Physics B.A./B.S.

This program is recommended for students who wish to obtain industrial employment or who wish to continue their studies for an advanced degree in physics, engineering, science or applied mathematics. Students who successfully complete this program will have a good understanding of the role of physics within the sciences and within society. Graduates of this program will have a solid understanding of the principles and foundations of classical and modern theories of physics. They will have practiced the methods and techniques of experimental physics; they will have practical experience in utilizing the analytical and modeling tools of physics. This rigorous program of study develops analytical, problem solving and communication skills which are valuable in a wide range of employment areas.  This program requires a second major or minor.

Physics is commonly held as the most fundamental science.  Physicists work to understand the dynamics of our universe from the smallest scales to the largest, and to express this understanding using the smallest possible number of laws and principles.  Physics students develop a facility with mathematics and an intuition for solving complicated physical problems using fundamental principles.  The curriculum for physics majors includes core courses in physics, mathematics and related sciences, plus a selection of core curriculum requirements.  Physics prepares students for careers in industry, education, and advanced study in nearly any technical or engineering field.  Physics is also an excellent choice of major for pre-medical or pre-law students.

The faculty of the Department of Physics and Astronomy are active researchers in nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, organic semi conducter physics, astronomy and astrophysics, and physics education research.  Participation in research programs by undergraduates is strongly encouraged.  Facilities include our Organic Semiconductor Physics Laboratory, Surface Physics Laboratory, Campus Observatory, and research grade telescopes (located in Arizona, Chile, and on the island of La Palma) available via our membership in the SARA Telescope Consortium.

Physics is commonly held as the most fundamental science.  Physicists work to understand the dynamics of our universe from the smallest scales to the largest, and to express this understanding using the smallest possible number of laws and principles.  Physics students develop a facility with mathematics and an intuition for solving complicated physical problems using fundamental principles.  The curriculum for physics majors includes core courses in physics, mathematics and related sciences, plus a selection of core curriculum requirements.  Physics prepares students for careers in industry, education, and advanced study in nearly any technical or engineering field.  Physics is also an excellent choice of major for pre-medical or pre-law students.

The faculty of the Department of Physics and Astronomy are active researchers in nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, astronomy and astrophysics, and physics education research.  Participation in research programs by undergraduates is strongly encouraged.  Facilities include our Organic Semiconductor Physics Laboratory, Surface Physics Laboratory, our 16-inch Campus Observatory, and the research grade telescopes (located in Arizona, Chile, and on the island of La Palma) available via our membership in the SARA Telescope Consortium.

Core Curriculum Courses
See the Core Curriculum Requirements42
Required courses in the major
PHYS 101Physics and Astronomy Seminar1
University Physics I *
PHYS 2426University Physics II4
PHYS 317Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering3
PHYS 321Modern Physics3
PHYS 333Wave Motion, Acoustics, and Optics4
PHYS 335Advanced Physics Laboratory3
Choose two from the following:6
Classical Mechanics
Electricity and Magnetism
Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Emphasis courses
PHYS 119Introduction to Python Computer Programming for the Physical Sciences1
PHYS 319Computational Physics with Python3
PHYS 332Electronics for Scientists and Engineers4
PHYS 401Current Topics in Physics and Astronomy (1 sh, must be repeated for total of 2 sh)2
6 SCH additional PHYS 400-level6
PHYS or ASTR or MATH (Adv)9
Support courses **
Calculus I *
Calculus II
MATH 2415Calculus III4
MATH 2320Differential Equations3
MATH 2318Linear Algebra3
General and Quantitative Chemistry I *
CHEM 1111General and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I1
Second Major or Minor or Electives
18 - 23 semester hours required in second major or minor or electives18-23
Total Hours120-125
*

 This course should be taken to fulfill Core Curriculum Requirements.

**

These courses may apply on the second major or minor.

 

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First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
PHYS 1011MATH 24144
PHYS 1191PHYS 24264
MATH 24134CHEM 13113
PHYS 24254CHEM 11111
CID 23013Core Requirement3
Core Requirement3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MATH 24154MATH 23203
PHYS 3334PHYS 3213
Core Requirement3PHYS 3193
Core Requirement3Core Requirement3
 Core Requirement3
 14 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MATH 23183PHYS 4011
PHYS 3173PHYS 412 or 420*3
PHYS 3353Adv PHYS/ASTR/MATH Elective3
PHYS 411 or 414*3Minor / 2nd Major Course3
Core Requirement3Minor / 2nd Major Course3
 Core Requirement3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
PHYS 4011PHYS 420 or 412*3
PHYS 414 or 411*3PHYS 3324
Adv PHY/ASTR/MATH Elective3Minor / 2nd Major Course3
Minor / 2nd Major Course3Minor / 2nd Major Course3
Minor / 2nd Major Course3Core Requirement3
Core Requirement3 
 16 16
Total Hours: 123
*

PHYS 400-level courses only taught on alternate years