Physics - BA

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College of Science

Department of Physics

About This Degree

Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions.

Students study both the theory of physics and experiment using those theories as a guide. At USU, all students participate in faculty-mentored research, gaining valuable experience in campus research centers and laboratories. This makes USU students better prepared for entrance into either the workforce or graduate school.

Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

For more information about Physics, see the Department of Physics website.
Admitted and current students must meet with the advisor, Karalee Ransom.
Log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
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) .

Minimum University Requirements

Total Credits: 120
Credits of C- or better: 100
Total credits taken through USU: 30
Total major required credits taken at USU: 10
Minimum Grade Point Average (many majors require a higher GPA): 2.0 GPA
Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above): 40
Upper-division credits taken at USU: 20
General Education Requirements
University Studies Requirements
Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Admission Requirements For This Program

New freshmen must be admitted to USU in Good Standing.
Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU must have a 2.20 GPA.

Additional Information

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

Complete at least 3 credits in an approved 3000-level or above course for the Depth 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 for the Depth Social Sciences (DSS) requirement.

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

College of Science Sequence Requirement consists of 7-8 credits, i.e., a year-long introduction course in biology, chemistry, geology, or computer science 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.

Major Requirements (39 credits)

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

MATH 1220 - Calculus II (QL) 4 credit(s)
MATH 2210 - Multivariable Calculus (QI) 3 credit(s)
MATH 2270 - Linear Algebra (QI) 3 credit(s)
MATH 2280 - Ordinary Differential Equations (QI) 3 credit(s)
PHYS 2210 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2220 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s)
or
PHYS 2310 - Physics for Scientists I (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2320 - Physics for Scientists II (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2215 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab I 1 credit(s)
PHYS 2225 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab II 1 credit(s)
PHYS 2500 - Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics 2 credit(s)
PHYS 2710 - Introductory Modern Physics 3 credit(s)
PHYS 3550 - Intermediate Classical Mechanics 3 credit(s)
PHYS 3600 - Electromagnetism I 3 credit(s)
PHYS 3870 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory (CI) 3 credit(s)
PHYS 4900 - Research in Physics (CI) 1-3 credit(s) (2 credits required)

Physics Electives (6 credits)

Choose 2 Physics courses at the 3500+ level (6 credits total). Must pass with a C- or better.

Philosophy Requirements (6 credits)

Choose 2 courses (6 credits) from the following list. Must pass with a C- or better.

PHIL 4300 - Epistemology (DHA) 3 credit(s)
PHIL 4310 - Philosophy of Science (DHA) 3 credit(s)
PHIL 4400 - Metaphysics 3 credit(s)
PHIL 4410 - Philosophy of Mind (DHA) 3 credit(s)

College of Science Sequence Requirement (6-8 credits)

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

BIOL 1610 - Biology I 3 credit(s) and
BIOL 1620 - Biology II (BLS) 3 credit(s)
or
CHEM 1210 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 credit(s) and
CHEM 1220 - Principles of Chemistry II (BPS) 4 credit(s)
or
GEO 1110 - Physical Geology (BPS) 3 credit(s) and
GEO 1115 - Physical Geology Laboratory 1 credit(s)
and
GEO 2200 - The Earth Through Time 3 credit(s)
or
CS 1400 - Introduction to Computer Science–CS 1 4 credit(s) and
CS 1410 - Introduction to Computer Science–CS 2 (QI) 3 credit(s) or
CS 1440 - Software Engineering Fundamentals 3 credit(s)

Required Language Courses (16 credits)

Two years’ training or equivalent (16 credits) in a foreign language approved by the Department of World Languages and Cultures. For further information, see the Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements on the Undergraduate Academic Credential Requirements page of this catalog.

Open Electives

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your Academic Advisor for details.

Total Credits: 120

Suggested Degree Map - Physics BA

Physics BA - 4 Year Degree Map