Physics, Bachelor of Science

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Physics program at UNO offers three options for students, including a focus on graduate studies, a second discipline, or a teaching certificate. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, with required courses in classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum mechanics. Students can also choose from various electives and complete a senior project to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Program Outline

Outline:

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in physics is offered with three different options:

• Option I: For students intending to pursue graduate studies in physics.
• Option II: Allows for enhancing the degree with a second discipline.
• Option III: Bachelor of Science in physics with a concentration in education, leading to a physics teaching certificate at the secondary-school level.

Course Requirements:

• University General Education courses: 46 hours (often reduced to 33 or fewer due to testing out of fundamental academic skills and taking courses that meet multiple requirements).
• College Breadth Requirement: 12-19 hours
• Major Courses: 55 hours
• Cognate Courses: 15-16 hours
• Electives: 0-4 hours
• Total Hours: 120

Course List:

• Introductory Physics and Math Courses:
• PHYS 1950: PHYSICS GATEWAY COURSE (1 credit)
• PHYS 2120 & PHYS 1164: GENERAL PHYSICS-CALCULUS LEVEL and GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY II (5 credits)
• PHYS 2130: MODERN PHYSICS (4 credits)
• PHYS 3250: MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS (3 credits)
• MATH 1950: CALCULUS I (5 credits)
• MATH 1960: CALCULUS II (4 credits)
• MATH 1970: CALCULUS III (4 credits)
• Physics Core Courses:
• PHYS 3450: CLASSICAL MECHANICS (3 credits)
• PHYS 3750: ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I (3 credits)
• PHYS 3800: OPTICS (3 credits)
• PHYS 4200: INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS (3 credits)
• Advanced Laboratory:
• PHYS 3504: EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS I (1 credit)
• Select one of the following:
• PHYS 3524: EXPERIMENTAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
• PHYS 3544: EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS III
• PHYS 3564: EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS IV
• Senior Project and Physics Electives:
• PHYS 4950: PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS (1 credit) or PHYS 4960: PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS (1 credit)
• Two upper-level (3000/4000) elective physics courses (6 credits)

Plan of Study Grid:

The context provides a detailed four-year plan of study grid, outlining the suggested courses for each semester, including:

• Freshman Year: Fall and Spring semesters
• Sophomore Year: Fall and Spring semesters
• Junior Year: Fall and Spring semesters
• Senior Year: Fall and Spring semesters
• Waiver for PHYS 3250 or PHYS 3260: Students taking a number of 2000-level mathematics courses may be permitted to waive PHYS 3250 or PHYS 3260.
• Graduation Requirements: Physics majors must take two assessment tests (Major Field Test and Local test), complete the exit interview, and have their senior project approved.
They must also register for either PHYS 4950 or PHYS 4960.
• University Degree Requirements: The minimum number of hours for a UNO undergraduate degree is 120 credit hours.
• Placement Exams: Placement exams may be required for Math, English, and Foreign Language.
• GPA Requirements: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.