Physics (B.S.)

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Requirements

The requirements stated below are based on the assumption that a student majoring in physics will begin with physics courses in the freshman year. However, it is possible to tailor individual programs to fit the needs of students who wish to change majors or who, for other reasons, must start the course sequence later.

All physics majors are required to take the following courses:

PHY 121 - Introductory Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 122 - Introductory Physics II Credits: 4
PHY 221 - Mathematical Methods in Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 225 - Electronics Credits: 4
PHY 283 - Modern Physics Credits: 4
PHY 293 - Mechanics Credits: 4
PHY 339 - Electric and Magnetic Fields I Credits: 4
PHY 391 - Junior Seminar I Credits: 0
PHY 392 - Junior Seminar II Credits: 0
PHY 471 - Research I, Credits: 1-4
PHY 472 - Research II Credits: 1-4
PHY 491 - Senior Seminar I Credits: 1
PHY 492 - Senior Seminar II Credits: 1
MAT 141 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MAT 142 - Calculus II Credits: 4
MAT 223 - Calculus III Credits: 2
MAT 225 - Differential Equations Credits: 4

Two of the following courses:

CHE 111 - Principles of Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHE 112 - Principles of Chemistry II Credits: 4
CPS 121 - Introduction to Programming Credits: 4
CPS 122 - Object-Oriented Software Development Credits: 4

Notes:

In addition, a physics major must fulfill the requirements for one of the concentrations listed below.

Students completing the physics major are not required to take the core course NSM 202 Scientific Enterprise .

Professional Physics Concentration

Recommended as the best preparation for graduate school as well as industrial or government employment. The following three courses are required:

PHY 130 - First-Year Physics Seminar Credits: 1
PHY 355 - Quantum Mechanics Credits: 4
PHY 372 - Thermal Physics Credits: 4

Big Data and Computational Physics Concentration

Intended for the physics student with strong interests in learning computational tools and techniques and applying them to the study of a broad range of physical phenomena and technological challenges. The student must take:

Requirements

PHY 130 - First-Year Physics Seminar Credits: 1
CPS 121 - Introduction to Programming Credits: 4
CPS 122 - Object-Oriented Software Development Credits: 4
Two additional physics courses numbered above PHY 200 which are not listed as required for all physics majors.

In Addition

The student must complete 16 credits from among the following courses in mathematics and computer science:

MAT 232 - Linear Algebra Credits: 4
MAT 318 - Probability Credits: 4
MAT 319 - Statistics Credits: 4
MAT 342 - Numerical Analysis Credits: 4 or
CPS 342 - Numerical Analysis Credits: 4
PHY 313 - Mathematical Methods in Physics II Credits: 4 or
MAT 313 - Mathematical Methods in Physics II Credits: 4
CPS 221 - Software Systems Credits: 4
CPS 222 - Data Structures and Algorithms Credits: 4
CPS 311 - Computer Organization Credits: 4
CPS 343 - Parallel and High-Performance Computing Credits: 4
CPS 373 - Computer Graphics Credits: 4

Engineering Physics Concentration

Intended for students with an interest in applied physics and technology or enrolled in the 3–2 engineering program. For four-year physics majors the following courses are required:

PHY 125 - Introduction to Engineering and the Applied Sciences Credits: 2
PHY 211 - Statics Credits: 4
PHY 328 - Strength of Materials Credits: 4

Note:

For 3-2 engineering students, see the 3-2 engineering program section for details on course requirements.

Double Major with Secondary Education

Requirements

Students seeking licensure as a teacher of physics at the high school level should select the engineering concentration and enroll in:

CHE 111 - Principles of Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHE 112 - Principles of Chemistry II Credits: 4

Note:

See education advisor for required education courses.