Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 General Catalog 
    
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Physics - BS


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College of Science

Department of Physics

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  • For more information about Physics, see the Department of Physics website.
  • 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 log on to Degree Works  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: The highest math requirement for this degree is MATH 2280: Ordinary Differential Equations (QI) . 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   MATH 2270: Linear Algebra (QI)   3    
Total Recommended Credits: 16   Total Recommended Credits: 15  
Comments
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     PHYS 3550: Intermediate Classical Mechanics   3    
MATH 2280: Ordinary Differential Equations (QI)   3     PHYS 3710: Intermediate Modern Physics   3    
PHYS 2500: Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics   2     University Studies Breadth Courses 3  
PHYS 2710: Introductory Modern Physics   3     Advisor-Directed Elective credits 3  
University Studies Breadth Courses 3   ENGL 2010: Intermediate Writing: Research Writing in a Persuasive Mode (CL2)   3    
Total Recommended Credits: 14   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 3880: Advanced Physics Laboratory (CI)   3   May be used as elective credit
PHYS 3870: Intermediate Physics Laboratory (CI)   3     Physics Elective (if not taken sophomore year) 3  
University Studies Breadth Courses 6   University Studies Depth Course 3  
University Depth Course 3   Advisor-Directed Elective Credits 5  
Total Recommended Credits: 15   Total Recommended Credits: 14  
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   Required if PHYS 3700  is not taken, or it may be used as a physics elective PHYS 3700: Thermal Physics  or Physics Elective at 3500+ level   3  or 3  
Advisor-Directed Elective Credits 12   PHYS 4900: Research in Physics (CI)   1-3   Register for 1 credit 
PHYS 4900: Research in Physics (CI)   1-3   Register for 1 credit Advisor-Directed Elective Credits 10  
Total Recommended Credits: 16   Total Recommended Credits: 14  
Comments
Comments

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

Courses used to fulfill major requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.

Required Math Courses


All courses must be passed with a C- or better.

BS Degree Requirements


All courses must be passed with a C- or better.

Elective Physics Courses


Select 6 additional Physics credits at the 3500 level and above (not to include PHYS courses designated as University Studies depth courses, nor PHYS 5800 ).

All courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better.

College of Science Sequence Requirement


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

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