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PHYSICS MAJOR (PHYS)

Program Effective: Fall 2004
(Click here for earlier programs.)

Quick References
  • PHYS Curriculum Guide (PDF)
  • PHYS Matriculation Worksheet (Excel)
    1. MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (38 Credits)
      1. Required Physics Courses (24 Credits)
        CODECOURSECREDITS
        PHYS 191General Physics I4
        PHYS 192General Physics II4
        PHYS 210Mechanics4
        PHYS 240Electricity and Magnetism4
        PHYS 350Optics4
        PHYS 460Modern Physics4

      2. Elective Physics Courses: Choose a minimum of 14 credit hours from the list below
        CODECOURSECREDITS
        PHYS 242Circuit Theory3
        PHYS 245Electronics and Digital Circuits3
        PHYS 247Microprocessors and Applications3
        PHYS 280Astronomy4
        PHYS 310Advanced Mechanics3
        PHYS 320Thermodynamics3
        PHYS 340Adv. Electricity and Magnetism3
        PHYS 377Mathematical Physics3
        PHYS 410Fluid Mechanics3
        PHYS 430Computer Simulations of Physical Systems3
        PHYS 462Nuclear Physics4
        PHYS 464Quantum Mechanics3
        PHYS 470Solid State Physics3
        PHYS 490Literature Research in Physics2
        PHYS 495Laboratory Research in Physics1-4
        GEOS 112Physical Geology4

    2. REQUIRED COLLATERAL COURSES. Complete the following 27 credits
      CODECOURSECREDITS
      MATH 122Calculus I4
      MATH 221Calculus II4
      MATH 222Calculus III4
      MATH 420Differential Equations4
      CMPT 183Foundations of Computer Science I3
      CHEM 120General Chemistry I4
      CHEM 121General Chemistry II4


    3. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS. 44-47 Semester Hours
      Core:
      1. New Student Seminar (1 credit):
        CODE COURSE CREDITS
        MATH 102 New Student Experience for Mathematical Sciences 1

      2. Interdisciplinary Core (9 credits):
        # CODE COURSE CREDITS
        B1 GNED 201 Contemporary Issues I: Scientific Issues 3
        B2 GNED 202 Contemporary Issues II: National Issues 3
        B3 GNED 303 Contemporary Issues III: Global Issues 3

      Distribution:
      1. Communication (9 credits):
        C1 Writing/Literature 3 credits
        C1 Writing/Literature 3 credits
        C2 Communication 3 credits

      2. Fine and Performing Arts (3 credits):
        D Fine and Performing Arts 3 credits
        * Meets Multicultural Awareness Requirement.
        ** For honors program students only.

      3. World Languages (3-6 credits):
        E World Languages 3-6 credits

      4. Humanities (6 credits):
        F1 World Literature or General Humanities 3 credits
        F2 Philosophy or Religion 3 credits

      5. Computer Science (0-credit included in major) ... (CMPT 183)
      6. Mathematics (0-credit included in major) ... (MATH 122,221)
      7. Natural/Physical Science (0-credit included in major) ... (PHYS 191)

      8. Physical Education (1 credit):
        J Physical Education 1 credit

      9. Social Science (9 credits):
        K1 American or European History 3 credits
        K2 Non-Western Cultural Perspectives 3 credits
        K3 Social Science 3 credits
        * Meets Multicultural Awareness Requirement.
        ** For honors program students only.

      10. General Education Elective (3)

    4. FREE ELECTIVE CREDITS. 8-11 Semester Hours

    MINIMUM TOTAL FOR GRADUATION: 120 Semester Hours