Physics (PHYS)
The Physics degree prepares students to explore and describe the natural world through mathematical reasoning, analytical thinking, and experimental techniques. Physics majors investigate the fundamental laws that govern matter, energy, space, and time—from subatomic particles to the structure of the universe. Coursework in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum physics, and computational modeling develops strong problem-solving skills and scientific literacy. The program emphasizes hands-on lab experience that builds confidence in experimental methods and data analysis, along with a flexible structure that lets students tailor their degree to match their career goals. With a solid foundation in critical thinking and quantitative reasoning, physics graduates are prepared for success in research, engineering, medicine, data science, education, and more. The major is constructed to combine well as a double major with another STEM degree including Engineering.
Curriculum in Physics (PHYS)
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| ENGL 1100 English Composition I | 3 | Core History or Literature1 | 3 |
| MATH 1610 Calculus I | 4 | ENGL 1120 English Composition II | 3 |
| PHYS 1100 Physics Orientation | 1 | MATH 1620 Calculus II | 4 |
| COMM 1000 Public Speaking | 3 | PHYS 1607 Honors Physics I or 1600 Engineering Physics I | 4 |
| Core Fine Arts | 3 | ||
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Core Literature | 3 | Core Humanities or Social Science2 | 3 |
| Core History | 3 | PHYS 2400 Mathematical and Computational Methods of Physics3 | 3 |
| MATH 2630 Calculus III | 4 | PHYS 2300 Physics Laboratory Skills | 3 |
| PHYS 1617 Honors Physics II or 1610 Engineering Physics II | 4 | Electives | 3 |
| PHYS 2200 Introductory Quantum Physics and Relativity | 3 | ||
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Core Social Science1 | 3 | Core Social Science | 3 |
| PHYS 2100 Intermediate Mechanics | 3 | PHYS 3200 Statistical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHYS 3100 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism | 3 | PHYS 4100 Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Science Electives4 | 4 | Science Elective4 | 4 |
| Electives | 3 | Electives | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| PHYS 4200 Fundamental Experiments in Physics | 3 | Professional Elective5 | 6 |
| Professional Elective5 | 6 | Physics Elective5 | 3 |
| Electives | 7 | Electives | 6 |
| UNIV 4AA0 Achieve the Creed6 | 0 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours: 120 | |||
- 1
Students must complete a two-course sequence in either HIST or LIT (for example, World History 1 and 2 or American Lit 1 and 2). For complete HIST and LIT sequence options, see the Bulletin.
- 2
If a LIT sequence is chosen, this course must be a CORE SOCIAL SCIENCE. If a HIST sequence is chosen, this course must be a CORE HUMANITIES.
- 3
Substitution of MATH 2650 and one of MATH 2660 or MATH 2667 is acceptable
- 4
Science Electives consist of a sequence of GEOL 1100- GEOL 1110 or CHEM 1030/CHEM 1031 – CHEM 1040/CHEM 1041 or BIOL 1020/BIOL 1021- BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031
- 5
PHYS and Professional Electives must be at the 3000 level or higher. A Plan of Study indicating choices and physics advisor approval for Physics and Professional electives must be on file in the Dean’s Office before scheduling those courses.
- 6
This course must be taken the semester of graduation.