Program Overview

Overview of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Physics

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Physics is an interdisciplinary program offered by the Department of Physics in conjunction with the Department of Computer and Information Sciences. This program is intended for students with dual interests in physics and computer science who wish to complete the essential courses for both majors within their normal four-year career. The program will prepare students for a career in a computer-related field and/or physics research.

Program Details

• Campus Location: Main
• Program Code: ST-CSPH-BS

Distinction in Major

To graduate with distinction in this major, a student must satisfy the following criteria:

• have a minimum 3.50 major GPA
• carry out an independent study or undergraduate thesis project

Bachelor of Science Requirements

Summary of Requirements for the Degree

1. University Requirements (123 total credit hours)
   • Students must complete all University requirements including those listed below.
   • All undergraduate students must complete at least two writing-intensive courses for a total of at least six credits at Temple as part of their major. The specific writing-intensive course options for this major are:
     • CIS 3296: Software Design
     • CIS 4397: Independent Research in Computer Science
     • CIS 4398: Projects in Computer Science
     • PHYS 2796: Introduction to Modern Physics
     • PHYS 4796: Experimental Physics
   • Students must complete the General Education (GenEd) requirements.
   • Students who complete CST majors receive a waiver for 2 Science & Technology (GS) and 1 Quantitative Literacy (GQ) GenEd courses.
   • Students must satisfy general Temple University residency requirements.
2. College Requirements
   • A minimum of 90 total credits within the College of Science & Technology (CST), the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), and/or the College of Engineering (ENG).
   • A minimum of 45 of these credits must be upper-level (courses numbered 2000 and above).
   • Complete a one-credit first-year or transfer seminar.
3. Major Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (77-79 credit hours)
   • At least 11 courses required for the major must be completed at Temple.
   • At least 4 Computer Science and 5 Physics courses must be completed at Temple.
   • Required courses include:
     • Mathematics Courses:
       • MATH 1041: Calculus I
       • MATH 1042: Calculus II
       • MATH 2043: Calculus III
     • Computer Science Courses:
       • CIS 1068: Program Design and Abstraction
       • CIS 1166: Mathematical Concepts in Computing I
       • CIS 2107: Computer Systems and Low-Level Programming
       • CIS 2166: Mathematical Concepts in Computing II
       • CIS 2168: Data Structures
       • CIS 3207: Introduction to Systems Programming and Operating Systems
       • CIS 3223: Data Structures and Algorithms
     • Physics Courses:
       • PHYS 1061: Elementary Classical Physics I
       • PHYS 1062: Elementary Classical Physics II
       • PHYS 2021: General Physics I
       • PHYS 2022: General Physics II
       • PHYS 2101: Classical Mechanics
       • PHYS 2502: Mathematical Physics
       • PHYS 2796: Introduction to Modern Physics
       • PHYS 3301: Electricity and Magnetism
       • PHYS 3511: Scientific Computing II
       • PHYS 4511: Scientific Computing III
       • PHYS 3701: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I
     • Capstone Course:
       • CIS 4397: Independent Research in Computer Science
       • CIS 4398: Projects in Computer Science
       • PHYS 4796: Experimental Physics

Suggested Academic Plan

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Physics

The suggested academic plan for new students starting in the academic year is outlined below:

Year 1

• Fall:
  • MATH 1041: Calculus I
  • CIS 1068: Program Design and Abstraction
  • PHYS 1061: Elementary Classical Physics I
  • SCTC 1001: CST First-Year Seminar
  • GenEd Breadth Course
• Spring:
  • MATH 1042: Calculus II
  • CIS 1166: Mathematical Concepts in Computing I
  • PHYS 1062: Elementary Classical Physics II
  • ENG 0802: Analytical Reading and Writing
  • GenEd Breadth Course

Year 2

• Fall:
  • MATH 2043: Calculus III
  • CIS 2168: Data Structures
  • PHYS 3511: Scientific Computing II
  • IH 0851: Intellectual Heritage I
  • Elective
• Spring:
  • CIS 2107: Computer Systems and Low-Level Programming
  • PHYS 2502: Mathematical Physics
  • PHYS 2796: Introduction to Modern Physics
  • PHYS 4511: Scientific Computing III
  • IH 0852: Intellectual Heritage II

Year 3

• Fall:
  • CIS 3207: Introduction to Systems Programming and Operating Systems
  • CIS 2166: Mathematical Concepts in Computing II
  • PHYS 3301: Electricity and Magnetism
  • GenEd Breadth Course
• Spring:
  • CIS 3223: Data Structures and Algorithms
  • PHYS 2101: Classical Mechanics
  • PHYS 3701: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I
  • GenEd Breadth Course
  • Elective

Year 4

• Fall:
  • Select one of the following:
    • CIS 3296: Software Design
    • CIS 3000+ Elective
    • Physics Elective
  • GenEd Breadth Course
  • Elective
• Spring:
  • Select one of the following:
    • CIS 4397: Independent Research in Computer Science
    • CIS 4398: Projects in Computer Science
    • PHYS 4796: Experimental Physics
  • GenEd Breadth Course
  • Elective

Total Credit Hours: 123