Undergraduate Bulletin > Physics and Astronomy > Major—B.S.
Physics Major (PHYS)
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Required: 122 semester hours, to include at least 36 hours at or above the 300 course level
AOS Code: U193
The Physics Major is a firm basis for a career in medicine, law, business, sales, engineering, teaching, computing, biophysics, environmental science, or physics.
Students who elect physics as a major must complete PHY 291, 292 or 211, 212, and MAT 293 no later than the end of their sophomore year. Any student who desires to major in physics should contact the head of the department as soon as possible so a proper schedule can be planned.
Requirements
I General Education Core Requirements (GEC)
See complete GEC requirements and approved course listings for all categories.
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Core Category
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Students may select courses for:
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Literature (GLT)
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Fine Arts (GFA)
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Philosophical, Religious, Ethical Principles (GPR)
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Historical Perspectives on Western Culture (GHP)
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Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB)
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Department specifies courses for:
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Mathematics (GMT)
required: MAT 191
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Natural Sciences (GNS)
required: PHY 291 or 211, and CHE 111
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Reasoning and Discourse (GRD)
ENG 101 or FMS 115 or RCO 101, and one additional GRD course
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II General Education Marker Requirements
See details and courses. It is possible to meet all GE Marker Requirements while completing the GE Core requirements or courses required by the major/concentration.
Students may select courses for:
Global/Global Non-Western Perspectives (GL/GN)
four (4) courses carrying GL/GN markers, at least one of which must carry the GN marker
One Speaking Intensive (SI) Course
In addition to this SI Marker requirement, students must also complete a second SI course within the major. All programs have identified at least one course among their major requirements that is taught as Speaking Intensive.
One Writing Intensive (WI) Course
In addition to this WI Marker requirement, students must also complete a second WI course within the major. All programs have identified at least one course among their major requirements that is taught as Writing Intensive.
III College of Arts and Sciences Additional Requirements (CAR)
See requirements and approved courses.
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Category
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Historical Perspectives on Western Culture
one GPM (Premodern) or GMO (Modern) course, depending on category used to satisfy GHP requirement
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Natural Sciences
any course GLS course
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Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB)
any additional GSB course with a different departmental prefix
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Foreign Language (GFL)
intermediate-level proficiency in one language, demonstrated by placement test, or completion of course work through course number 204
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Writing Intensive Courses (WI)
a total of four WI courses
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IV Major Requirements (minimum of 37 semester hours in physics courses above the 100 level)
Core Courses
- PHY 291/291L, 292/292L (or 211/211L and 212/212L), 321, 323, 325, 401
- At least two from: PHY 327, 412, 413
- At least three from: PHY 294, 321L, 323L, 325L, 395
- At least three from: PHY 330, 421, 423, 426, 543
- One additional course from: PHY 294, 321L, 323L, 325L, 395
Students must have at least a 2.0 grade point average for the required physics and mathematics courses.
V Related Area Requirements
CHE 111, 112, 114, 115; CSC 130; MAT 191, 292, 293, 390, 394
VI Electives
Electives sufficient to complete the 122 semester hours required for degree.
