15 semester hours of electives are required for the Applied Physics Focus. Here are the requirements of the electives:
- The course cannot already be required by the physics major program (e.g. a required prerequisite or part of the core)
- Students following the new General Education requirements can apply up to two Theme GE courses to their major as Applied Electives. The courses must be in different Themes (one in Citizenship for a Just and Diverse World and one in the “choice” Theme). No overlap is allowed between the Foundations GE categories and major coursework. This does not apply to students following the Legacy GE requirements where no overlap in the major is permitted.
- The course must be graded A-E as opposed to pass/non-pass (with the exception of SP20 and AU20 courses) or satisfactory/unsatisfactory
- The course must be 2000 level or above
- Seminars and undergraduate research courses cannot count
Students are encouraged to choose a set of electives appropriate for their career plans. Below is a list of recommended popular elective options for Physics majors. Keep in mind that none of these courses are required and that it is up to you to work with a physics advisor to come up with an appropriate set of electives for your career plans. (^ indicates that the course is also approved as a GE Theme):
Non-Physics Courses
Astronomy 2140 – Planets and the Solar System^
Astronomy 2141 – Life in the Universe^
Chemistry 2510 & 2520 – Organic Chemistry I & II
Chemistry 2540 & 2550 – Organic Chemistry Laboratory I & II
Civil Engineering 3530 – Learning From Disasters: Extreme Events and Their Impact on Infrastructure, Engineering and Society^
Communication 2110 – Principles of Effective Public Speaking
Communication 2331 – Strategic Communication Principles^
Communication 2596 – Communicating Science, Health, Environment, & Risk^
Communication 3240 – Science Communication
Communication 3404 – Media Law and Ethics
CSE 2221 – Software 1
Earth Sciences 2203 – Environmental Geoscience^
Earth Sciences 2911 – The Climate Crisis: Mechanisms, Impacts, and Mitigation^
ECE 2020 – Introduction to Analog Systems and Circuits
ECE 3030 – Semiconductor Electronic Devices
ECE 5037 – Solid State Electronics and Photonics Laboratory
ECE 5537 – Semiconductor Device Characterization and Modeling Lab
English 3020 – Writing about Sustainability^
English 3022 – Media Sustainability^
English 3340 – Reimagining Climate Change^
English 3304 – Business and Professional Writing
English 3305 – Technical Writing
English 3405 – Professional Communication
Engineering 2300 – Exploring Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Engineering Contexts^
Geography 3755 – Geography of the European Union and the Challenges of Sustainability^
Geography 5900 – Weather, Climate, and Global Warming
Industrial and Systems Engineering 2040: Engineering Economics
Math 2568 – Linear Algebra
Math 4530- Probability
Math 4551 – Vector Analysis
Math 4552 – Complex Analysis
Math 4580 & 4581 – Abstract Algebra I & II
Math 5756 & 5757 – Mathematical Methods in Relativity Theory I & II
ME 3500 – Engineering Thermal Sciences
MSE 2010 – Introduction to Engineering Materials
Nuclear Engineering 4505 – Introduction to Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear Engineering 5606 – Nuclear Reactor Systems
Public Affairs 2120 – Public Service and Civic Engagement^
Public Affairs 2620 – Science, Engineering, and Technology Policy
Public Affairs 3620 – US Space Policy and the Global Space Economy
Public Affairs 5620 – Rapid Innovation for Public Impact
Physics Courses
Students pursuing the Applied Physics Focus are required to take one Physics Elective that is separate from the 15 hours of Applied Electives. A student can, however, take additional physics courses beyond the minimum that is required for the physics major Applied Focus. If a student takes several additional physics courses, one will be used to satisfy the Physics Elective requirement and the remaining courses can count toward the 15 hours of Applied Electives.
The physics courses that can count toward the Physics Elective or Applied Elective requirements are:
Physics 3470 - Optics
Physics 5261 - Environmental Soil Physics
Physics 5300 – Theoretical Mechanics
Physics 5401H – Honors Electromagnetism II (note that a non-honors equivalent is not available)
Physics 5501 or 5501H – Quantum Mechanics II
Physics 5600 – Statistical Mechanics
Contact your physics academic advisor if you have any questions about your degree requirements.