Department of Physics and Astronomy

[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] Honors in Physics

Students who major in Physics and who demonstrate exceptional ability may be invited to enter the Honors in the Major Program. For details, see Honors in the Major Program.

[3] Bachelor of Science

[3.1] Major in Physics

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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, and physical science. Those students interested in engineering should consider the BS in engineering physics below.

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, for the physical science track, to be worked out with the student’s minor advisor (the related mathematics courses nearly provide a minor in mathematics).

Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Physics enter the College Algebra Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1390 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit for MATH 1390. Students with an ACT Math subscore between 22 and 26 should enroll in MATH 1486 Calculus Preparation. Students with an ACT Math subscore of 27 or greater should enroll in MATH 1496 Calculus I.

[3.1.1] Physics Core Requirements (34 hours)

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All tracks of the BS in physics program require completion of 22-hours of core physics major courses, 18 hours of related course work, and courses designed to complete the particular degree track chosen. The 18 hours of related courses include mathematics and writing.

Physics Core major courses

Related Mathematics and Writing courses

Completion of the physics core and related courses will partially satisfy the Upper-Division (UD) UCA Core. Students are encouraged to take the opportunity to explore other areas more deeply by completing courses designated as I, D, and R in areas outside of the sciences.

[3.1.2] Physics Track (67 hours)

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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.

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 major courses in addition to the physics core

Major electives

Additional Related Mathematics courses

Required Major Hours (49):
Physics: 49

Related Hours (18):
Mathematics: 15
Writing: 3

TOTAL: 67

[3.1.3] Biological Physics Track (78 hours)

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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 major courses in addition to the physics core

Chemistry major courses in addition to the physics core

Biology major courses in addition to the physics core

Related Mathematics courses

Required Major Hours (60):
Physics: 28
Chemistry: 16
Biology: 16

Related Hours (18):
Mathematics: 15
Writing: 3

TOTAL: 78

[3.1.4] Chemical Physics Track (79 hours)

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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 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 major courses in addition to the physics core

Chemistry major courses

Related Mathematics course

Required Major Hours (61):
Physics: 40
Chemistry: 21

Related Hours (18):
Mathematics: 15
Writing: 3

TOTAL: 79

[3.1.5] Mathematical Physics Track (73 hours)

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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 major courses in addition to the physics core

Required Major Hours (70):
Physics: 43
Mathematics: 27

Related Hours (3):
Writing: 3

TOTAL: 73

[3.1.6] Physical Science Track (61 hours)

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The physical science track is intended for those students who are interested in physical science but 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:

Physics major electives

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

Chemistry major courses in addition to the physics core

Required Major Hours (46):
Physics: 31
Chemistry: 15

Related Hours (15):
Mathematics: 12
Writing: 3

TOTAL: 61

[3.2] Major in Engineering Physics

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The engineering physics program 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 graduate school. The courses in this program build upon each other and must be taken in the order laid out in the Academic Map. The student’s advisor will work closely with the student to achieve an optimal integration of studies and practical experience.

For a suggested sequence of courses, please contact the department chair or consult the Academic Maps for the program (see links for the appropriate year at the Academic Maps site). Note that two Academic Maps have been prepared, one for the student starting calculus the semester they enter and one for the student who starts calculus in their second semester.

A BS degree with a major in engineering physics requires the successful completion of 125 hours including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (Engineering Physics majors are exempted from the requirement to complete a life science course under the Critical Inquiry component of the Lower Division Core.) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) degree requirements; and (3) major requirements listed below. The BS in Engineering Physics does not require a minor.

Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Engineering Physics enter the College Algebra Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1390 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit for MATH 1390. Students with an ACT Math subscore between 22 and 26 should enroll in MATH 1486 Calculus Preparation. Students with an ACT Math subscore of 27 or greater should enroll in MATH 1496 Calculus I.

Required physics courses

Required writing course

Required philosophy course

Required computer science courses

Required engineering courses

Major elective courses

Related mathematics courses

Required major Hours:
Physics: 21
Computer science: 8
Engineering: 45
Philosophy: 3

Related Hours:
Mathematics: 15

TOTAL: 95

[3.3] Major in General Science

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See the General Science page (Interdisciplinary Programs).

[3.4] Minor in Physics (24 hours)

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Physics course requirements

Electives

Related requirements

[3.5] Minor in Physical Science (24 hours)

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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] 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.