Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 General Catalog 
    
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Physics - BA


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College of Science

Department of Physics

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  • For more information about Physics, see the Physics Department
  • Following is a sample four-year plan. Please note that student-specific plans may differ.
  • Admitted students must meet with their advisor Karalee Ransom. Current students should also meet with their advisor  Karalee Ransom for tailored student-specific plans and log on to DegreeWorks  to check student-specific program progress.

 

Minimum University Requirements

Total Credits 120

 

Grade Point Average (most majors require higher GPA)

2.00 GPA
Credits of C- or better 100 Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above) 40
Total USU Credits 30 Upper-division USU Credits 20
USU Credits within the Major 10 Credits in Minor (if required) 12
Credits in Major see below Credits in American Institutions 3
General Education Requirements   see link University Studies Depth Requirements   see link

NOTES: Suggested schedule assumes student has passed MATH 1210: Calculus I (QL) 

Students should consult with their advisor, Karalee Ransom, to develop an individualized plan of study that is applicable to their interests and degree track.

 

Admissions Requirements for this Program

New freshmen Admitted to USU in Good Standing

 

Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU 2.2 GPA

First Year

 Fall Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

MATH 1220: Calculus II (QL)   4     MATH 2210: Multivariable Calculus (QI)   3    
PHYS 2210: Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (BPS/QI)  or PHYS 2310: Physics for Scientists I (BPS/QI)   4  or 4     PHYS 2220: Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (BPS/QI)  or PHYS 2320: Physics for Scientists II (BPS/QI)   4  or 4    
PHYS 2215: Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab I   1     PHYS 2225: Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab II   1    
PHYX - College of Science sequence requirement  * 4   PHYX - College of Science sequence requirement  * 4  
University Studies Breadth Course ** 3   University Studies Breadth Course ** 3  
Total Recommended Credits: 16   Total Recommended Credits: 15  
Comments

 

 

Second Year

 Fall Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

ENGL 1010: Introduction to Writing: Academic Prose (CL1)   3    

Choose two of the following Philosophy courses (6 credits total):

3 and 3 This fills the DHA requirement
MATH 2250: Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (QI)   4     University Studies Breadth Course ** 3  
PHYS 2500: Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics   2     ENGL 2010: Intermediate Writing: Research Writing in a Persuasive Mode (CL2)  3   
PHYS 2710: Introductory Modern Physics   3     Advisor Directed Elective credits ++ 3  
University Studies Breadth Courses ** 3        
Total Recommended Credits: 15   Total Recommended Credits: 15  
Comments

 

Comments

 

Third Year

 Fall Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

PHYS 3600: Electromagnetism I   3    PHYS 3550: Intermediate Classical Mechanics   3    
PHYS 3870: Intermediate Physics Laboratory (CI)  3     PHYS 3710: Intermediate Modern Physics   OR Elective course 3500+ level 3  OR 3   
University Studies Breadth Course **   3   University Studies Depth Course (DSS) *** 3  
Required Language Courses 4   Required Language Course 4  
      Advisor Directed Elective Credits ++ 2  
Total Recommended Credits: 13   Total Recommended Credits: 15  
Comments

 

Comments

 

Fourth Year

 Fall Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

Physics Elective Course at 3500+ level 3   PHYS 4900: Research in Physics (CI)   1-3   2 credits required
Advisor Directed Elective Credits ++ 4   Required Language Courses 4  
Required Language Course 4   Advisor Directed Elective Credits ++ 9  
Total Recommended Credits: 11   Total Recommended Credits: 15  
Comments

 

Comments

 

Students must complete the General Education Requirements  and the University Studies Depth Requirements :

  • Complete at least 3 credits in an approved 3000-level or above course for the Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA) requirement. (This requirement will be filled by the major requirements in Philosophy.)
  • Complete 3 credits in an approved 3000-level or above course in Social Studies (DSS) requirement.

* College of Science Sequence Requirement consists of 7-8 credits, i.e., a yearlong introduction course in Biology, Chemistry or Geology, to be selected by the student and completed in their freshman year.

** University Studies Breadth courses consist of 18 credits.  These are distributed through freshman, sophomore and into the junior year.  Experience has shown that taking the majority of these credits in the first year has a negative impact on our majors.

++ Elective credits.  This particular degree offering enables the student to complement their physics interest with up to 15 credits from other disciplines. These could consist of computer science, mathematics, geology, English etc.  Working with the physics advisor in the sophomore/junior year would enable a timely plan to be created based upon the student’s developing career goals.

 

Physics - College of Science Sequence Requirement


Select one full science series. (Teaching majors must also complete the first course of the other two series.)

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