Physics, Astronomy Concentration, B.S.

This program is the prerequisite to many research positions offered by government and industry, and to graduate study. Careers in physics often require advanced degrees beyond the BS. Typical opportunities: aerospace scientist, medical technologist, systems analyst, astronomer, meteorologist, industrial hygienist, electronics engineer, fusion engineer, oceanographer, physical chemist, geophysicist, physicist.

The university’s nearby observatory on Fickle Hill has a 16-inch telescope, a 12-inch telescope, and several 8-inch telescopes for student and community use. The department also offers a well-equipped computer electronics laboratory.

We recommend that students take English, mathematics, and physics in high school.

Program Learning Outcomes: Bachelor’s Degrees

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements . This major does not include a Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) certified course. Students must take a GWAR certified writing intensive course to fulfill the requirement.

Requirements for the Major (78 Units)

A minimum grade of C- is required for all courses with the “PHYX” prefix for the physics major. The Upper Division Area B General Education requirement is met by the coursework within the Bachelor of Science degree for either option in the Physics major.

Core Courses (67 Units)

The following core courses are required for all physics majors.

Lower Division

CHEM 109 - General Chemistry I Units: 5
CHEM 110 - General Chemistry II Units: 5
MATH 107 - Introduction to Linear Algebra Units: 3
MATH 109 - Calculus I Units: 4
MATH 110 - Calculus II Units: 4
MATH 210 - Calculus III Units: 4
PHYX 109 - General Physics A: Mechanics Units: 4
PHYX 210 - General Physics B: Thermodynamics, Waves and Optics Units: 4
PHYX 211 - General Physics C: Electricity, Magnetism Units: 4

Upper Division

MATH 311 - Vector Calculus Units: 2
MATH 313 - Ordinary Differential Equations Units: 4
PHYX 320 - Modern Physics Units: 3
PHYX 324 - Analytical Mechanics Units: 4
PHYX 325 - Thermal Physics Units: 4
PHYX 340 - Mathematical and Computational Methods Units: 2
PHYX 441 - Electricity and Magnetism I Units: 3
PHYX 442 - Electricity and Magnetism II Units: 3
PHYX 450 - Quantum Physics I Units: 4
PHYX 484 - Physics Seminar I Units: 0.5
PHYX 485 - Physics Seminar II Units: 0.5

Astronomy Concentration (11 Units)

Complete the following concentration specific courses.

PHYX 310 - Spacetime and Relativity Units: 3
PHYX 360 - Physics of Stars and Planets Units: 4
PHYX 361 - Galaxies and Cosmology Units: 4

Graduate School Preparation (Optional)

Students who intend to pursue a graduate degree in physics should take more courses in physics and mathematics. For example:

MATH 344 - Linear Algebra Units: 4
MATH 442 - Abstract Algebra Units: 4
PHYX 495 - Undergraduate Research Units: 1-3

Program Learning Outcomes

Identify, develop, and apply appropriate models and strategies using physical and mathematical techniques for solving problems in physics and/or astronomy.
Develop the breadth, depth and rigor in physics and/or astronomy needed to succeed in graduate school or the technical workforce.
Design, perform, analyze and interpret laboratory experiments, model simulations, and/or astronomical observations.
Present technical information to a diverse audience in both written and oral formats.
Gather professionally relevant information and resources and critically evaluate and cite sources.
Develop awareness of the culture, responsibilities, privileges and structural inequities in Physics/Astronomy as currently practiced.