Physics B.A.

Bachelor of Arts - Physics

Degree Specific Credits: 68

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0

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

Lower-Division Physics		10
Upper-Division Physics		30
Physics Electives		6
Math Requirements		16
Computer Science Requirements		3
Advanced College Writing Requirement		3
Teaching Physics Track
Total Hours		68

Code	Title	Hours
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 Hours		10

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Code	Title	Hours
Complete all of the following courses:
PHSX 301	Intro Theoretical Physics	3
PHSX 311	Oscillations and Waves	2
PHSX 320	Classical Mechanics	3
PHSX 323	Intermediate Physics Lab	3
PHSX 343	Modern Physics	3
PHSX 423	Electricity & Magnetism I	3
PHSX 444	Advanced Physics Lab	3
PHSX 461	Quantum Mechanics I	3
PHSX 499	Senior Capstone Seminar	1
Complete two of the following courses:		6
PHSX 425	Electricity & Magnetism II
PHSX 446	Thermodyn & Stat Mech
PHSX 462	Quantum Mechanics II
Total Hours		30

Minimum Required Grade: C-

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

Code	Title	Hours
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 Hours		6

Minimum Required Grade: C-

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

Code	Title	Hours
Complete all of the following courses:
M 171	Calculus I	4
M 172	Calculus II	4
M 221	Introduction to Linear Algebra	4
M 273	Multivariable Calculus	4
Total Hours		16

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Code	Title	Hours
Complete one of the following courses:		3
CSCI 100	Intro to Programming
CSCI 150	Introduction to Computer Science
CSCI 151	Interdisciplinary Computer Science I
PHSX 333	Computational Physics (strongly recommended)
Total Hours		3

Minimum Required Grade: C-

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

Code	Title	Hours
Complete the following course:
PHSX 330	Communicating Physics	3
Total Hours		3

Minimum Required Grade: C-

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.
- Secondary Education Licensure Program
- Licensure Degree Requirements
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.

Code	Title	Hours
Complete the following course:
EDU 497	Teaching and Assessing	4
Total Hours		4

Minimum Required Grade: C-

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.