Dec 04, 2024

2014-2015 General Catalog (Spring, Summer 2015)

2014-2015 General Catalog (Spring, Summer 2015) ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Physics - BS

College of Science

Department of Physics

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

College of Science Requirements

The College of Science requires a year of mathematics (8 credits) and a year sequence in science (8 credits) for all of its majors. For Physics majors, the College of Science requirements are:

Choose one of the following pairs of courses:

BIOL 1610 - Biology I 4 and
BIOL 1620 - Biology II (BLS) 4
Or
CHEM 1210 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 and
CHEM 1220 - Principles of Chemistry II (BPS) 4
Or
GEO 1110 - Physical Geology (BPS) 3 and
GEO 1115 - Physical Geology Laboratory 1 and
GEO 3200 - The Earth Through Time (DSC) 4

Bachelor’s Degrees and Core Requirements

The Physics Department awards the following degrees: BS in Physics, BA in Physics, BS in Physics with a Professional Emphasis, BS in Physics with an Applied Emphasis, BS in Mathematics and Physics Dual Major Option, BS in Physics Teaching, and BS in Composite Teaching—Physical Science.

Except for the two Teaching Majors, all degrees require a common core (48 credits):

A. College of Science Requirements (16 credits)

B. Required Physics Courses (25 credits)

C. Required Mathematics Courses (7 credits)

The specific requirements beyond this core for the various bachelor’s degrees are:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics

Required Physics Courses (6 credits)

Elective Physics Courses (5 credits)

Select 5 additional credits from PHYS courses at the 3500 level and above (not to include PHYS courses designated as University Studies depth courses).

Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics with Professional Emphasis

The Professional Emphasis is recommended for students preparing for graduate work in physics, astronomy or a closely related discipline.

Required Common Core Coursework (46 credits)

Required Physics Courses (25 credits)

Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics with Applied Emphasis

The Applied Emphasis is recommended for students preparing for graduate work in applied physics, engineering physics, materials science or an interdisciplinary area such as biophysics, medical physics, geophysics or chemical physics.

Required Common Core Coursework (46 credits)

Required Physics Courses (8 credits)

Elective Technical Courses (12 credits)

Select 12 credits from courses in other technical departments at the 3000 level and above (not to include courses designated as University Studies depth courses) with a coherent theme. Selected courses require approval from the Physics Department.

Mathematics and Physics Dual Major Option

By fulfilling all degree requirements for any two separate majors, it is possible for a student to receive a diploma having two majors listed. Because most physics majors are required to complete a minimum of 14 credits in mathematics courses, many students elect to complete the requirements for a BS degree in mathematics, as well as the requirements for their physics degree.

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
USU Credits (30 USU credits, 20 of which must be upper-division courses, 10 of which must be courses required for student’s major)	30 USU credits
Completion of approved major program of study	See college advisor
Credits in minor (if required)	12
Credits in American Institutions (ECN 1500 ;HIST 1700 , HIST 2700 or HIST 2710 ; HONR 1300 ; POLS 1100 ; or USU 1300 )	3
General Education Requirements and University Studies Depth Requirements