Sample Major Programs
The Physics Department offers a special introductory sequence designed for physics majors. This sequence provides an excellent opportunity for incoming majors to begin their physics studies with ample individual attention. Class sizes are typically 15 to 25 students at all levels in the physics major program. The course requirements and suggested electives for graduate school bound students are shown in the chart below.
Sample Physics Major Program (for Graduate School Bound Students)
|
Major Core Minimum of BS |
Recommended Enhancements |
Required Related Subjects |
Required University |
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First Year |
Foundations of Physics I (251,252,253) Physics Lab. 1 (290 each term) 15 credits |
Calculus and Interdisciplinary Core courses 20 credits |
Composition 8 credits |
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Second Year |
Foundations of Physics II (351,352,353) Intermediate Lab (390) 16 credits |
Differential Equations and Several Variable Calculus 12 credits |
Group -satisfying courses from Arts and Letters and Social Sciences (16 credit hours in each) |
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Third Year |
Electricity, Magnetism & Electromagnetism (412,413) Mechanics (411) 6 cr. hours upper-division labs 22 credits |
Electives in Physics (from Electromagnetism, Optics, Math. Methods & Astrophysics)
|
Electives in Mathematics (from Complex Variables, Partial Diff. Equations, Linear Algebra) |
Multicultural Courses (2 courses) |
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Fourth Year |
Quantum Physics (414,415,417) 12 credits |
Physics Laboratories (from Electronics, Optics Advanced Lab) |
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Sample Physics Major Program for Applied Emphasis Students
Students who will seek employment in the technical arena with a bachelor’s degree in physics can follow the Applied Emphasis Track, outlined below:
|
Major Core Minimum of BS |
Recommended Enhancements |
Required Related Subjects |
Required University |
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|
First Year |
Foundations of Physics I (251,252,253) Physics Lab. 1 (290 each term) 15 credits |
Calculus and Interdisciplinary Core courses 20 credits |
Composition 8 credits |
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|
Second Year |
Foundations of Physics II (351,352,353) Intermediate Lab (390) 16 credits |
Differential Equations and Several Variable Calculus 12 credits |
Group -satisfying courses from Arts & Letters and Social Sciences (16 credit hrs. each) |
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|
Third Year |
Electricity & Magnetism (412,413) Intro. Quantum Mech. (354) Analog & Digital Electronics (431,432) 20 credits |
Electives in Physics (from Electromagnetism, Optics, Math. Methods & Astrophysics) |
Electives in Mathematics (from Complex Variables, Partial Diff. Equations, Linear Algebra) |
Multicultural Courses (2 courses) |
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|
Fourth Year |
Design of Experiments (481) 6 cr. hours upper-division labs 18 credits |
Physics Laboratories (from Physics Instrumentation, Modern Optics Lab, Advanced Lab) | ||||||
Sample Physics Major Program for Students Enrolled in the Robert D. Clark Honors College
|
Physics Major Core Minimum of BS |
Robert D. Clark Honor College |
Required and Optional Related Subjects |
Undergraduate Research Activities |
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| First Year |
Foundations of Physics I (251,252,253) Physics Lab. 1 (290 each term) 15 credits
|
Honors College Literature (HC 221H, 222H, 223H) 12 credits |
Calculus and Interdisciplinary Core courses
12-20 credits
|
For advanced students:Apply for and complete NSF REU program following summer | ||||
|
Second Year |
Foundations of Physics II (351,352,353) Intermediate Lab (390) 16 credits |
Honors College History (HC 231H, 232H, 233H) HC Colloquia (e.g., HC 421H, 431H, 441H)16-24 credits
|
Chemistry or Interdisciplinary Core courses (if not taken year 1) Differential Equations and Several Variable Calculus 12-20 credits |
Apply for and complete NSF REU program following summer | ||||
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Third Year |
Electricity & Magnetism (412,413, 422) 6 cr. hours upper-division labs (e.g., 431, 432) Research (401) 22 credits |
HC Colloquia (e.g., HC 421H, 431H, 441H) to total 5 courses between 2nd, 3rd and 4th year.
8-12 credits
|
Multicultural Courses (2 courses) Math Methods for Physics (410) 12+ credits
|
Begin research with physics-related research group. Continue work through following summer and fall. |
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Fourth Year |
Quantum Physics (414,415,417) Mechanics (411) Research (401)20 credits
|
HC Colloquia (e.g., HC 421H, 431H, 441H) to total 5 courses between 2nd, 3rd and 4th year. HC Thesis Prospectus (HC 477H)6 credits |
{ Optional electives in Physics (e.g., 410, 424-26, 427) and Mathematics (see above) } 4-12 credits |
Write Honors College Thesis (in physics research area) during fall/winter terms. Defend during spring term. |
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Students who wish to start physics their first year at the university should come prepared to study calculus.