Mar 13, 2025

2010-2011 General Catalog

2010-2011 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Physics, BA

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College of Science Requirements

The College of Science requires a year of mathematics (8 credits) and a year sequence in science (6-8 credits) for all of its majors. For Physics majors, the College of Science requirements are:

Choose one of the following pairs of courses:

BIOL 1610 - Biology I 4 and
BIOL 1620 - Biology II (BLS) 4
Or
CHEM 1210 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 and
CHEM 1220 - Principles of Chemistry II (BPS) 4
Or
GEO 1110 - The Dynamic Earth: Physical Geology (BPS) 4 and
GEO 3200 - The Earth Through Time (DSC) 4

Bachelor’s Degrees and Core Requirements

The Physics Department awards the following degrees: BS in Physics, BA in Physics, BS in Physics with a Professional Emphasis, BS in Physics with an Applied Emphasis, BS in Mathematics and Physics Dual Major Option, BS in Physics Teaching, and BS in Composite Teaching—Physical Science.

Except for the two Teaching Majors, all degrees require a common core (42 credits):

A. College of Science Requirements (16 credits)

B. Required Physics Courses (23 credits)

PHYS 2210 - General Physics–Science and Engineering I (QI) 4 and
PHYS 2220 - General Physics–Science and Engineering II (BPS/QI) 4
Or
PHYS 2110 - General Physics - Life Sciences I 4 and
PHYS 2120 - General Physics - Life Sciences II (BPS) 4
(PHYS 2210 and PHYS 2220 are preferred.)
PHYS 2500 - Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics 2
PHYS 2710 - Introductory Modern Physics 3
PHYS 3550 - Intermediate Classical Mechanics 3
PHYS 3600 - Electromagnetism I 3
PHYS 3870 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory (CI) 2
PHYS 4900 - Research in Physics (CI) 1-3 (2 credits required)

C. Required Mathematics Courses (7 credits)

The specific requirements beyond this core for the various bachelor’s degrees are:

1. Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics (11 credits)

PHYS 3710 - Intermediate Modern Physics 3
PHYS 3700 - Thermal Physics 3 or
PHYS 4650 - Optics I 3
Elective courses in Physics at the 3500 level and above (not to include PHYS courses designed as University Studies depth courses) 5

2. Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics (28 credits)

PHIL 4310 - Philosophy of Science (DHA) 3
PHIL 4320 - History of Scientific Thought (DHA) 3
Elective courses in Physics at the 3500 level and above (not to include PHYS courses designed as University Studies depth courses) 6
Two years training (or equivalent) in a foreign language 16

3. Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics with a Professional Emphasis (25 credits)

4. Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics with an Applied Emphasis (20 credits)

PHYS 3700 - Thermal Physics 3
PHYS 3880 - Advanced Physics Laboratory (CI) 2
PHYS 4650 - Optics I 3
Elective courses in other technical departments at the 3000 level or above (not to include courses designated as University Studies depth courses). Selected courses must have a coherent theme and must be approved by the Physics Department 12

5. Mathematics and Physics Dual Major Option

By fulfilling all degree requirements for any two separate majors, it is possible for a student to receive a diploma having two majors listed. Because most physics majors are required to complete a minimum of 14 credits in mathematics courses, many students elect to complete the requirements for a BS degree in mathematics, as well as the requirements for their physics degree.