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Physics B.A. - Computational Physics

The computational physics concentration provides a thorough study of computer science and computational physics as well as a solid background in physics and mathematics. Graduates from this program have gone on to graduate programs in physics and computer science while others have found career opportunities in technical fields.

Bachelor of Arts - Physics; Computational Physics Concentration

College of Humanities & Sciences

Degree Specific Credits: 73

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0

Catalog Year: 2019-2020

General Education Requirements

Information regarding these requirements can be found in the General Education Section of the catalog.

Summary

Lower-Division Physics Core10
Upper-Division Physics Core18
Physics Elective3
Math Requirements19
Computer Science Requirements20
Computer Science Core Courses
Computer Science Electives
Advanced College Writing Requirement3
Total Hours73

Lower-Division Physics Core

Complete one of the following Physics sequences:10
Algebra- and Trigonometry-based Physics:
PHSX 205N
& PHSX 206N
College Physics I
and College Physics I Laboratory
PHSX 207N
& PHSX 208N
College Physics II
and College Physics II Laboratory
Calculus-based Physics (strongly recommended):
PHSX 215N
& PHSX 216N
Fund of Physics w/Calc I
and Physics Laboratory I w/Calc
PHSX 217N
& PHSX 218N
Fund of Physics w/Calc II
and Physics Laboratory II w/Calc
Total Hours10

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Upper-Division Physics Core

Complete all of the following courses:
PHSX 301Intro Theoretical Physics3
PHSX 311Oscillations and Waves2
PHSX 320Classical Mechanics3
PHSX 333Computational Physics3
PHSX 343Modern Physics3
PHSX 423Electricity & Magnetism I3
PHSX 499Senior Capstone Seminar1
Total Hours18

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Physics Elective

Complete one of the following courses:3
PHSX 141N
Einstein's Relativity
PHSX 323
Intermediate Physics Lab
PHSX 327
Optics
PHSX 330
Communicating Physics
PHSX 425
Electricity & Magnetism II (strongly recommended)
PHSX 444
Advanced Physics Lab
PHSX 446
Thermodyn & Stat Mech
PHSX 461
Quantum Mechanics I (strongly recommended)
PHSX 462
Quantum Mechanics II
Total Hours3

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Math Requirements

Note: In addition, M 307, STAT 341, and STAT 458 are recommended.

Complete all of the following courses:
M 171Calculus I4
M 172Calculus II4
M 221Introduction to Linear Algebra4
M 225Introduction to Discrete Mathematics3
M 273Multivariable Calculus4
Total Hours19

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Computer Science Requirements

Rule: Complete the following subcategories of courses. 20 total credits required.

Computer Science Core Courses

Complete all of the following courses:
CSCI 135Fund of Computer Science I3
CSCI 136Fund of Computer Science II3
CSCI 232Data Structures and Algorithms4
CSCI 332Design/Analysis of Algorithms3
Total Hours13

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Computer Science Electives

Complete 7 credits from any CSCI course numbered 200 and above. The following courses are recommended:7
CSCI 205
Programming with C/C++
CSCI 361
Computer Architecture
CSCI 477
Simulation
Total Hours7

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Advanced College Writing Requirement

Note: May substitute another advanced writing course as approved by the department chair.

Complete the following course:
PHSX 330Communicating Physics3
Total Hours3

Minimum Required Grade: C-