Physics (BS)
The Physics major provides rigorous training in mathematics and physics with courses in statistical thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism and quantum mechanics as well as labs in optics, and electronics. Physics graduates pursue careers in industry, government labs, economics, and medicine. The program also prepares students for graduate education in physics, computer science, engineering, and law. Pre-health physics majors often receive high placement scores on the MCAT and other entrance exams.
Curriculum
The physics major includes courses in all the fundamental areas of physics at the beginning and intermediate level. Students have the opportunity to take special topics courses that provide an advanced background in specific areas of physics. The curriculum includes a strong background in mathematics, laboratory experience, and computer methods. A minimum grade of C- must be earned to satisfy a course requirement and a 2.0 minimum overall GPA is required for each major or minor. Final confirmation of degree requirements is subject to department, school, and university approval.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Physics I | ||
| PHYS 121 & PHYS 111L | College Physics I with Calculus Lecture/Discussion and College Physics Laboratory I | 4 |
| Physics II | ||
| PHYS 122 & PHYS 112L | College Physics II with Calculus Lecture/Discussion and College Physics Lab II | 4 |
| Required Physics Courses | ||
| PHYS 126F | Freshman Projects | 1 |
| PHYS 130 | Introduction to Computational Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 235 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 235L | Modern Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 301 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 303 | Electronics I | 3 |
| PHYS 303L | Electronics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 310 | Optics | 3 |
| PHYS 310L | Optics Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 314 | Theoretical Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 328 | Thermal Physical & Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 338 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 2 |
| PHYS 351 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 361 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| Ancillary Math | ||
| MATH 161 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 263 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 264 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 56 | |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| PHYS 121 | College Physics I with Calculus Lecture/Discussion | 3 |
| PHYS 111L | College Physics Laboratory I | 1 |
| MATH 161 | Calculus I | 4 |
| UCWR 110 | Writing Responsibly | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 122 | College Physics II with Calculus Lecture/Discussion | 3 |
| PHYS 112L | College Physics Lab II | 1 |
| PHYS 126F | Freshman Projects | 1 |
| MATH 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 130 | Introduction to Computational Physics | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 235 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 235L | Modern Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH 263 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 264 | Ordinary Differential Equations 1 | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| General Elective | 2 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 301 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 314 | Theoretical Mechanics I | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 351 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 328 | Thermal Physical & Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 361 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 310 | Optics | 3 |
| PHYS 310L | Optics Lab | 1 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 303 | Electronics I 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 303L | Electronics Laboratory 2 | 1 |
| Core | 3 | |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| General Electives | 2 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 338 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 2 |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
Students can take MATH 264 in the spring semester of their second year, but it would be best taken before PHYS 301.
- 2
Students can take PHYS 303 & PHYS 303L in the fall semester of their third or fourth year. Many choose to take it in the fourth year if the third year spring is already challenging.
College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test. More information can be found here.
Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101. SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101. Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101. You can find more information in the University Requirements area.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge in the physical sciences and the acquisition of new knowledge via the scientific method
- Understand and be able to employ laboratory techniques and computer skills used in physical science labs.
- Use mathematical techniques to model physical systems and extract both quantitative and qualitative descriptions of their behavior.
- Collect and analyze data to develop, refine, or falsify scientific theories.
- Learn effective and ethical methods for collaborating with others on scientific and technical projects.