First year students planning to major or minor in physics or astrophysics, if they have the necessary mathematics, usually take PHYC 160, 160L and MATH 162 in their first semester, and PHYC 161, 161L and MATH 163 in their second semester. There is some flexibility in these prerequisites.
For admission to any degree program in the department, within the College of Arts and Sciences, in any given semester, it is required that the student have passed PHYC 160, or a more advanced physics course, with a grade of C (not C-) or higher.
Academic advisement is required each semester for students majoring in physics or astrophysics. Students in University College with an area of interest or a definite major in mind in this department should meet with a departmental advisor as soon as possible, to ensure that they obtain current curriculum and admissions policies as well as specific advice on how to meet the requirements for admission.
Students are not allowed to receive credit for both PHYC 151 and 160, nor for both PHYC 152 and 161.
The B.S. degree is designed as a beginning and foundation for students planning to continue their studies in graduate school and are, therefore, preparatory to professional training in physics or astrophysics.
The B.A. degree is designed for people interested in physics, astrophysics and science in general who are not seeking a career in scientific research. Rather, these students should use the flexibility within the program to choose minors or an additional major in other areas, such as management, education, communications, journalism, economics, history, political science, etc.
B.S. in Physics: PHYC 290, 301, 303, 304, 307L, 308L, 330, 405, 406, 491, 492, 493L; and one 3-hour Physics course numbered above 300. PHYC 451 and 452 cannot be substituted for the 3-hour elective course numbered above 300.
Required supportive courses: MATH 311, 312, 316, 321; CHEM 121,123L and 122,124L
B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Optics: For the degree of B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Optics: PHYC 290, 301, 302, 303, 304, 302L, 330, 366, 405, 406. Optics elective number 1: must be chosen as one of PHYC 463, 464, ASTR 426, or ECE 475. Optics elective number 2: must be chosen as one of PHYC 430, 477L, 493L, or 554. In addition, these two electives must be chosen in such a way that one of the Optics electives is either PHYC 430 or ECE 475. Science/Engineering/Math elective number 1: must be at the 200 level or above; Science/Engineering/Math elective number 2: must be at the 300 level or above.
Required supportive courses: MATH 314, 316; CHEM 121,123L, 122,124L