Department of Physics and Astronomy

Interim Chair and Associate Professor: C. Frederickson (PhD), 450-5900
Professor: S. Addison (PhD), R. Mehta (PhD)
Associate Professor: S. Austin (PhD), D. Burris (PhD), N. Gaiser (PhD), W. Slaton (PhD)
Assistant Professor: A. Mason (PhD), B. Menon (PhD), A. Walker (PhD)
Senior Lecturer: N. Austin (MS)

[1] Purposes

Curricula offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy serve two main purposes: first, to contribute to the knowledge and awareness of non-science students in order to prepare them to appreciate and understand the nature of the physical world and how science operates to achieve comprehension of the physical world; second, to prepare science students for graduate study or the workplace. A range of courses designed for the physics major are offered to establish a broad and secure foundation in any of several disciplines in the field.

[2] The Honors Program in Physics

Junior and senior students with appropriate grade point averages and having the consent of the department may be allowed to participate in a program that, when successfully completed, will allow them to graduate with honors in physics. This program will consist of not less than two semesters of research in physics or astronomy and the writing and oral defense of an honors thesis.

[3] Bachelor of Science

[3.1] Major in Physics

A physics degree is an excellent preparation for much more than a career in physics. The technical expertise and cognitive skills acquired in earning a physics degree are valuable in many endeavors.

The BS in physics makes the advantages of a physics degree available to a wide range of students. The program allows the student to choose one of a number of tracks to fit his or her interests and goals. The tracks are physics, biological physics, chemical physics, mathematical physics, physical science, and applied physics.

A BS degree with a major in physics requires the successful completion of 120 hours including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) degree requirements; (3) major requirements listed below; and (4) a minor, if required, to be worked out with the student’s minor advisor.

[3.1.1] Physics Core Requirements (34 hours)

All tracks of the BS in physics program require completion of a 34-hour core, consisting of 19 hours of physics, and 12 hours of mathematics, and 3 hours of writing.

Physics Core courses:

Physics Core mathematics courses:

Physics Core writing course:

Completion of the physics core will partially satisfy the UCA Upper-Division Core. Though students may choose any upper-division courses with the appropriate designations, it is suggested that they consider one of two courses to satisfy the balance of the Upper-Division Core:

[3.1.2] Physics Track (67 hours)

This is the traditional physics track, offering excellent preparation both for those planning a physics- or astronomy-related career, including graduate school, and for those desiring a physics degree for entry into other fields, such as engineering. The program is flexible and can be tailored to the needs and interests of the individual student by using electives, of which at least 6 hours are required. The student’s advisor will work closely with the student to achieve the optimal curriculum for the student.

In addition to the physics core, the following courses are required:

Physics courses in addition to the physics core:

Major electives:

Six (6) hours approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy

Mathematics course in addition to the physics core:

Computer Science course:

Physics hours required: 46
Mathematics hours required: 15
Computer Science hours required: 3
Writing hours required: 3

TOTAL: 67

[3.1.3] Biological Physics Track (79 hours)

The biological physics track offers a physics-centered curriculum for students planning to enter medical school. It also serves as an excellent entry into medical physics and health-related fields, including graduate study. Note: It appears that one of the best predictors for acceptance into medical school is a physics degree. This track does not require a minor.

For a suggested sequence of physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry courses, please contact the department chair or consult the Academic Map for the track (see links for the appropriate year at the Academic Maps site).

In addition to the physics core, the following courses are required:

Physics courses in addition to the physics core:

Mathematics course in addition to the core:

Chemistry courses in addition to the physics core:

Biology courses in addition to the physics core:

Physics hours required: 25
Mathematics hours required: 15
Chemistry hours required: 16
Biology hours required: 20
Writing hours required: 3

TOTAL: 79

[3.1.4] Chemical Physics Track (80 hours)

The chemical physics track provides an excellent preparation for entering the chemistry-oriented industrial work force or for continued study in engineering or graduate school.

This track does not require a minor. However, the chemistry courses required by the track are more than sufficient for a minor in chemistry, and the requirements for a mathematics minor are nearly met by the mathematics courses required by the physics core and the track.

For a suggested sequence of physics, mathematics, and chemistry courses, contact the department chair or consult the Academic Map for the track (see links for the appropriate year at the Academic Maps site).

In addition to the physics core, the following courses are required:

Physics courses in addition to the physics core:

Mathematics course in addition to the physics core:

Chemistry courses:

Physics hours required: 37
Mathematics hours required: 15
Chemistry hours required: 25
Writing hours required: 3

TOTAL: 80

[3.1.5] Mathematical Physics Track (79 hours)

The mathematical physics track is intended for those students who are particularly interested and strongly motivated both in physics and in mathematics. It offers an excellent preparation for graduate study in theoretical physics, mathematical physics, computational physics, applied mathematics, and engineering. This track does not require a minor.

For a suggested sequence of physics and mathematics courses, please contact the department chair or consult the Academic Map for the track (see links for the appropriate year at the Academic Maps site).

In addition to the physics core, the following courses are required:

Physics courses in addition to the physics core:

Mathematics courses in addition to the physics core:

Physics hours required: 46
Mathematics hours required: 30
Writing hours required: 3

TOTAL: 79

[3.1.6] Physical Science Track (58 hours)

The physical science track is intended for those students who are interested in physical science, do not intend to specialize in either physics or chemistry. The program is very flexible and can be tailored to the particular needs and interests of the individual student by using electives, of which at least 12 hours are required – six in physics and six in chemistry. The student’s advisor will work closely with the student to achieve the optimal curriculum for the student. This track requires a minor and is an excellent choice for students interested in STEMteach.

For a suggested sequence of physics and chemistry courses, please contact the department chair or consult the Academic Map for the track (see links for the appropriate year at the Academic Maps site).

In addition to the physics core, the following courses are required:

PHYS electives:

Nine (9 hours) approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy

Chemistry courses in addition to the physics core:

Physics hours required: 28
Mathematics hours required: 12
Chemistry hours required: 15
Writing hours required: 3

TOTAL: 58

[3.1.7] Applied Physics Track (81 hours)

The applied physics track is designed for the student whose interests lie in the application of the knowledge and methods of physics in industrial and practical situations. It offers excellent preparation both for immediate entry into the industrial work force and for engineering school. The program is unique among the tracks in that it contains an internship option, whereby the student obtains real-world experience that is integrated into his/her studies. Alternatively, the student might work on an application-oriented research project. The program also requires business courses to provide the student background for the business environment. The student’s advisor will work closely with the student to achieve an optimal integration of studies and practical experience. This track does not require a minor.

For a suggested sequence of courses, please contact the department chair or consult the Academic Map for the track (see links for the appropriate year at the Academic Maps site).

In addition to the physics core, the following courses are required:

Physics courses in addition to the physics core:

Mathematics courses in addition to the physics core:

Chemistry courses in addition to the physics core:

Business courses in addition to the physics core:

Physics hours required: 34
Mathematics hours required: 21
Chemistry hours required: 8
Computer science hours required: 3
Business hours required: 6
Internship/research hours required: 6
Writing hours required: 3

TOTAL: 81

[3.2] Minor in Physics (24 hours)

Physics course requirements:

Electives (minimum 7 hours) approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy. These may include up to 3 hours of special problems.

Related requirements:

[3.3] Major in General Science

See the General Science page (Interdisciplinary Programs).

[3.4] Minor in Physical Science (24 hours)

CHEM 1450 and 1451 and either 2401 or 3520; PHYS 1410 and 1420 (or PHYS 1441 and 1442), and either 2411 or 2430 (or 2443); MATH 1390 and 1392, or 1580, or equivalent. Notes: 1.) Three upper-division hours in physics or chemistry are required to meet the general requirement for a minor. 2.) PHYS 1400, 1401, and 1405 cannot be used to satisfy the minor.

[4] Bachelor of Science in Education, Secondary Science Education

Note: Students are no longer admitted to the BSE in Secondary Science Education. UCA STEMteach is now the path to licensure in science education.

[5] Course Links (PHYS, ENGR)

Follow this link for PHYS – Courses for Non-Majors course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for PHYS – Courses for Departmental Majors course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for ENGR course descriptions: course link.