Physics Major Requirements
The department offers two study options. The standard physics major is for students who seek a general physics degree. The physics major with astronomy emphasis is for students who wish to pursue their interest in astronomy. While the standard physics major generally is followed by students who plan to go on to graduate school, the major with astronomy emphasis also enables students to pursue graduate work in physics.
Both options require that students take at least 15 credits in the major in advanced-level (numbered 300 and above) courses in residence at UWM. The College of Letters & Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work. All students in the College are required to complete a research experience in their majors. Physics majors meet this requirement by successfully completing an upper-level, 3-credit laboratory courses.
Freshmen who enter with scores of 4 or 5 on the Physics Advanced Placement exam given by CEEB are given partial credit for the introductory courses.
Standard Physics Major
A minimum of 43 credits in physics, including:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following options: 1 | 10 | |
| Option 1: | ||
| Physics I (Calculus Treatment) and Lab Physics I (Calculus Treatment) | ||
| Physics II (Calculus Treatment) and Lab Physics II (Calculus Treatment) | ||
| Option 2: | ||
| Physics I: Calculus-Based, Studio Format | ||
| Physics II: Calculus-Based, Studio Format | ||
| PHYSICS 309 | Physics III: Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 317 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 325 | Optics | 4 |
| PHYSICS 370 | Analytical and Numerical Methods in Physics | 3 |
| Select one of the following: 2 | 3 | |
| Introduction to Infrared Microspectroscopy | ||
| Experiments in Linear Electronics | ||
| Modern Physics Laboratory | ||
| Electron Microscopy Laboratory | ||
| Undergraduate Research Participation 3 | ||
| PHYSICS 411 | Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYSICS 420 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYSICS 422 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHYSICS 441 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I | 4 |
| PHYSICS 442 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Selecting electives are encouraged (see below) | ||
| Total Credits | 43 | |
- 1
PHYSICS 209/PHYSICS 214 and PHYSICS 210/PHYSICS 215 are strongly recommended; however, PHYSICS 219 and PHYSICS 220 may be substituted.
- 2
These courses are not offered every semester; check with the undergraduate advisor to plan for completing this requirement.
- 3
The research proposal must be approved by the undergraduate advisor and the Departmental Undergraduate Committee, and it must demonstrate pedagogical value. Unfocused laboratory internships are not acceptable.
Electives
No elective courses are required, but students are encouraged to select electives from Physics or Astronomy courses 300 level or above from the following list. Only the courses identified in the list below with the phrase “if not selected above” will be counted in the student's major GPA. Electives may not be offered every semester; check with the undergraduate advisor to plan for completing this requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASTRON 400 | Astrophysics I | 3 |
| ASTRON 401 | Astrophysics II | 3 |
| PHYSICS 305 | Medical Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 306 | Introduction to Biophysics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 351 | Basics of Condensed Matter Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 391 | Undergraduate Research Participation | 1-6 |
| PHYSICS 406 | Introduction to Infrared Microspectroscopy (if not selected above) | 3 |
| PHYSICS 408 | Experiments in Linear Electronics (if not selected above) | 3 |
| PHYSICS 409 | Modern Physics Laboratory (if not selected above) | 3 |
| PHYSICS 501 | Special Topics: Mathematical Models of Physical Problems I | 3 |
| PHYSICS 515 | Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 517 | Special Relativity | 3 |
| PHYSICS 531 | Principles of Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYSICS 532 | Principles of Quantum Mechanics II | 3 |
| PHYSICS 541 | Elementary Particles | 3 |
| PHYSICS 551 | Introduction to Solid State Physics I | 3 |
| PHYSICS 651 | Introduction to Solid State Physics II | 3 |
| PHYSICS 670 | Electron Microscopy Laboratory (if not selected above) | 3 |
Physics Major with Astronomy Emphasis
A minimum of 55 credits in physics and astronomy courses, including:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| Select one of the following options: 1 | 10 | |
| Option 1: | ||
| Physics I (Calculus Treatment) and Lab Physics I (Calculus Treatment) | ||
| Physics II (Calculus Treatment) and Lab Physics II (Calculus Treatment) | ||
| Option 2: | ||
| Physics I: Calculus-Based, Studio Format | ||
| Physics II: Calculus-Based, Studio Format | ||
| PHYSICS 309 | Physics III: Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 325 | Optics | 4 |
| PHYSICS 317 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHYSICS 370 | Analytical and Numerical Methods in Physics | 3 |
| Select one of the following: 2 | 3 | |
| Introduction to Infrared Microspectroscopy | ||
| Experiments in Linear Electronics | ||
| Modern Physics Laboratory | ||
| Electron Microscopy Laboratory | ||
| Undergraduate Research Participation 3 | ||
| PHYSICS 411 | Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYSICS 420 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYSICS 422 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHYSICS 441 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I | 4 |
| PHYSICS 442 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II | 3 |
| ASTRON 400 | Astrophysics I 2 | 3 |
| ASTRON 401 | Astrophysics II 2 | 3 |
| Electives 2 | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Survey of Astronomy | ||
or ASTRON 211 | Principles of Astronomy | |
| Cosmic Origins | ||
| The Origin, Composition, and Structure of the Planetary Atmospheres | ||
| Geology of the Planets | ||
| Undergraduate Research Participation | ||
| Special Topics: Mathematical Models of Physical Problems I | ||
| Special Relativity | ||
| Elementary Particles | ||
Or another course approved by the undergraduate advisor | ||
| Total Credits | 55 | |
- 1
PHYSICS 209/PHYSICS 214 and PHYSICS 210/PHYSICS 215 are strongly recommended; however, PHYSICS 219 and PHYSICS 220 may be substituted.
- 2
These courses are not offered every semester; check with the undergraduate advisor to plan for completing this requirement.
- 3
The research proposal must be approved by the undergraduate advisor and the Departmental Undergraduate Committee, and it must demonstrate pedagogical value. Unfocused laboratory internships are not acceptable.
Possible Course Substitutions for Students with Physics and Engineering Double Majors
One of the following courses may be substituted for PHYSICS 370:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIV ENG 280 | Computer Based Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| COMPSCI 240 | Introduction to Engineering Programming | 3 |
| COMPSCI 250 | Introductory Computer Programming | 3 |
| MECHENG 101 | Computational Tools for Engineers | 2 |
The following course may be substituted for PHYSICS 317:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MECHENG 301 | Basic Engineering Thermodynamics | 3 |
The combination of both of the following may substitute for PHYSICS 411:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIV ENG 201 | Statics | 3 |
| CIV ENG 202 | Dynamics | 3 |
Upper level engineering technical electives may be substituted for PHYSICS 325 and independent study/research may be substituted for the 400-level laboratory courses.