Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics

The major requires a minimum of 34 credit hours (nine courses plus research). Coursework in mathematics is also required (but not listed here) to prepare students for courses in physics.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
PHYS 141	Light, Lasers, and Lenses	4
PHYS 121	Classical and Modern Physics I	4
PHYS 122	Classical and Modern Physics II	4
PHYS 231	Experimental Physics I	2
PHYS 232	Experimental Physics II	2
PHYS 370	Physics Research	1-2
PHYS 470	Research, Thesis and Defense	1-8
or PHYS 490	Honors Research, Thesis and Defense
Two 400-level PHYS courses		8
Two additional PHYS courses		8
Total Credits		34-42

The Physics major begins with an exploration of the properties of light.  Then come the core foundational courses of the Physics major: mechanics and electricity (PHYS 121/122), followed by two experimental courses (PHYS 231/232; four credits total), and capped off with two advanced courses at the 400 level.  An off-campus internship or portfolio development is required (PHYS 370).  For the Bachelor of Science, a senior research thesis is required (PHYS 470 or 490).  PHYS 210 (Observatory Practice) or PHYS 204 (Electronics) may count for two credits of experimental and two credits of "other Physics courses".  The exact content of the courses is determined for the individual student, based on their interests and career goals.

Note: PHYS 101 Physics for Nonscientists (variable title)., PHYS 104 Elementary Electronics (CTIS 104),  PHYS 107 The Solar System, PHYS 108 Realm of the Stars, PHYS 109 Beyond the Stars and PHYS 461 Physics Research Seminar do not apply toward either Physics major or the minor.  Physics X50 courses may count, depending on their content.  The student should be clear with their advisor whether a certain special topics course counts or not before taking it.  PHYS 211/212 do not apply toward the Physics major.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics

The major requires a minimum of 37 credit hours (nine courses). Coursework in mathematics is required to prepare students for courses in physics, but is not included in the credits for the Physics major.  The primary difference between the Bachelor of Arts program and the Bachelor of Science program is that the BA student does not complete a senior thesis research project. 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
PHYS 141	Light, Lasers, and Lenses	4
PHYS 121	Classical and Modern Physics I	4
PHYS 122	Classical and Modern Physics II	4
PHYS 231	Experimental Physics I	2
PHYS 232	Experimental Physics II	2
PHYS 370	Physics Research	1-2
Two 400-level PHYS courses		8
Additional PHYS courses		12
Total Credits = 37-38

Note: PHYS 101 Physics for Nonscientists (variable title)., PHYS 104 Elementary Electronics (CTIS 104),  PHYS 107 The Solar System, PHYS 108 Realm of the Stars, PHYS 109 Beyond the Stars and PHYS 461 Physics Research Seminar do not apply toward either Physics major or the minor.  Physics X50 courses may count, depending on their content.  The student should be clear with their advisor whether a certain special topics course counts or not before taking it.