Program Overview

Overview

The B.S. in Applied Physics program is designed for students intending careers in applied physics. The major is divided into tracks, depending on the student's field of interest. The Physics for the Life Sciences track is designed for premedical students.

Curriculum Requirements

• University Physics Sequence: Choose one of the following options:
  • Option 1: PHY 221, PHY 222, PHY 223, PHY 224, PHY 225
  • Option 2: PHY 221, PHY 230, PHY 224, PHY 225
  • Option 3: PHY 201, PHY 202, PHY 106, PHY 108
  • Option 4: PHY 211, PHY 212, PHY 106, PHY 108
• Core Courses: PHY 350, PHY 360
• Track Options: Choose one of the following tracks:
  • Engineering Physics Track: Additional 5 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 340 and one lab, plus 9 credits in Engineering
  • Computational Physics Track: Additional 5 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 340 and one lab, plus 2 courses from the Computer Science BS core and a third course in Computer Science
  • Medical Physics Track: Additional 5 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 351 and one lab, plus BME 265, BME 310, and BME 330
  • Physics for the Life Sciences Track: Additional 6 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 321, plus required biology and chemistry courses
  • Chemical Physics Track: Additional 6 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 321, plus CHM 360, CHM 364, CHM 365, CHM 464, and one among CHM 530, CHM 553, or CHM 575
  • Marine Science Track: Additional 5 credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, including PHY 321 or PHY 340 and one lab, plus 9 elective credits

Sample Plans of Study

• Engineering Physics Track: A four-year plan of study, including courses in physics, mathematics, and engineering
• Computational Physics Track: A four-year plan of study, including courses in physics, mathematics, and computer science
• Medical Physics Track: A four-year plan of study, including courses in physics, mathematics, and biomedical engineering
• Physics for the Life Sciences Track: A four-year plan of study, including courses in physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry
• Chemical Physics Track: A four-year plan of study, including courses in physics, mathematics, and chemistry
• Marine Science Track: A four-year plan of study, including courses in physics, mathematics, and marine science

Mission

The mission of the Physics B.S. program is to provide students with a rigorous grounding in classical and modern theory, experience in advanced experimental techniques, and exposure to a broad spectrum of topics in physics research.

Goals

It is expected that graduates will be capable problem solvers, proficient critical and scientific thinkers, and possess backgrounds that prepare them for success in graduate school or their desired career path.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate the ability to solve problems in classical and modern physics and proficiency in theoretical and applied mathematics.
• Students will be exposed to and engaged in forefront physics research.
• Students will be able to report their work/ideas in written form to both the scientific community and a broader audience.