The Bachelor of Science program offers several options. Each option is designed to meet the needs of a particular group of students although each is flexible enough to avoid limiting the student to a particular future program. Students take a logically-developed sequence of physics courses on a broad range of topics. The introductory sequence uses calculus, and later courses investigate single areas in greater depth, using more advanced mathematics. In advanced laboratory courses the physics student uses sophisticated equipment and sometimes has an opportunity to join a research team.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for this program are satisfied by the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University.

Program Requirements

Candidates must complete 120 credits in course work including satisfaction of the University General Education Requirements and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Group Requirements, as well as the Departmental major requirements cited below. All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the University and the College governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees.

Students must receive a grade of C- or better in all physics and/or astronomy courses, and a minimum grade of C- is required in prerequisite courses. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher for all course work is required for graduation.

Basic Requirements for All Options

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
PHY 2170 & PHY 2171	University Physics for Scientists I and University Physics Laboratory	5
PHY 2180 & PHY 2181	University Physics for Scientists II and University Physics Laboratory II	5
PHY 3300 & PHY 3310	Introductory Modern Physics and Introductory Modern Physics Laboratory	5
PHY 3500	Introduction to Thermal and Fluid Physics	3
PHY 3750	Introduction to Computational Methods	1
PHY 5200	Classical Mechanics I	4
MAT 2010	Calculus I	4
MAT 2020	Calculus II	4
MAT 2030	Calculus III	4
MAT 2150	Differential Equations and Matrix Algebra	4
CHM 1100 & CHM 1130	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory	5
Total Credits		44

Advanced Physics Option

This option is primarily for students who intend to go on to graduate study in physics. It also satisfies the requirements of industrial and governmental employers who demand a traditional education in physics.

Additional requirements beyond the Basic Requirements listed above:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
PHY 6400	Quantum Physics I	4
PHY 6500	Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics	4
PHY 6600	Electromagnetic Fields I	4
PHY 6850	Modern Physics Laboratory	2
PHY 6860	Computational Physics	3
Select one of the following:		5
PHY 5340 & PHY 5341	Optics and Optics Laboratory
PHY 5620 & PHY 5621	Electronics and Electrical Measurements and Electronics and Electrical Measurements Laboratory
Select two of the following:		6
PHY 6260	Survey of Elementary Particle Physics
PHY 6270	Survey of Nuclear Physics
PHY 6290	Survey of Biophysics
Total Credits		28

Engineering and Applied Physics Option

The B.S. degree in the Engineering and Applied Physics option is intended to provide the interdisciplinary training that is required for a variety of applied fields, while still providing an understanding of the physical foundations of those fields. Programs are designed to combine fundamental physics courses with engineering and other science courses, in order to prepare students for careers in industry (particularly engineering fields) as well as graduate programs  in these areas. There is sufficient flexibility in this program that a set of courses can be designed to match a student’s interest in such areas as semiconductor physics, material physics, computational physics, biophysics, optics and laser physics, and other areas. Students interested in enriching their education with on-the-job experience may apply for internships with cooperating research laboratories by contacting the departmental undergraduate advisor.

Additional requirements beyond the Basic Requirements listed above:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
PHY 6600	Electromagnetic Fields I	4
PHY 5340 & PHY 5341	Optics and Optics Laboratory	5
PHY 5620 & PHY 5621	Electronics and Electrical Measurements and Electronics and Electrical Measurements Laboratory	5
PHY 6850	Modern Physics Laboratory	2
Select one of the following:		2-3
PHY 6750	Applied Computational Methods
PHY 6860	Computational Physics
Select one of the following:		3-4
PHY 6400	Quantum Physics I
PHY 6500	Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Select one of the following:		3
PHY 6260	Survey of Elementary Particle Physics
PHY 6270	Survey of Nuclear Physics
PHY 6290	Survey of Biophysics
Total Credits		24-26