The Physics concentration provides a broad background in physics that serves as a base for later specialization, either in graduate school or on the job. It is designed for those seeking greater insight into physics and an introduction to more advanced topics and methods. Students who obtain a degree in Physics with the Physics concentration are prepared for a career in industry or government, or for advanced study at the graduate level.
Effective Fall 2023
Each course used to meet requirements of the concentration need a minimum grade of C-, including courses to satisfy AUCC Categories 1, 2, and 3A.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| AUCC | Credits | ||
| CO 150 | College Composition (GT-CO2) | 1A | 3 |
| Select one of the following groups: | 5 | ||
| Culture and Coding: Python (GT-AH3) | 3B | ||
Electives | |||
| or | |||
| Python for STEM | |||
| 3B | |||
| MATH 160 | Calculus for Physical Scientists I (GT-MA1) | 1B | 4 |
| MATH 161 | Calculus for Physical Scientists II (GT-MA1) | 1B | 4 |
| PH 141 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (GT-SC1) | 3A | 5 |
| PH 142 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (GT-SC1) | 3A | 5 |
| PH 193 | Introductory Seminar in Physics | 1 | |
| Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | 1C | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| MATH 261 | Calculus for Physical Scientists III | 4 | |
| Select one from the following: | 4 | ||
| Intro to Ordinary Differential Equations | |||
| Differential Equations | |||
| PH 210 | Introduction to Computing in Physics | 3 | |
| PH 2451 | Introduction to Electronics | 3 | |
| PH 293 | Selected Topics in Physics | 1 | |
| PH 314 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 4 | |
| PH 315 | Modern Physics Laboratory | 2 | |
| Arts and Humanities | 3B | 3 | |
| Historical Perspectives | 3D | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3C | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Select one from the following:2 | 3 | ||
| Advanced Scientific Writing--Chemistry (GT-CO3) | 2 | ||
| Writing Arguments (GT-CO3) | 2 | ||
| Writing in the Disciplines: Sciences (GT-CO3) | 2 | ||
| Strategic Writing and Communication (GT-CO3) | 2 | ||
| Specialized Professional Writing | 2 | ||
| MATH 369 | Linear Algebra I | 3 | |
| PH 341 | Mechanics | 4 | |
| PH 3511 | Electricity and Magnetism | 4 | |
| PH 353 | Optics and Waves | 4 | |
| PH 361 | Physical Thermodynamics | 3 | |
| Mathematics and Statistics List (select a minimum of 3 credits) | 3 | ||
| Electives3 | 6 | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | ||
| Senior | |||
| PH 425 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 4C | 2 |
| PH 451 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics I | 4A,4B | 3 |
| PH 452 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics II | 3 | |
| PH 462 | Statistical Physics | 3 | |
| PH 492 | Seminar | 4C | 1 |
| Technical Course List (select at least two courses from the list below) | 6 | ||
| Electives3 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 120 | ||
Mathematics and Statistics List (select a minimum of 3 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 317 | Advanced Calculus of One Variable | 3 |
| MATH 332 | Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 366 | Introduction to Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 419 | Introduction to Complex Variables | 3 |
| MATH 430/ECE 430 | Fourier and Wavelet Analysis with Apps | 3 |
| MATH 466 | Abstract Algebra I | 3 |
| MATH 469 | Linear Algebra II | 3 |
| MATH 472 | Introduction to Topology | 3 |
| MATH 474 | Introduction to Differential Geometry | 3 |
| PH 571 | Mathematical Methods for Physics I | 3 |
| STAT 315 | Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics | 3 |
| STAT 420 | Probability and Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
Technical Course List (select a minimum of 6 credits from a minimum of 2 courses not taken elsewhere in the program)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ATS 550 | Atmospheric Radiation and Remote Sensing | 3 |
| BC 411 | Physical Biochemistry | 4 |
| CBE 331 | Momentum Transfer and Mechanical Separations | 3 |
| CBE 332 | Heat and Mass Transfer Fundamentals | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I (GT-SC2) | 4 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry Lab I (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| CHEM 113 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 114 | General Chemistry Lab II | 1 |
| CHEM 120 | Foundations of Modern Chemistry (GT-SC2) | 4 |
| CHEM 121 | Foundations of Modern Chemistry Laboratory (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| CHEM 231 | Foundations of Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 241 | Foundations of Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 245 | Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 263 | Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 341 | Modern Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 345 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 474 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CIVE 300 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| CIVE 301 | Fluid Mechanics Laboratory | 1 |
| CS 220 | Discrete Structures and their Applications 4 | 4 |
| CS 270 | Computer Organization 4 | 4 |
| CS 320 | Algorithms--Theory and Practice | 3 |
| CS 345 | Machine Learning Foundations and Practice | 3 |
| ECE 312 | Linear System Analysis II | 3 |
| ECE 331 | Electronics Principles I | 4 |
| ECE 332 | Electronics Principles II | 4 |
| ECE 404 | Experiments in Optical Electronics | 2 |
| ECE 415 | Semiconductor Physics and Junctions | 2 |
| ECE 441 | Optical Electronics | 3 |
| ECE 444 | Antennas and Radiation | 3 |
| ECE 507 | Plasma Physics and Applications | 3 |
| ECE 546 | Laser Fundamentals and Devices | 3 |
| ERHS 450 | Introduction to Radiation Biology | 3 |
| ERHS 530 | Radiological Physics and Dosimetry I | 3 |
| ERHS 531 | Nuclear Instruments and Measurements | 2 |
| GEOL 578 | Global Seismology | 4 |
| MATH 317 | Advanced Calculus of One Variable | 3 |
| MATH 332 | Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 366 | Introduction to Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 405 | Introduction to Number Theory | 3 |
| MATH 419 | Introduction to Complex Variables | 3 |
| MATH 430/ECE 430 | Fourier and Wavelet Analysis with Apps | 3 |
| MATH 450 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis I | 3 |
| MATH 451 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis II | 3 |
| MATH 466 | Abstract Algebra I | 3 |
| MATH 467 | Abstract Algebra II | 3 |
| MATH 469 | Linear Algebra II | 3 |
| MATH 472 | Introduction to Topology | 3 |
| MATH 474 | Introduction to Differential Geometry | 3 |
| MECH 331 | Introduction to Engineering Materials | 4 |
| MECH 344 | Heat and Mass Transfer | 3 |
| MECH 460 | Aeronautics | 3 |
| MECH 468 | Space Propulsion and Power Engineering | 3 |
| MECH 518 | Orbital Mechanics | 3 |
| PH 498 | Research 4 | 1-6 |
| PH 517 | Chaos, Fractals, and Nonlinear Dynamics | 3 |
| PH 521 | Introduction to Lasers | 3 |
| PH 522 | Introductory Laser Laboratory | 1 |
| PH 531 | Introductory Condensed Matter Physics | 3 |
| PH 561 | Elementary Particle Physics | 3 |
| PH 571 | Mathematical Methods for Physics I | 3 |
| STAT 315 | Intro to Theory and Practice of Statistics | 3 |
| STAT 341 | Statistical Data Analysis I | 3 |
| STAT 400 | Statistical Computing | 3 |
| STAT 420 | Probability and Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| STAT 421 | Introduction to Stochastic Processes | 3 |
| STAT 430 | Probability and Mathematical Statistics II | 3 |
| STAT 440 | Bayesian Data Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 460 | Applied Multivariate Analysis | 3 |
- 1
For students who change majors from Electrical Engineering or are double-majoring in Electrical Engineering, please see advisor for possible substitutions.
- 2
CHEM 301 and CO 301B are recommended. Other courses in All-University Core Curriculum (AUCC) Category 2 may be accepted as substitutes if they are taken prior to declaring the Physics major or are taken to meet requirements of another major.
- 3
Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300-, 400-level).
- 4
Only 3 credits from this course are applied towards the Technical Electives requirement.
Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:
Required PH courses above the 100-Level are typically offered only Fall or Spring, not both. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses used to meet requirements of the major, except for unrestricted electives and courses taken to satisfy All-University Core Curriculum (AUCC) categories 1A, 1C, 3B, 3C, and 3D.
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| CO 150 | College Composition (GT-CO2) | X | 1A | 3 | |
| MATH 160 | Calculus for Physical Scientists I (GT-MA1) | X | 1B | 4 | |
| PH 141 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (GT-SC1) | X | 3A | 5 | |
| PH 193 | Introductory Seminar in Physics | 1 | |||
| Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | 1C | 3 | |||
| Total Credits | 16 | ||||
| Semester 2 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| Select one group from the following: | 3-5 | ||||
| Group A: | |||||
| Culture and Coding: Python (GT-AH3) | 3B | ||||
Electives | |||||
| Group B: | |||||
| Python for STEM | |||||
| 3B | |||||
| MATH 161 | Calculus for Physical Scientists II (GT-MA1) | X | 1B | 4 | |
| PH 142 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (GT-SC1) | X | 3A | 5 | |
| CS 150B, MATH 160, and PH 141 must be completed by the end of Semester 2. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 14 | ||||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Semester 3 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| MATH 261 | Calculus for Physical Scientists III | X | 4 | ||
| PH 210 | Introduction to Computing in Physics | 3 | |||
| PH 245 | Introduction to Electronics | 3 | |||
| PH 293 | Selected Topics in Physics | 1 | |||
| Historical Perspectives | 3D | 3 | |||
| MATH 161 and PH 142 must be completed by the end of Semester 3. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 14 | ||||
| Semester 4 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| Select one course from the following: | 4 | ||||
| Intro to Ordinary Differential Equations | X | ||||
| Differential Equations | |||||
| PH 314 | Introduction to Modern Physics | X | 4 | ||
| PH 315 | Modern Physics Laboratory | X | 2 | ||
| Arts and Humanities | 3B | 3 | |||
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3C | 3 | |||
| MATH 261 must be completed by the end of Semester 4. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 16 | ||||
| Junior | |||||
| Semester 5 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| MATH 369 | Linear Algebra I | 3 | |||
| PH 341 | Mechanics | X | 4 | ||
| PH 353 | Optics and Waves | X | 4 | ||
| Mathematics and Statistics List (Select a minimum of 3 credits from List on Concentration Requirements Tab) | 3 | ||||
| MATH 340 and PH 245 must be completed by the end of Semester 5. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 14 | ||||
| Semester 6 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| PH 351 | Electricity and Magnetism | X | 4 | ||
| PH 361 | Physical Thermodynamics | X | 3 | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | ||||
| Advanced Scientific Writing--Chemistry (GT-CO3) | 2 | ||||
| Writing Arguments (GT-CO3) | 2 | ||||
| Writing in the Disciplines: Sciences (GT-CO3) | 2 | ||||
| Specialized Professional Writing | 2 | ||||
| Elective | 6 | ||||
| PH 293, PH 314, and PH 315 must be completed by the end of Semester 6. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 16 | ||||
| Senior | |||||
| Semester 7 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| PH 451 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics I | X | 4A,4B | 3 | |
| PH 462 | Statistical Physics | X | 3 | ||
| Technical Course List (See Technical Course List on Concentration Requirements Tab) | 3 | ||||
| Electives | 6 | ||||
| PH 341 and PH 353 must be completed by the end of Semester 7. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 15 | ||||
| Semester 8 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
| PH 425 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | X | 4C | 2 | |
| PH 452 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics II | X | 3 | ||
| PH 492 | Seminar | X | 4C | 1 | |
| Technical Course List (See Technical Course List on Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 3 | |||
| Electives | X | 6 | |||
| The benchmark courses for the 8th semester are the remaining courses in the entire program of study. | X | ||||
| Total Credits | 15 | ||||
| Program Total Credits: | 120 | ||||