Program Overview
A physics degree is an excellent preparation for much more than a career in physics. The technical expertise and cognitive skills acquired in earning a physics degree are valuable in many endeavors.
The BS in physics makes the advantages of a physics degree available to a wide range of students. The program allows the student to choose one of a number of tracks to fit his or her interests and goals. The tracks are physics, biological physics, chemical physics, mathematical physics, and physical science. Those students interested in engineering should consider the BS in engineering physics below.
A BS degree with a major in physics requires the successful completion of 120 hours including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (2) degree requirements; (3) major requirements listed below; and (4) a minor, for the physical science track, to be worked out with the student’s minor advisor (the related mathematics courses nearly provide a minor in mathematics).
Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Physics enter the College Algebra Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1390 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit for MATH 1390. Students with an ACT Math subscore between 22 and 26 should enroll in MATH 1486 Calculus Preparation. Students with an ACT Math subscore of 27 or greater should enroll in MATH 1496 Calculus I.
Abbreviation Key – UCA Core Program
LD = Lower Division
UD = Upper Division
C = Effective Communication
D = Diversity
I = Critical Inquiry
R = Responsible Living
Z = Capstone Experience
Program Outline
[1] Physics Core Requirements (34 hours)
All tracks of the BS in physics program require completion of 22-hours of core physics major courses, 18 hours of related course work, and courses designed to complete the particular degree track chosen. The 18 hours of related courses include mathematics and writing.
Physics Core major courses
- PHYS 1301 Introduction to Physics
- PHYS 1441 University Physics 1*
- PHYS 1442 University Physics 2*
- PHYS 2443 University Physics 3*
- PHYS 3210 Experiments in Physics 1
- PHYS 3220 Experiments in Physics 2
- PHYS 4111 Senior Capstone 1
- PHYS 4211 Senior Capstone 2 [UD UCA Core: Z]*For tracks other than the physics track, the University Physics course sequence may be replaced by the College Physics course sequence:
- PHYS 1410 College Physics 1
- PHYS 1420 College Physics 2
- PHYS 2430 College Physics 3
Related Mathematics and Writing courses
- WRTG 3310 Technical Writing [UD UCA Core: C]
- MATH 1496 Calculus I
- MATH 1497 Calculus II
- MATH 2471 Calculus III
Completion of the physics core and related courses will partially satisfy the Upper-Division (UD) UCA Core. Students are encouraged to take the opportunity to explore other areas more deeply by completing courses designated as I, D, and R in areas outside of the sciences.
[2] Physics Track (67 hours)
This is the traditional physics track, offering excellent preparation both for those planning a physics- or astronomy-related career, including graduate school, and for those desiring a physics degree for entry into other fields, such as engineering. The program is flexible and can be tailored to the needs and interests of the individual student by using electives, of which at least 6 hours are required. The student’s advisor will work closely with the student to achieve the optimal curriculum for the student.
For a suggested sequence of courses, please contact the department chair or consult the Academic Map for the track
In addition to the physics core, the following courses are required:
Physics major courses in addition to the physics core
- PHYS 2320 Introduction to Computational Physics
- PHYS 3341 Mathematical Methods in Physics
- PHYS 3342 (or ENGR 3342) Mechanics
- PHYS 3343 (or ENGR 3343) Thermal Physics
- PHYS 3360 (or ENGR 3360) Electromagnetism 1
- PHYS 3361 (or ENGR 3361) Electromagnetism 2
- PHYS 3353 Quantum Theory 1
Major electives
Six (6) hours approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Additional Related Mathematics courses
- MATH 3331 Differential Equations
Required Major Hours (49):
Physics: 49
Related Hours (18):
Mathematics: 15
Writing: 3
TOTAL: 67
[3] Biological Physics Track (78 hours)
The biological physics track offers a physics-centered curriculum for students planning to enter medical school. It also serves as an excellent entry into medical physics and health-related fields, including graduate study. Note: It appears that one of the best predictors for acceptance into medical school is a physics degree. This track does not require a minor.
For a suggested sequence of physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry courses, please contact the department chair or consult the Academic Map for the track .
In addition to the physics core, the following courses are required:
Physics major courses in addition to the physics core
Six (6) hours approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Chemistry major courses in addition to the physics core
- CHEM 1450 College Chemistry I
- CHEM 1451 College Chemistry II
- CHEM 2401 Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 3411 Organic Chemistry II
Biology major courses in addition to the physics core
- BIOL 1440 Principles of Biology I
- BIOL 1441 Principles of Biology II
- BIOL 2490 Genetics
- BIOL electives (4 hours) approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Related Mathematics courses
- MATH 2311 Statistical Methods I
or
- MATH 4371 Introduction to Probability [UD UCA Core: C]
Required Major Hours (60):
Physics: 28
Chemistry: 16
Biology: 16
Related Hours (18):
Mathematics: 15
Writing: 3
TOTAL: 78
[4] Chemical Physics Track (79 hours)
The chemical physics track provides an excellent preparation for entering the chemistry-oriented industrial work force or for continued study in engineering or graduate school.
This track does not require a minor. However, the requirements for a mathematics minor are nearly met by the mathematics courses required by the physics core and the track.
For a suggested sequence of physics, mathematics, and chemistry courses, contact the department chair or consult the Academic Map for the track.
In addition to the physics core, the following courses are required:
Physics major courses in addition to the physics core
- PHYS 3341 Mathematical Methods in Physics
- PHYS 3342 (or ENGR 3342) Mechanics
- PHYS 3343 (or ENGR 3343) Thermal Physics
- PHYS 3360 (or ENGR 3360) Electromagnetism 1
- PHYS 3361 (or ENGR 3361) Electromagnetism 2
- PHYS 3353 Quantum Theory 1
Chemistry major courses
- CHEM 1450 College Chemistry I
- CHEM 1451 College Chemistry II
- CHEM 2401 Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 3520 Quantitative Analysis
- CHEM 4450 Physical Chemistry I
Related Mathematics course
- MATH 3331 Differential Equations [UD UCA Core: C]
Required Major Hours (61):
Physics: 40
Chemistry: 21
Related Hours (18):
Mathematics: 15
Writing: 3
TOTAL: 79
[5] Mathematical Physics Track (73 hours)
The mathematical physics track is intended for those students who are particularly interested and strongly motivated both in physics and in mathematics. It offers an excellent preparation for graduate study in theoretical physics, mathematical physics, computational physics, applied mathematics, and engineering. This track does not require a minor.
For a suggested sequence of physics and mathematics courses, please contact the department chair or consult the Academic Map for the track.
In addition to the physics core, the following courses are required:
Physics courses in addition to the physics core
- PHYS 3341 Mathematical Methods in Physics
- PHYS 3342 (or ENGR 3342) Mechanics
- PHYS 3343 (or ENGR 3343) Thermal Physics
- PHYS 3353 Quantum Theory 1
- PHYS 3354 Quantum Theory 2
- PHYS 3360 (or ENGR 3360) Electromagnetism 1
- PHYS 3361 (or ENGR 3361) Electromagnetism 2
Mathematics major courses in addition to the physics core
- MATH 3331 Differential Equations [UD UCA Core: C]
- MATH 4371 Introduction to Probability [UD UCA Core: R]
- MATH electives (9 hours) approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Required Major Hours (70):
Physics: 43
Mathematics: 27
Related Hours (3):
Writing: 3
TOTAL: 73
[6] Physical Science Track (61 hours)
The physical science track is intended for those students who are interested in physical science but do not intend to specialize in either physics or chemistry. The program is very flexible and can be tailored to the particular needs and interests of the individual student by using electives, of which at least 12 hours are required—six in physics and six in chemistry. The student’s advisor will work closely with the student to achieve the optimal curriculum for the student. This track requires a minor and is an excellent choice for students interested in STEMteach.
For a suggested sequence of physics and chemistry courses, please contact the department chair or consult the Academic Map for the track.
In addition to the physics core, the following courses are required:
Physics major electives
- Nine (9 hours) approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Chemistry major courses in addition to the physics core
- CHEM 1450 College Chemistry I
- CHEM 1451 College Chemistry II
- CHEM 2401 Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM electives (3 hours) approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Required Major Hours (46):
Physics: 31
Chemistry: 15
Related Hours (15):
Mathematics: 12
Writing: 3
TOTAL: 61
University of Central Arkansas
Overview:
University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas. It boasts a rich 115-year tradition of excellence and is committed to providing an innovative and collaborative education within a culture of student support and success.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Accessibility Resources and Services:
Offers accommodations and support for students with disabilities.Bear Card:
A multi-purpose card used for access to campus facilities, meal plans, and more.Bookstore:
Provides textbooks, course materials, and merchandise.Campus Safety:
Ensures a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.Career Services:
Assists students with career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Disability Resource Center:
Provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities.Financial Aid:
Offers various financial aid programs and scholarships to help students fund their education.Food Services:
Provides dining options on campus.Housing & Residence Life:
Offers on-campus housing options and residence life programs.Information Technology:
Provides technical support and resources for students.Library:
Offers a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Student Health:
Provides healthcare services to students.Student Organizations:
Offers a wide variety of student organizations for students to join and engage in extracurricular activities.Veterans Services:
Provides support and resources for veteran students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved and make connections. Students can:
Join over 150 Recognized Student Organizations:
Catering to diverse interests and passions.Participate in various events and activities:
From sporting events to cultural performances.Live in on-campus housing:
With various residence halls and living learning communities.Enjoy recreational facilities:
Including a campus recreation center.Volunteer in the community:
Through service-learning opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
UCA Commitment:
A groundbreaking program offering a debt-free pathway for tuition and fees for incoming Arkansas freshmen with household income of $100k or less.Small class sizes:
Allowing for personalized attention from faculty.Engaging programs:
Providing hands-on learning experiences and internships.Supportive community:
Fostering a sense of belonging and success.Strong academic reputation:
With a focus on research and experiential learning.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a wide range of academic programs across five colleges: