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Physics Major, B.S.

The Physics Department continually amends its programs to reflect developments in the field. Consult with an advisor regarding pending majors, minors, and options.

Option A. Engineering-Physics

This program is designed for students who plan to work in industry after graduation. It is also suitable preparation for graduate study in some areas of engineering and applied physics.

I. Required Courses

Note: Entry into Math 2471 Calculus I requires suitable scoring on a Math Placement exam. Students needing a review of algebra and trigonometry will need to modify this schedule and may not complete the program in four years. See the Physics Department Chair or your advisor for alternative schedules.

MATH 2471 Calculus I (5 credits)
MATH 2472 Calculus II (5 credits)
MATH 2490 Differential Equations (4 credits)
PHYS 2101 Physics I (5 credits)
PHYS 2102 Physics II (5 credits)
PHYS 2220 Dynamics (3 credits)
PHYS 2500 Electronics I (4 credits)
PHYS 3300 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer (3 credits)
PHYS 3500 Electronics II (4 credits)
PHYS 3600 Modern Physics (4 credits)
PHYS 4310 Mathematical Methods of Applied Physics (3 credits)
PHYS 4540 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves (4 credits)
PHYS 4580 Optics (4 credits)
PHYS 4980 Research (3 credits)
or PHYS 4990 Thesis (3 credits)

Subtotal 56 Credits

II. Required Electives

Note: Asterisked (*) courses have prerequisites not included in the major.

Select 13 credits from the following:

Physics courses numbered above 3000 and/or:
*CS 2229 Computer Programming: C/C++ (3 credits)
MATH 2480 Multivariable Calculus (4 credits)
PHYS 2210 Statics and Strength of Materials (3 credits)

Subtotal 13 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required For Major, Option A 69 Credits

A Total of 128 Semester Credits is Required for a Bachelor's Degree

SUGGESTED SEMESTER SCHEDULE FOR PHYSICS MAJOR, B.S.,
OPTION A. ENGINEERING-PHYSICS

Following is a list of required courses arranged by year. Note that some advanced courses are offered on an alternate-year basis, so careful planning is necessary. Although some flexibility is available, deviation from this schedule could delay graduation. Consult with the Physics Department Chair or your advisor for details.

Freshman

MATH 2471 Calculus I
or appropriate beginning math course
MATH 2472 Calculus II
PHYS 2101 Physics I
PHYS 2102 Physics II
Liberal Education requirements

Sophomore

MATH 2490 Differential Equations
PHYS 2220 Dynamics
PHYS 2500 Electronics I
Advanced Physics courses
Liberal Education requirements

Junior

PHYS 3500 Electronics II
PHYS 3600 Modern Physics
PHYS 4310 Math Physics
Advanced Physics courses
Physics electives

Senior

PHYS 4720 Instrumentation Laboratory
Advanced Physics courses
Physics electives

 

Option B. Physics

This program is intended for students who plan to attend graduate school in physics or some closely related field, such as geophysics, materials science, and certain areas of engineering.

I. Required Courses

Note: Entry into MATH 2471 Calculus I requires suitable scoring on a Math Placement exam. Students needing a review of algebra and trigonometry will need to modify this schedule and may not complete the program in four years. See the Physics Department Chair or your advisor for alternative schedules.

MATH 2471 Calculus I (5 credits)
MATH 2472 Calculus II (5 credits)
MATH 2490 Differential Equations (4 credits)
PHYS 2101 Physics I (5 credits)
PHYS 2102 Physics II (5 credits)
PHYS 2220 Dynamics (3 credits)
PHYS 2500 Electronics I (4 credits)
PHYS 3300 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer (3 credits)
PHYS 3600 Modern Physics (4 credits)
PHYS 4310 Mathematical Methods of Applied Physics (3 credits)
PHYS 4540 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves (4 credits)
PHYS 4580 Optics (4 credits)
PHYS 4610 Quantum Mechanics (3 credits)
PHYS 4680 Theoretical Physics (4 credits)
PHYS 4980 Research/Thesis (3 credits)

Subtotal 59 Credits

II. Required Electives

Select 10 credits from Physics courses numbered above 3000 or MATH 2480 or CS 2229.

Subtotal 10 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required For Major, Option B 69 Credits

A Total of 128 Semester Credits is Required for a Bachelor's Degree

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SUGGESTED SEMESTER SCHEDULE FOR PHYSICS MAJOR, B.S., OPTION B. PHYSICS

Following is a list of required courses arranged by year. Note that some advanced courses are offered on an alternate-year basis, so careful planning is necessary. Although some flexibility is available, deviation from this schedule could delay graduation. Consult with the Physics Department Chair or your advisor for details.

Freshman

MATH 2471 Calculus I
or appropriate beginning math course
MATH 2472 Calculus II
PHYS 2101 Physics I
PHYS 2102 Physics II
Liberal Education requirements

Sophomore

MATH 2490 Differential Equations
PHYS 2220 Dynamics
PHYS 2500 Electronics I
Liberal Education requirements

Junior

PHYS 3600 Modern Physics
PHYS 4310 Math Physics
Advanced Physics courses
Physics electives
Liberal Education requirements

Senior

PHYS 4980 Research/thesis
Advanced Physics courses
Physics electives
Liberal Education requirements