A physics major provides a wide range of career options. Many students pursue further studies in physics, other scientific disciplines, and various branches of engineering and medicine. Professional physicists work in universities and government laboratories seeking answers to fundamental questions about nature, in industry leading the development of new technologies, and in the medical sector performing clinical service and research. The analytical, problem-solving, and communications skills acquired by physics majors also lead to career opportunities in business and finance.
The Department of Physics offers two undergraduate degree programs: The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is intended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in physics as well as for other students with a deep interest in the subject. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) is intended for students who seek the benefits of a physics degree but desire greater flexibility to follow interests in other fields.
Bachelor of Arts
The B.A. degree program is for students who want to major in physics but are not presently contemplating graduate studies in physics. It provides a good foundation in the fundamentals while offering increased flexibility in the major, through fewer required courses and more electives, and opportunity for parallel studies in another discipline and/or preprofessional studies.
Bachelor of Science
The B.S. degree program is intended for students planning to do graduate work in physics or related science and engineering disciplines. The B.S. requires a minimum of 41 credits in Physics plus 28 credits of related coursework. Minimum grades of C are required for coursework counted toward the major.
In addition to the Physics BA and BS degrees, there are three optional specializations for the Physics BS degree. Each specialization consists of a specific choice of the 4000 level Physics elective plus three courses in other departments.
Medical Physics
Medical physics applies the principles and experimental techniques of physics to medical problems. A common example is the use of different forms of radiation in medical diagnosis and treatment. This specialization will help prepare students for a graduate program in medical physics.
Nanoscience
Nanoscience is the study of extremely small things – only 10 to 100 atoms wide. It is an interdisciplinary field involving physics, chemistry, and many engineering disciplines. This specialization helps prepare students for careers in industry and graduate school in engineering as well as physics.
Optics
There are applications of optics and photonics in consumer equipment, telecommunications, medicine, construction, aviation, and many more fields. This broad field involves both physics and engineering. The optics specialization will prepare students for graduate programs in optics as well as employment in industry.
Coursework for the Major
Coursework for the major will depend upon the degree program chosen.
Courses for the B.S. or B.A. degree include four pairs of alternative courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 2048 | Physics with Calculus 1 | 3 |
| or PHY 2060 | Enriched Physics with Calculus 1 | |
| PHY 2049 | Physics with Calculus 2 | 3 |
| or PHY 2061 | Enriched Physics with Calculus 2 | |
| PHY 3101 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| or PHY 3063 | Enriched Modern Physics | |
| PHY 3221 | Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| or PHZ 3113 | Introduction to Theoretical Physics |
In each case, the second course includes selected advanced topics not covered in the first. While both courses prepare students for upper-level physics classes, students should see a department advisor to determine which course meets their needs.
Required coursework for each degree can be found below in the Critical Tracking section. Transfer students must take a minimum of 15 credits of required physics courses at UF.
Course Details
Several courses meet the criteria for the general education physical sciences (P) requirement. Some mathematical training (indicated in parentheses) is desirable or required for many of these courses. Of the courses below, only PHY 2048/PHY 2049 count toward the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MET 1010 | Introduction to Weather and Climate | 3 |
| PHY 1033C | Discovering Physics | 3 |
| PHY 2020 | Introduction to Principles of Physics 1 | 3 |
| Select one general physics sequence: 2 | 6-8 | |
PHY 2004 & PHY 2005 | Applied Physics 1 and Applied Physics 2 | |
PHY 2048 & PHY 2049 | Physics with Calculus 1 and Physics with Calculus 2 | |
PHY 2053 & PHY 2054 | Physics 1 and Physics 2 |
- 1
MAC 1147 provides mathematical training desirable or required for this course.
- 2
Students should check the prerequisites carefully before enrolling in a general physics course.
Placement
Students with Advanced Placement credit should consult the catalog's Academic Advising section for course equivalencies. Sequences for advanced students are available from any physics advisor or the department website.
Research
All undergraduate majors are encouraged to participate in research activities. Many physics majors participate in research during the academic year and/or through summer research programs. Advanced students may also be eligible to enroll in certain graduate courses, thereby accelerating their education. Physics majors are urged to confer with a department advisor as early as possible and especially as their educational goals evolve.