Physics - BS

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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.

Beyond the experimental facilities at USU, many students are involved in theoretical work, data analysis, and computer simulations in general relativity and field theory, space weather forecasting, surface science, and complex system applications. There is also a Physics Learning Center available for undergraduate physics students where physics graduate students provide individualized help with homework concerns.

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.

Major Requirements (26 credits)

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

PHYS 2210 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s) or
PHYS 2310 - Physics for Scientists I (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2215 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab I 1 credit(s)
PHYS 2220 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s) or
PHYS 2320 - Physics for Scientists II (BPS/QI) 4 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)

Required Math Courses (13 credits)

All courses must be passed with a 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)

BS Degree Requirements (6 credits)

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

PHYS 3700 - Thermal Physics 3 credit(s) or
PHYS 4650 - Optics I 3 credit(s)
PHYS 3710 - Intermediate Modern Physics 3 credit(s)

Elective Physics Courses (6 credits)

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 (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)

Additional Information

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

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

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

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 BS

Physics BS - 4 Year Degree Plan