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Summary of Physics Options

The B.S. in Physics is a degree conferred by the College of Arts and Sciences.  It is a degree which prepares a student for either direct employment after graduation or in the pursuit of an advanced degree.

The Physics program requirements are composed of a core, which all physics majors must take, and a set of electives chosen arranged in six possible options depending on the interests of the student.

Core Requirements

  • Required Physics: 51 hours.  This is the minimum, as most options require additional physics courses.
    • Physics 131, 132, 133, 261, 262, 263, 295, 416, 555, 631, 596, 621, 616
  • Required Math: 27 hours:
    • Calculus and Analytic Geometry: Math 151, 152, 153, 254 or Math 161, 162, 263 (accelerated sequence)
    • Vector Analysis: Math 513: Vector Analysis for Engineers or Math 551: Vector Analysis for Applications
    • Differential Equations: Math 415: Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
  • Prerequisite Courses: CS&E 202 (a prereq for Physics 416)
  • GEC Requirements: 70 credit hours. 

Suggested Courses

  • Math 514: Complex Variables - Introduction to complex variables, analytic functions, complex integral theorems, power series, residues, and conformal mapping.  3 credit hours.
  • Math 580/581: Abstract Algebra - Elementary number theory, group theory, vector spaces, linear transformations, and field theory.

Physics Option Requirements

Option A - Advanced Physics

This option is designed for those intending graduate level work in physics or astronomy. It provides an excellent preparation for graduate school.

  • Additional required physics courses (28 hours): Physics 517, 622, 664, 632, 633, 656, 657
  • Additional required math: Math 568 or 571
  • Free electives (12 hours): these electives are only needed if the student has not reached the 181 credit hour minimum required by the College of Arts and Sciences to graduate.

Option B - Physical, Mathematical, and Engineering Sciences

This option is designed for physics majors with a strong interest in other areas of the physical sciences including engineering, earth sciences, astronomy, and math.  Students completing this option are prepared to pursue physics related areas or enter the job market with skills in engineering or other sciences.  Note: Option B is not to be confused with the Engineering Physics program.

  • Additional required physics courses (12 hours): Physics 632, 656, 517
  • Required Technical Electives (19 hours): Math 568 plus 16 hours of technical electives of 200 level and above courses.  Examples of appropriate electives include classes in Physics, Astronomy, Math, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Statistics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, etc.

Option C - Biophysics and Biomedical Physics

This option is designed for physics majors who have an interest in biophysics or biomedical physics.  This option is appropriate for someone looking to pursue graduate level work in Medical Physics, but it is not appropriate as a pre-med curriculum.

  • Additional required physics courses (4 hours): Physics 517 or 622 or 632 or 656
  • Required GEC courses: Chemistry 121 and Biology 113
  • Required Technical Electives (24 hours): Chemistry 122, 123, 251, and 252.  Plus 8 hours of electives from 200 level or above courses.  Appropriate electives include Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, Plant Biology, etc.

Option D - Premed Option

This option is designed for those intending to go to medical school.  It satisfies all of the medical school admission requirements, when combined with the required physics and math courses in the physics core curriculum.  Contact a pre-med advisor in the College of Arts & Sciences for more information about medical school admissions requirements.

  • Additional required physics courses: none
  • Required GEC courses: Biology 113, 114
  • Required Technical Electives (40 hours): Chemistry 121, 123, 123, Chemistry 251, 252, 253, 254, 255
  • Molecular Genetics 500 or Biochemistry 511

Option E - Secondary Education

This option is designed for those seeking secondary level certification in physics (i.e., to be a high school teacher).  It has been designed to satisfy the College of Education Master of Education (Physics Certification) curriculum.  If you are interested in this option, contact the College of Education for further information.

  • Additional required physics course: Physics 670
  • Required GEC courses: Biology 113 and Chemistry 112
  • Required Technical Electives: Chemistry 122, 123, Earth Sciences 110 or 122, Astronomy 291, and Geography 520.

Option F - Personalized Program Option

This option is designed for those with special interests not covered in options A though E.  The technical electives in this option can include courses outside of the physical sciences and engineering, such as history or science, economics, meteorology, business, or journalism.

  • Additional required physics courses (4 hours): Physics 517 or 622 or 656 or 632
  • 18 credit hours of electives which must be 200 level or above and approved by the Undergraduate Studies Committee in the Department of Physics.