 3800 | Junior Project | 1 |
| PHYS 4800 | Capstone Experience | 2 |
| PHYS 4810 | Senior Thesis | 1 |
| 8 |
| Space Physics | |
| Condensed Matter Physics | |
| Astrophysics | |
| Modern Optics | |
| Biophysics | |
| Elementary Particle Physics | |
| Introduction to Relativity and Cosmology | |
| 32 |
| Total Semester Hours | 76 |
Note:
To graduate, a student must have at least a 2.0 average in all upper division physics courses.
Physics Curriculum
(122-123 S.H.)
Plan of Study Grid
| First Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| CHEM 111 |
General Chemistry I Lab |
1 |
| CHEM 114 |
General Chemistry for Engineers |
3 |
| MATH 131 |
Calculus I |
4 |
| FFYS 1000 |
First Year Seminar |
4 |
| PHYS 1600 |
Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics |
4 |
| | Semester Hours | 16 |
| Spring |
|---|
| PHYS 1100 |
Introduction to Mechanics |
4 |
| PHYS 1200 |
Computational Lab |
2 |
| ENGR 1300 |
Engineering Visualization |
2 |
| MATH 132 |
Calculus II |
4 |
| RHET 1000 |
Rhetorical Arts |
3-4 |
| | Semester Hours | 15-16 |
| Sophomore Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| PHYS 2100 |
Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism |
4 |
| MATH 234 |
Calculus III |
4 |
| MATH 246 |
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra |
4 |
|
4 |
| | Semester Hours | 16 |
| Spring |
|---|
| PHYS 2200 |
Intermediate Mechanics |
4 |
| PHYS 2600 |
Foundations of Modern Physics |
4 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
| | Semester Hours | 16 |
| Junior Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| PHYS 3100 |
Electrodynamics |
4 |
| PHYS 3200 |
Quantum Mechanics |
4 |
| MATH 356 |
Methods of Applied Mathematics |
4 |
|
4 |
| | Semester Hours | 16 |
| Spring |
|---|
| PHYS 3300 |
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
4 |
| PHYS 3400 |
Advanced Laboratory |
4 |
| PHYS 3800 |
Junior Project |
1 |
|
4 |
|
3 |
| | Semester Hours | 16 |
| Senior Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| PHYS 4800 |
Capstone Experience |
2 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
3 |
| | Semester Hours | 13 |
| Spring |
|---|
| PHYS 4810 |
Senior Thesis |
1 |
|
4 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Semester Hours | 14 |
| | Minimum Semester Hours | 122-123 |
Note:
Physics majors are required to take a minimum of 32 semester hours to fulfill the University Core. If a student chooses to take one or more core courses that are not 4 semester hours, they may need to take additional core courses to meet the 32 unit requirement.
Senior Year Spring Semester Dean’s List requires a minimum of 14 semester hours.
