Program Overview
Program Overview
The University of Vermont's College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Physics. Physicists are problem solvers, and the analytical skills they learn make them versatile and adaptable. The undergraduate physics program at UVM provides students with a deep foundation of knowledge and practical experience, preparing them for various fields.
Type of Degree
The degree offered is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics.
School or College
The program is part of the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.
Area of Study
The area of study is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Program Format
The program format is on-campus and full-time.
Program Details
The physics department offers both a B.S. and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. Both degree options allow students to pursue graduate studies or work in industry. The B.A. degree has a more traditional physics focus, serving as a foundation for careers in physics, research, engineering, law, medicine, business, technical writing, and teaching. Students in the B.A. program take fewer required math and physics courses and have a broader choice of electives.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes undergraduate course listings from the Department of Physics. Popular courses include:
- PHYS 1500: Physics for Engineers I
- PHYS 1510: Physics Problem Solving I
- PHYS 1600: Fundamentals of Physics I
- PHYS 2100: Experimental Physics I
- PHYS 2200: Classical Mechanics
- PHYS 2500: Waves and Quanta
- PHYS 3150: Computational Physics I
- PHYS 3300: Electricity & Magnetism
- PHYS 3500: Quantum Mechanics I
Outcomes
Upon completion of the B.S. degree, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and the mathematical concepts needed for a proper understanding of physics.
- Demonstrate knowledge of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermal physics, and be able to apply this knowledge to analyze a broad range of physical phenomena.
- Perform experiments in a physics laboratory and analyze the measurements to draw valid conclusions.
- Communicate scientific results in both oral and written form.
Beyond the Classroom
The UVM chapters of the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma organize outreach events, including hands-on activities, demonstrations, and lectures for the general public. Students can conduct research during the semester for class credit or during the summer with a stipend. Undergraduate students often publish their research in professional peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Related Programs
Related programs include:
- B.A. in Physics, College of Arts and Sciences
- Undergraduate Minor in Physics, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
- Undergraduate Minor in Astronomy, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
- Accelerated Master's Program in Physics
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Semiconductor Engineering and Physics
