Physics, BS

B.S. Degree Requirements

Required PHY Courses

1. PHY 215& PHY 225

   General Physics I for Scientistsand Experiencing Physics I

   Not resolved to a course
   5
2. PHY 216& PHY 226

   General Physics II for Scientistsand Experiencing Physics II

   Not resolved to a course
   5
3. PHY 302

   Mathematical Skills for Physicists
   3
4. PHY 443

   Experimental Physics
   4
5. PHY 360

   Vibrations, Waves and Thermal Physics
   3
6. PHY 361

   Statistical Physics and Quantum Phenomena
   3
7. PHY 365

   Experiencing Physics III
   2
8. PHY 366

   Experiencing Physics IV
   2
9. PHY 523

   Advanced Mechanics
   3
10. PHY 524

    Electromagnetics I
    3
11. PHY 531

    Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
    3
12. PHY 567

    Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I
    3

Note: Students declaring a Physics B.S. after having successfully completed PHY 211, PHY 221, PHY 212, and PHY 222 are not required to take PHY 215, PHY 225, PHY 216, and PHY 226 but will need to earn at least 2 additional credits in any PHY or AST courses with the approval of the Physics Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Mathematics

1. MAT 295

   Calculus I
   4
2. MAT 296

   Calculus II
   4
3. MAT 397

   Calculus III
   4

Upper-division PHY electives

1. The B.S. degree requires at least 1 additional credit hour of upper-division coursework beyond the required core of physics coursework. There are typically several courses offered each year in addition to the possibility of receiving credit for research, theses, or the seminar in physics education. Students considering graduate work in physics are strongly encouraged to take PHY 525 (Electromagnetics II) and PHY 568 (Quantum Mechanics II).

   Not resolved to a course
   1

Students are also encouraged to take an introductory lecture and lab course from another scientific discipline, including chemistry, biology, or earth science.