Physics, B.A. Major in

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This program provides a general overview of theoretical and experimental physics, and is recommended for students seeking careers in physics or STEM education or other technical careers that do not require graduate study. When partnered with the proper electives or minor degrees, the B.A. major in physics also provides excellent preparation for careers in law or medicine. Grades of C- or better are required in all physics courses and technical electives. It is recommended that the language requirement be fulfilled in German, French or Russian.

Program Requirements

Candidates for graduation must fulfill the following requirements:

CHEM 003A - (NS) General Chemistry I Semester Hours: 3
CHEM 003B - (NS) General Chemistry Laboratory I Semester Hours: 1
CHEM 004A - (NS) General Chemistry II Semester Hours: 3
CHEM 004B - (NS) General Chemistry Laboratory II Semester Hours: 1
MATH 071 - (MA) Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Semester Hours: 4
MATH 072 - (MA) Analytic Geometry and Calculus II Semester Hours: 4
MATH 073 - (MA) Analytic Geometry and Calculus III Semester Hours: 4
MATH 131 - (MA) Elementary Differential Equations Semester Hours: 3
PHYS 011A - (NS) General Physics Semester Hours: 4
PHYS 011B - (NS) General Physics Laboratory Semester Hours: 1
PHYS 012A - (NS) General Physics Semester Hours: 4
PHYS 012B - (NS) General Physics Laboratory Semester Hours: 1
PHYS 104 - Electricity and Magnetism Semester Hours: 3
PHYS 118A - Modern Physics Semester Hours: 3
PHYS 135 - Optics Semester Hours: 3
PHYS 136 - Thermodynamics Semester Hours: 3
PHYS 137 - Optics Laboratory Semester Hours: 1
PHYS 140 - Mechanics Semester Hours: 3
PHYS 159 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics Semester Hours: 3
Three additional semester hours of intermediate/advanced laboratory courses (listed below), distributed among at least two courses. Up to one semester hour of this 3 s.h. lab requirement may be fulfilled by a project course (listed below).

Intermediate/advanced laboratory requirement:

The following courses satisfy the intermediate/advanced laboratory requirement of the B.A. major in Physics, the B.S. major in Applied Physics , and the B.S. major in Physics :

ASTR 031L - Frontiers of Astronomy: Observations and Experimentalism Semester Hours: 3
ASTR 190L - Independent Studies Laboratory Semester Hours: 3
PHYS 118B - Modern Physics Laboratory I Semester Hours: 1
PHYS 118C - Modern Physics Laboratory I Semester Hours: 1
PHYS 157 - Modern Physics Laboratory II Semester Hours: 1
PHYS 158 - Modern Physics Laboratory II Semester Hours: 1
PHYS 163 - Independent Research Projects in Physics Semester Hours: 1
PHYS 164 - Independent Research Projects in Physics Semester Hours: 1
PHYS 170L - Independent Undergraduate Research Semester Hours: 1-3
PHYS 171L - Independent Undergraduate Research Semester Hours: 1-3

Project Courses (for BA Major in Physics and BS Major in Physics)

The following courses are considered project courses for both the BA and the BS in physics:

ASTR 031 - Frontiers of Astronomy: Black Holes, Pulsars, Supernovae and Quasars Semester Hours: 3
ASTR 190 - Independent Studies Semester Hours: 3
PHYS 100 - Honors Undergraduate Research in Physics Semester Hours: 3
PHYS 170 - Independent Undergraduate Research Semester Hours: 1-3
PHYS 171 - Independent Undergraduate Research Semester Hours: 1-3
PHYS 185 - Physics Internship Semester Hours: 1-6

Complete BA Requirements

BA Requirements in HCLAS.