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Degree Requirements

Check the boxes corresponding to the courses you have taken to see if you have satisfied the degree requirements. Course descriptions are available on the Registrar's site.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A DEGREE IN PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
COURSES Hours   BA in Physics1   BS in Physics2   BS in Physical Science2, 3   Minor in Physics
    Required: Required: Required: Required:
PHYS 171/141 Principles I
5
PHYS 172/142 Principles II
5
PHYS 173/143 Principles III
5
PHYS 300 Dynamics I
3
 
 
PHYS 305 Dynamics II
3
 
 
PHYS 310 Electromagnetics I
3
 
 
PHYS 315 Electromagnetics II
3
 
 
PHYS 320 Experimental I
2
 
PHYS 330 Optics
3
 
 
Choose one
 
PHYS 340 Thermal
3
 
 
 
PHYS 350 Electronics
4
 
 
 
PHYS 390 Independent Study
 
 
 
 
PHYS 420 Experimental II
2
 
PHYS 430 Atoms Mols. Rad. I
3
 
PHYS 435 Atoms Mols. Rad. II
3
 
 
 
 
PHYS 440 Subatomic
3
 
 
 
 
PHYS 450 Condensed Matter
3
 
 
 
 
PHYS 480 Research
 
 
 
 
Additional 300/400 level Physics:
Current tally:
11 hours
16 hours
2 hours
10 hours
MATH 170 Calculus I
5
 
 
MATH 180 Calculus II
5
 
 
MATH 190 Calculus III
5
 
 
MATH 200 Calculus IV
5
 
 
Additional 300/400 level Math
 
5 hours
 
 
CHEM 140/141 Gen Chem I
4
 
 
 
CHEM 150/151 Gen Chem II
4
 
 
 
CHEM 160/161 Gen Chem III
4
 
 
 
CHEM 240/241 Organic I
4
 
 
 
CHEM 250/251 Organic II
4
 
 
 
CHEM 260/261 Organic III
4
 
 
 
CHEM 280 Analytical
5
 
 
 
         

Students planning to pursue graduate study in physics or astronomy should include

  • Physics 440, 450 and 460.
Engineering students should complete
  • Physics 300 or 305, and 350;
  • Mathematics 200, 220 and 350; and
  • Chemistry 140/141, 150/151 and 160/161.
  • Computer Science courses are also recommended.
1 Core Curriculum Requirements for the B.A. in addition to the requirements for the major:
  • Mathematics 115, 116, 120, or 150;
  • 10 hours of foreign language;
  • Integrative Studies requirement;
  • 3 hours of Physical Education;
  • Senior Year Experience;
  • a total of at least 180 credits.
2 Core Curriculum Requirements for the B.S. in addition to the requirements for the major:
  • Mathematics 120 (or 115 and 116), 170, and 180v;
  • 15 hours of foreign language;
  • Integrative Studies requirement;
  • 3 hours of Physical Education;
  • Senior Year Experience;
  • a total of at least 180 credits.
3 Requirements for students seeking a license to teach Physical Science through the Secondary (7-12) Teacher Education Program appear in the Teacher Education Programs Handbook available upon request from the Education Department. Requirements for the major and the license may differ, but both must be met to become licensed, and the major must be completed to receive a bachelor's degree. To be recommended for teacher certification, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better.