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 and logon 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			ENGL 2010: Intermediate Writing: Research Writing in a Persuasive Mode (CL2)	3
MATH 2250: Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (QI)	4			PHYS 3710: Intermediate Modern Physics  or other PHYS 3500+ level course	3
PHYS 2500: Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics	2			University Studies Breadth Courses	6
PHYS 2710: Introductory Modern Physics	3			Advisor Directed Elective credits	3
University Studies Breadth Courses	3			PHYS 3550: Intermediate Classical Mechanics	3
Total Recommended Credits:	15			Total Recommended Credits:	18
Comments				Comments Math 2250 or Math 2270/2280 must be taken before PHYS 3750, Fall of Junior year.

Third Year
Fall Semester	Credits	General Education Info and Notes:		Spring Semester	Credits	General Education Info and Notes:
PHYS 3600: Electromagnetism I	3			PHYS 3700: Thermal Physics	3
PHYS 3750: Foundations of Wave Phenomena	3			PHYS 3880: Advanced Physics Laboratory (CI)	3
PHYS 3870: Intermediate Physics Laboratory (CI)	3			PHYS 4600: Electromagnetism II	3
University Studies Breadth Course	3			University Studies Depth Course	3
Advisor Directed Elective Credits	3			Advisor Directed Elective Credits	4
Total Recommended Credits:	15			Total Recommended Credits:	16
Comments				Comments

Fourth Year
Fall Semester	Credits	General Education Info and Notes:		Spring Semester	Credits	General Education Info and Notes:
PHYS 4650: Optics I	3			PHYS 4710: Quantum Mechanics II	3
PHYS 4700: Quantum Mechanics I	3			PHYS 4900: Research in Physics (CI)	1-3	2 credits required
PHYS 4900: Research in Physics (CI)	1-3	2 credits required		Advisor Directed Elective Credits	10
University Studies Depth Course	3
Advisor Directed Elective Credits	4
Total Recommended Credits:	15			Total Recommended Credits:	15
Comments				Comments

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

• Complete at least 2 credits in approved 3000-level or above courses from each of the following two categories: Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA) and Social Sciences (DSS) for the Depth Course requirements