Program Overview

Applied Physics

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics is an interdisciplinary program that combines a broad interest in physics with practical career skills, networking opportunities, and experience that equips students for real-world problem-solving. In addition to broad study of physics, students take technical elective courses in the areas of science, engineering, math, or programming, along with courses in data, statistics, or monitoring and communications. Students are required to complete an Engineering Senior Design Project. Alternatively, interdisciplinary design or internship experience can be considered on a case-by-case basis. The B.S. in Applied Physics serves as a launchpad for careers in the private sector or for advanced study in applications such as engineering and medicine.

Learning Outcomes

• Communication: Ability to communicate experimental results and to present engineering design solutions in written and oral form.
• Core Physics Knowledge: Core knowledge that form the basis of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and thermodynamics.
• Experiment Design: Design, conduct, and analyze experiments to optimize engineering Research & Development and to investigate underlying physical phenomena.
• Mathematical/Computation Skills: Proficiency in using mathematical or computational skills to investigate physical phenomena or to optimize solutions to technological problems.
• Multidisciplinarity: Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams to address technological problems arising in academic, government, or private sectors.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• PHYS 263H: Honors Introductory Relativity and Quantum Physics
• ECE 175: Computer Programming for Engineering Applications
• MATH 223: Vector Calculus

Career Fields

• Engineering
• Data science
• Public policy
• Medicine

Level of Math

• Substantial Knowledge: This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency: Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Science

Degree

• Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

4-Year Sample Plan

• First Year
  • 1st Semester
    • MATH 122A - Calculus I
    • MATH 122B - Calculus I
    • ENGL 101 - First Year Writing 1 (GE Foundation Composition)
    • Second Language
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
    • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)
  • 2nd Semester
    • MATH - 129 Calculus II
    • PHYS 161H - Introductory Mechanics
    • ENGL 102 - First Year Writing 2 (GE Foundation Composition)
    • Second Language
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• Second Year
  • 3rd Semester
    • MATH 223 - Vector Calculus
    • PHYS 162H - Introductory Optics & Thermodynamics
    • ECE 101 - Programming I
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • 4th Semester
    • MATH 254 - Introduction to Differential Equations
    • PHYS 261H - Introductory Electricity & Magnetism
    • PHYS 263H - Introductory Relativity & Quantum Physics
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• Third Year
  • 5th Semester
    • PHYS 204 - Mathematical Techniques for Physics
    • PHYS 321 - Theoretical Mechanics
    • Applied Physics Technical Elective #1
    • Applied Physics Communication Requirement
    • Upper-Division Elective
  • 6th Semester
    • PHYS 381 - Advanced Lab I
    • PHYS 305 - Computational Physics
    • Applied Physics Data/Statistics/Modeling Requirement
    • Applied Physics Technical Elective #2
    • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)
• Fourth Year
  • 7th Semester
    • ENGR 498A - Senior Design I
    • PHYS 331 - Electricity & Magnetism I
    • PHYS 382 - Advanced Lab II
    • Applied Physics Technical Elective #3
    • Upper-Division Elective
  • 8th Semester
    • ENGR 498B - Senior Design II
    • PHYS 371 - Quantum Theory I
    • Applied Physics Technical Elective #4
    • Upper-Division Elective
    • Upper-Division Elective

Map Transfer Coursework

• Enter your coursework from Arizona universities or community colleges to see how they can map to this major.
• Connect with The University of Arizona Academic Advisors to validate how your coursework will transfer.

About the Transfer Mapping Categories

• Maps to One Requirement: A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to one requirement for this major.
• Can Map in Multiple Ways: A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to more than one requirement for this major.
• Ask an Advisor: A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that has not yet been mapped to a requirement for this major, or it means that the transfer course was input incorrectly.