This sample shows just one possible pathway to earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in four years. This sample assumes you took no foreign language in high school and that your placement test scores were sufficient to start in college-level math and English. This sample also assumes that you maintain an average credit load of 15 credits per semester. Your schedule may look very different depending on your specific circumstances. Students may opt for a Bachelor of Arts instead, but the requirements for that pathway are not reflected in this plan.
In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all of the university general education requirements and the College of Letters & Science breadth and other degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class.
This plan does not replace the advice of your advisor, and you are cautioned to meet regularly with your advisor to create a personalized plan that matches your particular circumstances rather than following this verbatim. To clarify any degree requirements, please contact your Letters & Science Undergraduate Advisor.
Sample Study Plan
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | ||
|
MATH 231 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (NS) |
4 | ||
|
ASTRON 103 Survey of Astronomy (NS+) and ASTRON 104 Astronomy Laboratory |
4 | ||
|
ENGLISH 101 Introduction to College Writing |
3 | ||
|
1st semester Foreign Language |
3-5 | ||
|
L&S Humanities/Cultural Diversity |
3 | ||
| Spring | Credits |
MATH 232
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (NS) |
4 |
L&S Humanities |
3 |
ENGLISH 102
College Writing and Research (OWC-A) |
3 |
2nd semester Foreign Language |
3-5 |
GEO SCI 120
Geology of the Planets (NS) |
3 |
| Year 2 | |||
| Fall | Credits | ||
|
MATH 233 Calculus and Analytic Geometry III (NS) |
4 | ||
|
PHYSICS 209 Physics I (Calculus Treatment) (NS+) and PHYSICS 214 Lab Physics I (Calculus Treatment) |
5 | ||
|
L&S Natural Science with lab, not Physics |
3-5 | ||
|
OWC-B course |
3 | ||
| Spring | Credits |
MATH 234
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (NS) |
4 |
PHYSICS 210
Physics II (Calculus Treatment) (NS+) and PHYSICS 215 Lab Physics II (Calculus Treatment) |
4 |
MATH 325
Vector Analysis |
3 |
Arts GER |
3 |
| Year 3 | |||
| Fall | Credits | ||
|
PHYSICS 309 Physics III: Modern Physics (NS) |
3 | ||
|
PHYSICS 370 Analytical and Numerical Methods in Physics (NS) |
3 | ||
|
L&S Humanities/International |
3 | ||
|
Elective |
3 | ||
|
L&S Social Science |
3 | ||
| Spring | Credits |
PHYSICS 325
Optics (NS) |
4 |
PHYSICS 317
Thermodynamics (NS) |
3 |
PHYSICS 411
Mechanics (NS) |
4 |
L&S Humanities |
3 |
L&S Social Science |
3 |
| Year 4 | |||
| Fall | Credits | ||
|
ASTRON 400 Astrophysics I (NS) |
3 | ||
|
L&S Natural Science with lab, not Physics |
3-5 | ||
|
PHYSICS 420 Electricity and Magnetism I (NS) |
3 | ||
|
PHYSICS 441 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I (NS) |
4 | ||
|
L&S Social Science /International |
3 | ||
| Spring | Credits |
ASTRON 401
Astrophysics II (NS) |
3 |
PHYSICS 442
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II (NS) |
3 |
PHYSICS 422
Electricity and Magnetism II (NS) |
3 |
PHYSICS 391
Undergraduate Research Participation |
1-6 |
L&S Natural Science with lab, not physics |
3-5 |
| Key | |
|---|---|
| (A) Arts GER | (Int’l) International |
| (HU) Humanities | (QL-A) Quantitative Literacy A |
| (NS) Natural Science | (QL-B) Quantitative Literacy B |
| (SS) Social Science | (OWC-A) Oral and Written Communication A |
| (CD) Cultural Diversity GER | (OWC-B) Oral and Written Communication B |