Physics, B.S.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to use advanced mathematics to solve complex physics problems in foundational physics areas.  

2. Students will be able to use scientific instrumentation to make measurements. 

3. Students will be able to analyze and make conclusions based on scientific data.  

4. Students will be able to design experiments to study scientific questions.  

5. Students will be able to communicate scientific results in writing and orally.  

6. Students will be able to use computers to solve scientific problems. 

7. Students will demonstrate understanding of complex concepts in foundational physics areas.

General Education Requirements (30-40 Credits)

Prerequisite coursework may be required to satisfy certain General Education courses and will count as elective credit.

Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 67

Footnotes

Because there is flexibility within the basic Bachelor of Arts degree requirements some options available are:

1. Interdisciplinary study (e.g., biophysics and geophysics);

2. Preparation for graduate study in physics and engineering;

3. Qualification for positions in physics research in industry and national research labs.

Physics Other Requirements:

Minimum Competence Requirement

A grade of C- or better is required for each of the following courses: PHYS 123 /PHYS 124 , PHYS 125 /PHYS 126 , PHYS 223 , PHYS 224 , PHYS 362 ; MATH 221 , MATH 222 , MATH 223 .

Department Writing Requirement

The Department requires writing in lab classes throughout the program building up to PHYS 362 Intermediate Laboratory . Requirements for Intermediate Laboratory include full reports that are evaluated with attention to style and technique as well as content. Students submit rewrites as necessary. A portfolio of reports from this course is maintained for each student. The writing requirement is satisfied by successful completion of PHYS 362 .

Sample Course Map

Note: Variation in the order of courses is possible, depending upon prerequisites. Consult course information in the bulletin or your academic advisor to customize your eight semester plan.   

Curriculum Map

• First Year
  • Fall - 17 Credits
    • PHYS 120 - Physics First Year Experience  Credit(s): 1
    • PHYS 123 - Analytical Physics I  Credit(s): 3
    • PHYS 124 - Analytical Physics I Laboratory  Credit(s): 1
    • MATH 221 - Calculus I  Credit(s): 4
    • WRTG 105 - Writing Seminar: (subtitle)  Credit(s): 4
    • World Language (101) Credit(s): 4
  • Spring - 16 Credits
    • PHYS 125 - Analytical Physics II  Credit(s): 3
    • PHYS 126 - Analytical Physics II Laboratory  Credit(s): 1
    • MATH 222 - Calculus II  Credit(s): 4
    • Global Society (DPP) Credit(s): 4
    • World Language (102) Credit(s): 4
• Second Year
  • Fall - 14 Credits
    • PHYS 223 - Analytical Physics III  Credit(s): 3
    • PHYS 226 - Optics and Modern Physics Laboratory  Credit(s): 1
    • PHYS 261 - Programming in Physics  Credit(s): 3
    • MATH 223 - Calculus III  Credit(s): 4
    • Global Society (WCV) Credit(s): 3
  • Spring - 14 Credits
    • PHYS 224 - Analytical Physics IV  Credit(s): 3
    • PHYS 228 - Mathematical Methods in Physics  Credit(s): 2
    • MATH 326 - Differential Equations  Credit(s): 3
    • Global Society (CAI) Credit(s): 3
    • Global Society (CGC) Credit(s): 3
• Third Year - 16
  • Fall - 16 Credits
    • PHYS 311 - Classical Mechanics  Credit(s): 3
    • PHYS 352 - Quantum Mechanics I  Credit(s): 3
    • PHYS 362 - Intermediate Laboratory  Credit(s): 3
    • Lab Science I Credit(s): 4
    • Global Society (SST) Credit(s): 3
  • Spring - 15 Credits
    • PHYS 341 - Seminar in Physics  Credit(s): 1
    • PHYS 463 - Instrumentation and Interfacing  Credit(s): 2 or PHYS 472 - Undergraduate Research  Credit(s): 2
    • PHYS 300-level Elective Credit(s): 3
    • Lab Science II Credit(s): 4
    • Elective Credit(s): 3
    • Elective Credit(s): 2
• Fourth Year
  • Fall - 15 Credits
    • PHYS 335 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I  Credit(s): 3
    • PHYS 300-level Elective Credit(s): 3
    • Integrative & Applied Learning Credit(s): 3
    • Elective Credit(s): 3
    • Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Spring - 14 Credits
    • PHYS 344 - Statistical Thermodynamics  Credit(s): 3
    • Elective Credit(s): 4
    • Elective Credit(s): 4
    • Elective Credit(s): 3

Total Credits: 120

Notes:

1. Lab Science I and II must be taken in the same discipline.

2. Variation in the order of courses is possible, depending upon prerequisites. Consult course information in the bulletin or your academic advisor to customize your eight semester plan.  

KEY - Participation in a Global Society (PGS)

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Learning Areas