Mar 29, 2024  
University Catalog 2022-2023 
    
University Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics (BS)


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CIP Code = 400801

Physics Curriculum (BS)


This curriculum is designed to give a broad and fundamental knowledge of the priniciples of physics as well as an introduction to the techniques of physics research.  Although the primary aim of the basic curriculum is to prepare the student for graduate work in physics, sufficient specialized courses are available to prepare the graduate for jobs in industry and in various government laboratories.  A physics major is an excellent choice for the pre-medical student.

Requirements for a Major in Physics

Each student majoring in physics is required to follow the physics curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in physics.

The physics program offers a Medical Physics track.  This track is for students wishing to pursue a career in Medical Physics, but also provides the appropriate background for those students seeking to enter Medical School.

A set of convenience substitutions are also suggested for students that want to concurrently obtain a degree in Electrical Engineering.  Scroll down for details.

For students interested in interdisciplinary fields involving physics, it is suggested that the physics curriculum be followed with all electives taken in the other field of interest.

Freshman Year


Natural Sciences (GER)


English (GER)


Humanities (GER)


Mathematics (GER)


Major Courses


Total: 30 SCH


Sophomore Year


Fine Arts (GER)


Humanities (GER)


  • Humanities (GER) 3 Semester Credit Hours

Social/Behavioral Sciences (GER)


  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (GER) 3 Semester Credit Hours

Major Courses


Total: 30 SCH


Junior Year


Humanities (GER)


  • Humanities (GER) 3 Semester Credit Hours

Social/Behavioral Sciences (GER)


  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (GER) 3 Semester Credit Hours

Major Courses


Total: 31 SCH


Senior Year


Major Courses


Total: 29 SCH


Total Semester Hours 120


The Physics program requires a “C” or better in any course in the College of Engineering and Science prior to taking courses for which these are prerequisites.  The Physics program also requires a “C” or better in PHYS 424  .

*Directed electives can be chosen from advanced Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or Chemistry courses and must include at least one computer programming course such as CSC 120  , MEEN 292  , or ELEN 242  .

Medical Physics Track

Students follow the physics curriculum (81 credit hours of major courses and 39 credit hours of general education requirement) and directed electives related to Medical Science.  To satisfy the requirements of postgraduate schools in the Medical Fields, through the major courses and general education requirements, students will acquire at least 12 credit hours in biological science, 16 credit hours in chemistry, 15 credit hours in math, 6 credit hours in physics.  Scroll down for details.  To be able to satisfy the requirements for postgraduate schools in medical physics or medicine, the student must do the following.

Substitute PHYS 430  for PHYS 417  
Take 2 credit hours of PHYS 435  instead of 3
For BISC elective take BISC 130  
Toward the 21 credit hours of technical electives plus substitute 1 credit hour of PHYS 435  take the following Chemistry and Biology courses: BISC 225 BISC 227 BISC 315 , CHEM 250 , CHEM 251 , CHEM 252 , CHEM 253 , CHEM 351 .  Also for the social science requirements take PSYC 102  and PSYC 202 .
Substitute BIEN 202  for PHYS 104  (optional)

Double Degree in Electrical Engineering and Physics


The following changes to the Physics curriculum will allow you to obtain a double degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)  and Physics:

Total additional requirements are 25 semester credit hours (PHYS 304 , PHYS 422 , PHYS 423 , PHYS 416 , PHYS 417 , PHYS 418 , PHYS 419 , PHYS 424 , plus sophomore labs, plus PHYS 435  which can be concurrent with senior design) to add a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Physics.

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