Physics (BS)

Overview

Physics is the study of nature, from subatomic particles to the grand scale of the universe. USAO's physics curriculum provides the student with a solid foundation in the major disciplines of physics. In addition, the physics major acquires strong problem-solving abilities, critical-thinking skills, laboratory and computational savvy, and a mathematical dexterity which allows graduates to pursue a variety of careers upon graduation or continue on to graduate or professional school.

BS in Physics Degree Checksheet Why Major in Physics?

Degree Requirements

See Interdisciplinary Core Curriculum

Required Physics Core (minimum 28-30 hours)

PHYS 1301General Physics I Lab

1

PHYS 2113General Physics I

3

PHYS 1401General Physics II Lab

1

PHYS 2123General Physics II

3

PHYS 2513Modern Physics

3

PHYS 3013Mathematical and Computational Methods in Physical Sciences

3

PHYS 3113Physical Mechanics

3

PHYS 3213Electricity and Magnetism - Field Theory

3

PHYS 4003Quantum Mechanics

3

PHYS 4102Advanced Laboratory

2

PHYS 4113Wave Motion and Physical Optics

3

Note: PHYS-2214 General Physics I with Calculus may substitute for PHYS-2113 General Physics I and PHYS-2224 General Physics II with Calculus may substitute for PHYS-2123 General Physics II.

Mathematics Prerequisites (6 hours)

MATH 1513College Algebra

3

MATH 1613Trigonometry

3

Required Mathematics (18 hours)

MATH 1743Calculus and Analytical Geometry I

3

MATH 2223Calculus and Analytical Geometry II

3

MATH 2243Calculus and Analytical Geometry III

3

MATH 3263Calculus and Analytical Geometry IV

3

MATH 3233Linear Algebra

3

MATH 3353Differential Equations

3

Required Chemistry (8 hours)

CHEM 1111General Chemistry I Lab

1

CHEM 1113General Chemistry I

3

CHEM 1121General Chemistry II Lab

1

CHEM 1123General Chemistry II

3

Required Computer Science (3 hours)

CSCI 1143Introduction to Computing

3

Required Natural Science (0-3 hours)

NSCI 1710Success in Stem

0

NSCI 2710Stem Communication

0

NSCI 3710Next Step Preparation

0

Note: NSCI-1711 may be substituted for NSCI-1710; NSCI-2711 may be substituted for NSCI-2710; NSCI-3711 may be substituted for NSCI-3710.