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Physics B.A.

Bachelor of Arts - Physics

College of Humanities & Sciences

Degree Specific Credits: 68

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 Physics10
Upper-Division Physics30
Physics Electives6
Math Requirements16
Computer Science Requirements3
Advanced College Writing Requirement3
Teaching Physics Track
Total Hours68

Lower-Division Physics

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

Complete all of the following courses:
PHSX 301Intro Theoretical Physics3
PHSX 311Oscillations and Waves2
PHSX 320Classical Mechanics3
PHSX 323Intermediate Physics Lab3
PHSX 343Modern Physics3
PHSX 423Electricity & Magnetism I3
PHSX 444Advanced Physics Lab3
PHSX 461Quantum Mechanics I3
PHSX 499Senior Capstone Seminar1
Complete two of the following courses:6
PHSX 425
Electricity & Magnetism II
PHSX 446
Thermodyn & Stat Mech
PHSX 462
Quantum Mechanics II
Total Hours30

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Physics Electives

Note: Other PHSX courses may be substituted with adviser approval.

Complete two of the following courses:6
PHSX 141N
Einstein's Relativity
or ASTR 142N
The Evolving Universe
PHSX 327
Optics
PHSX 330
Communicating Physics
PHSX 333
Computational Physics
PHSX 425
Electricity & Magnetism II (2 of these 3 courses must be taken in the physics core, the remaining course can be used as an elective)
or PHSX 446
Thermodyn & Stat Mech
or PHSX 462
Quantum Mechanics II
Total Hours6

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Math Requirements

Note: M 317, M 412, and M 418 are recommended as well

Complete all of the following courses:
M 171Calculus I4
M 172Calculus II4
M 221Introduction to Linear Algebra4
M 273Multivariable Calculus4
Total Hours16

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Computer Science Requirements

Complete one of the following courses:3
CSCI 100
Intro to Programming
CSCI 135
Fund of Computer Science I
PHSX 333
Computational Physics (strongly recommended)
Total Hours3

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-


Teaching Physics Track

Notes:

  • This teaching track contains different/additional course requirements designed to meet state standards. Those interested in teaching in K-12 schools must complete the teaching track of a major in a teaching content area plus the Teacher Education Program through the Department of Teaching and Learning. Additional teaching areas can be added through completion of the teaching track of a major or minor in that content area.
  • To complete this teaching track, you need to contact the Teaching and Learning Department. You do not fill out a major/minor form for graduation or the major/minor/concentration section of the major change form. Approvals for this track must come from the Teaching and Learning Department.
  • Tracks will not appear on your UM transcript, diploma, university lists, student data system, or university publications. They are used for advising purposes only. You do not fill out a major change for a track.

Teaching Physics Track Requirement

Note: The EDU 497 course number is used for multiple courses. Students should register for EDU 497 Methods: 5-12 Science.

Complete the following course:
EDU 497Teaching and Assessing4
Total Hours4

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Secondary Teaching Licensure

Note: For endorsement to teach physics, a student also must gain admission to the Teacher Education Program and meet all the requirements for secondary teaching licensure. For more information, see the Teaching and Learning Department.