PS_BS - Bachelor of Science
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About This Program
About this Program
- College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Degrees: Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor of Science
- Specializations: Medical Physics (BS) | Nanoscience (BS) | Optics (BS)
- Credits for Degree: 120
- Contact: Email
- More Info
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
The Department of Physics is making strides toward becoming one of the premier physics departments in the United States. With active groups in astrophysics, biological physics, condensed matter/materials physics, and elementary particle physics, undergraduate and graduate students participate in cutting-edge research that prepares them for successful careers in a wide variety of fields.
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CONTACT
Email 352.392.0521 (tel) | 352.392.0524 (fax)
P.O. Box 118440
2001 Museum Road
Gainesville FL 32611-8545
Curriculum
About This Program
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.
Requirements for the Major
The Physics BS degree program is intended for students planning to do graduate work in physics or related science and engineering disciplines. The BS requires a minimum of 41 credits in Physics plus 15 credits of foundation coursework and 13 credits of related coursework for a total of 69 credits. Students must take a minimum of 15 credits of required physics courses at UF. Minimum grades of C are required for coursework counted toward the major.
Students must take a minimum of 15 credits of required physics courses at UF.
Required Foundation Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MAC 2313 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 | 4 |
| MAP 2302 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Required Major Coursework
In each case where the student must select between two courses, the second course includes selected advanced topics not covered in the first. While both courses prepare students for upper-level physics courses, students should see a department advisor to determine which course meets their needs.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 2048 | Physics with Calculus 1 | 3 |
| or PHY 2060 | Enriched Physics with Calculus 1 | |
| PHY 2048L | Laboratory for PHY 2048 | 1 |
| PHY 2049 | Physics with Calculus 2 | 3 |
| or PHY 2061 | Enriched Physics with Calculus 2 | |
| PHY 2049L | Laboratory for PHY 2049 | 1 |
| 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 | |
| PHY 3323 | Electromagnetism 1 | 3 |
| PHY 3513 | Thermal Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4222 | Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4324 | Electromagnetism 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4523 | Statistical Physics | 3 |
| PHY 4604 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4802L | Laboratory Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4803L | Laboratory Physics 2 | 3 |
| Physics BS Major Elective | ||
| Select one 4000-level or higher physics course that is included in the physics major curriculum 1 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Related Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHM 2045 | General Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHM 2046 | General Chemistry 2 | 3 |
| CHM 2045L | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| Approved math courses 1 | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
- 1
Select courses beyond MAP 2302. Certain computer science courses may substitute for the math elective.
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 through summer research programs. Advanced students may also be eligible to enroll in certain graduate courses, thereby accelerating their education