Program Overview
Program Overview
The B.A. degree in Physics is offered by the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Vermont. This program has a traditional physics focus, serving as a foundation for careers in physics, research, engineering, law, medicine, business, technical writing, and teaching.
Type of Degree
The degree offered is a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in Physics.
School or College
The program is offered by the College of Arts and 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.
Credit Hours to Graduate
To graduate, students must complete 30 credits in major courses, plus 3 credits in ancillary courses.
Program Details
The Department of Physics resides in the College of Engineering and Mathematics Sciences (CEMS), but the B.A. with a major in Physics is offered by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). CEMS offers a B.S. with a major in Physics, as well as Astronomy and Physics minors.
An education in physics provides students with the foundation for a variety of careers. In addition to preparation for graduate study in physics and related fields, undergraduate study in physics is an excellent preparation for professional careers in engineering, management, teaching, law, and medicine.
Curriculum
The curriculum consists of core courses on the fundamentals of physics, such as mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum theory. Students can then choose from an array of electives to explore subfields in physics, such as astrophysics, biological physics, condensed matter physics, general relativity, nanotechnology, quantum optics, and nuclear and particle physics.
Popular Courses
- 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.A. degree in Physics, 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 variety 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
Each year, the UVM chapters of the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma organize outreach events that include hands-on activities, demonstrations, and lectures for the general public. The nearby ECHO Science Center in Burlington often hosts these events. Part of learning science is learning how to communicate it, which helps achieve the goal of giving back to the local community.
The spirit of experiential, hands-on learning beyond the traditional classroom boundaries is alive and well in the UVM physics department. Students in the program can conduct research during the semester for class credit or during the summer with a stipend. It's not uncommon for undergraduate students to publish their research in professional peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Related Programs
- B.S. in Physics: Offered by the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.
- Undergraduate Minor in Physics: Offered by the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.
- Minor in Astronomy: The UVM physics department offers a wide variety of in-depth, largely qualitative courses designed to intrigue students with the full sweep of astronomical knowledge.