Physics BS Plan of Study
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Students may postpone PHYS 161 until winter quarter in order to complete the pre-requisite for Calculus I (MATH 124) before starting the physics plan of study. Note that PHYS 162 will also be delayed such that PHYS 162 and PHYS 163 will need to be taken concurrently in the spring of the freshman year.
**Choose at least two of the following department electives:
- ASTR 315: Solar System
- ASTR 316: Stars & Galaxies
- ASTR 320: Cosmology
- (ASTR 315, 316 and 320 to complete the Astronomy Minor)
- PHYS 344: Relativity
- PHYS 345: Quantum Computing
- PHYS 444: Special Topics
- PHYS 476: Solids II
- Second quarter of PHYS 391: JuniorLab (sometimes offered in spring quarter)
- PHYS 497 Science Communications
Admission and Declaration Process
Admission to the Physics BS is a single-step process. Students are advised to contact the Physics main office for an initial advising meeting prior to declaring the Physics major. The major may be declared using the Student Academic Declaration & Change Form, also found on the Registrar’s Office website. Once a student has declared the major, they will be assigned a faculty advisor. Students are advised to declare as early in their academic career as possible to ensure timely completion of the Physics BS.
Independent Research
Students may take Independent Research PHYS 291/491, with variable credit from 1-3, with permission of a faculty. This course provide students the opportunity to perform original research under faculty supervision. It is advised that interested students contact potential faculty supervisors during their junior year.
Minors
Physics Minor
48 Credits
PHYS 161, 162, 163, 220, 224 and 225
MATH 124 and 125, or MATH 134 and 135, or MATH 138 and MATH 204, 224 and 331.
Astronomy Minor
24-28 Credits
PHYS 161, 162, 163
ASTR 315, 316 and 320
Math Minor
35 Credits
The math courses required in the physics major meet most of the requirements for the Math Minor.
After completion of MATH 204, 304 and 331 you will need an additional 4 credits of approved math electives.
Recommended math courses that are of considerable value to physics majors are MATH 225 Multivariable Calculus and Geometry, MATH 226 Limits and Infinite Series, MATH 430 Fourier Series and Partial Differential Equations, MATH 432 Systems of Differential Equations, and MATH 438 Introduction to Complex Variables.
Materials Science Minor
39-42 credits
Physics Majors completing the Materials Science Minor may substitute one year of Chemistry for the department electives.