The Bachelor of Science in Physics

Professional Physics Option
Advanced Study Pattern

The Advanced Study Pattern is the traditional physics degree. It is designed for those that intend to pursue advanced study in physics, engineering or other scientific or technical fields. The Advanced Study Pattern includes the usual advanced courses in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical physics and quantum mechanics.

While this course of study is primarily intended for students heading for careers as university professors or research physicists, one glance at our list of graduates makes clear that the doors will be open to a wide variety of professions. In addition to the traditional careers, our graduates have become CEO's of major corporations, computer scientists, nuclear arms control experts, industrial technologists, environmental scientists, agricultural consultants and cinemagraphic technicians.

Completing the Advanced Study Pattern will give you the training and skills to use the fascinating insights of physics to explore a wide variety of career paths.

Lower-Division Requirements:
9 courses required:
CHEM 111 General Chemistry
CHEM 112 General Chemistry
MATH 120 Analytic Geometry and Calculus
MATH 121 Analytic Geometry and Calculus
MATH 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus
MATH 260 Elementary Differential Equations
PHYS 204A Mechanics
PHYS 204B Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 204C Heat, Wave Motion, Sound and Light

Upper-Division Requirements:
12 courses required:

MATH 361 Boundary Value and PD Equations
PHYS 300A Modern Physics I
PHYS 300B Modern Physics II
PHYS 301A Analytic Mechanics
PHYS 301B Analytic Mechanics
PHYS 302A Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 302B Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 415 Thermal Physics
PHYS 427 Advanced Laboratory
PHYS 435A Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 435B Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 491 Physics Seminar

The Academic Advising Office has a Major Academic Plan for this degree.

For specific degree requirements or course descriptions see the University Catalog.