Academic Programs Catalog

College of Natural Science

Undergraduate Programs


Astrophysics

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Astrophysics is designed to provide an extensive background in both physics and astrophysics; a student who graduates with this degree may apply for admission to graduate study in either astronomy or physics.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Astrophysics

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Astrophysics.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Astrophysics major is met by completing 4 credits of Astronomy and Astrophysics 410.  That course is referenced in item 3. b. (1) below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. The following courses outside the Department of Physics and Astronomy (33 to 39 credits):
    (1) One of the following courses (3 to 5 credits):
    BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology  3
    BS 162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS 181H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 182H Honors Organismal and Population Biology 3
    ENT 205 Pests, Society and Environment 3
    IBIO 150 Integrating Biology: from DNA to Populations 3
    LB 144 Biology I: Organismal Biology  4
    LB 145 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology  5
    MMG 141 Introductory Human Genetics  3
    MMG  201 Fundamentals of Microbiology 3
    PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
    PSL 250 Introductory Physiology 4
    (2) One of the following groups of courses (8 to 10 credits):
    (a) CEM  141 General Chemistry  4
       CEM  142 General and Inorganic Chemistry  3
       CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I  1
    (b)  CEM  151 General and Descriptive Chemistry  4
       CEM  152 Principles of Chemistry  3
       CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I  1
    (c)  CEM  181H  Honors Chemistry I  4
       CEM  182H  Honors Chemistry II  4
       CEM  185H  Honors Chemistry Laboratory I  2
    (d)  LB  171 Principles of Chemistry I  4
       LB  171L  Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I  1
       LB  172 Principles of Chemistry II  3
    (3) One of the following groups of Mathematics courses (12 to 14 credits):
    (a)  MTH  132 Calculus I  3
       MTH  133 Calculus II  4
       MTH  234 Multivariable Calculus  4
      MTH  235 Differential Equations  3
    (b)  MTH  152H  Honors Calculus I  3
       MTH  153H  Honors Calculus II  4
       MTH  254H  Honors Multivariable Calculus  4
       MTH  235 Differential Equations  3
       or    
      MTH  340 Ordinary Differential Equations I  3
    (c)  LB  118 Calculus I  4
       LB  119 Calculus II  4
       LB 220 Calculus III 4
       MTH  235 Differential Equations  3
          or    
      MTH  340 Ordinary Differential Equations I  3
    (4) The following course (4 credits): 
    CMSE  201 Introduction to Computational Modeling  4
    b.    The following courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy
    (1) All of the following Astronomy courses (16 credits):
    AST  207 The Science of Astronomy  3
    AST  208 Planets and Telescopes  3
    AST  304 Stars  3
    AST  308 Galaxies and Cosmology  3
    AST  410 Senior Thesis  4
    Students must enroll for a total of 4 credits of AST 410. This is normally split over two semesters.
    (2) One of the following groups of Physics courses (8 to 10 credits):
    (a)  PHY  183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I  4
       PHY  184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II  4
       PHY  191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I  1
       PHY  192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II  1
    (b)  PHY  193H  Honors Physics I- Mechanics  4
       PHY  294H  Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism  4
       PHY  191 Physics Lab for Scientists I  1
       PHY  192 Physics Lab for Scientists II  1
    (c) LB  273 Physics I 4
    LB  274 Physics II 4
    (3) All of the following courses (15 credits):
    PHY  215 Thermodynamics and Modern Physics  3
    PHY  321 Classical Mechanics I  3
    PHY  410 Thermal and Statistical Physics  3
    PHY  471 Quantum Physics I  3
    PHY  481 Electricity and Magnetism I  3


Physics - Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics is designed to provide a thorough foundation in the field of physics together with considerable background in mathematics and a balanced program in the liberal arts. It is designed for those with an interest in:

  1. Graduate Study. Within the requirements listed below, the student's electives should emphasize theory in such areas as electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, additional mathematics, and computer programming.
  2. Experimental Physics as a preparation for positions in government and industry.  Students taking this program have an opportunity to obtain a basic background in mechanics, electricity and electronics, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics. They will also have an opportunity to acquire strong experimental training in at least two and probably three of the following areas: electronics, modern optics, nuclear physics, and solid state (materials) physics. Computer programming courses and experience are strongly recommended.

Recommended programs of study are available in a Department of Physics and Astronomy brochure.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Physics major is met by completing one of the clusters of courses referenced in item 3. b. (4) below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
    1. The following requirements for the major:
      a. The following courses outside the Department of Physics and Astronomy (35 to 40 credits):
      (1) One of the following courses (3 to 5 credits):
      BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
      BS 162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
      BS 181H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology 3
      BS 182H Honors Organismal and Population Biology 3
      ENT 205 Pests, Society and Environment 3
      IBIO 150 Integrating Biology: From DNA to Populations 3
      LB 144 Biology I: Organismal Biology 4
      LB 145 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology 5
      MMG 141 Introductory Human Genetics 3
      MMG 201 Fundamentals of Microbiology 3
      PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
      PSL 250 Introductory Physiology 4
      (2) One of the following groups of courses (8 to 10 credits):
      (a) CEM 141 General Chemistry 4
      CEM 142 General and Inorganic Chemistry 3
      CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
      (b) CEM 151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
      CEM 152 Principles of Chemistry 3
      CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
      (c) CEM 181H Honors Chemistry I 4
      CEM 182H Honors Chemistry II 4
      CEM 185H Honors Chemistry Laboratory I 2
      (d) LB 171 Principles of Chemistry I 4
      LB 171L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I 1
      LB 172 Principles of Chemistry II 3
      (3) One of the following groups of Mathematics courses (14 or 15 credits): 
      (a) MTH 132 Calculus I 3
      MTH 133 Calculus II 4
      MTH 234 Multivariable Calculus 4
      MTH 235 Differential Equations 3
      (b) MTH 152H Honors Calculus I 3
      MTH 153H Honors Calculus II 4
      MTH 254H Honors Multivariable Calculus 4
      MTH 235 Differential Equations 3
      or
      MTH 340 Ordinary Differential Equations I 3
      (c) LB 118 Calculus I 4
      LB 119 Calculus II 4
      LB 220 Calculus III 4
      MTH 235 Differential Equations 3
      or
      MTH 340 Ordinary Differential Equations I 3
      (4) The following course (4 credits):
      CMSE 201 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I 4
      (5) Two additional mathematics courses at the 300-level or above of at least 3 credits each. PHY 415 Methods of Theoretical Physics may be used towards the fulfillment of this requirement.
      b. The following courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy (33 to 38 credits):
      (1) One of the following groups of courses (8 to 10 credits):
      (a) PHY 183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
      PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4
      PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
      PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
      (b) PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
      PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
      PHY 193H Honors Physics I - Mechanics 4
      PHY 294H Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism 4
      (c) PHY 173 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 5
      PHY 174 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 5
      (d) LB 273 Physics I 4
      LB 274 Physics II 4
      (2) All of the following courses (18 credits):
      PHY 215 Thermodynamics and Modern Physics 3
      PHY 321 Classical Mechanics I 3
      PHY 410 Thermal and Statistical Physics 3
      PHY 451 Advanced Laboratory 3
      PHY 471 Quantum Physics I 3
      PHY 481 Electricity and Magnetism I 3
      (3) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
      PHY 431 Optics I 3
      PHY 440 Electronics 4
      (4) One of the following groups of courses (4 or 6 credits):
      (a) PHY 490 Physics Senior Thesis 4
      Students must complete two enrollments of this course for a total of 4 credits.
      (b) Two of the following courses:
      PHY 491 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics 3
      PHY 492 Introduction to Nuclear Physics 3
      PHY 493 Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics 3
      PHY 494 Survey of Physics Education Research (W) 3

Physics - Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in physics is provided for those students who wish a physics major combined with a broader education in the liberal arts than the Bachelor of Science degree program permits. This degree program is also suitable for those students who plan to meet the requirements for teacher certification.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Physics major is met by completing one of the clusters of courses referenced in item 3. b. (4) below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. The following courses outside the Department of Physics and Astronomy (29 to 33 credits):
    (1) One of the following courses (3 to 5 credits): 
    BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS 181H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 182H Honors Organismal and Population Biology 3
    ENT 205 Pests, Society and Environment 3
    IBIO 150 Integrating Biology: From DNA to Populations 3
    LB 144 Biology I: Organismal Biology 4
    LB 145 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology 5
    MMG 141 Introductory Human Genetics 3
    MMG 201 Fundamentals of Microbiology 3
    PLB 105 Plant Biology  3
    PSL 250 Introductory Physiology 4
    (2) One of the following groups of courses (5 to 6 credits): 
    (a) CEM 141 General Chemistry 4
    CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    (b) CEM 151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    (c) CEM 181H Honors Chemistry I 4
    CEM 185H Honors Chemistry Laboratory I 2
    (d) LB 171 Principles of Chemistry I 4
    LB 171L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    (3) One of the following groups of Mathematics courses (14 or 15 credits): 
    (a) MTH 132 Calculus I 3
    MTH 133 Calculus II 4
    MTH 234 Multivariable Calculus 4
    MTH 235 Differential Equations 3
    (b) MTH 152H Honors Calculus I 3
    MTH 153H Honors Calculus II 4
    MTH 254H Honors Multivariable Calculus 4
    MTH 235 Differential Equations 3
    or 
    MTH 340 Ordinary Differential Equations I 3
    (c) LB 118 Calculus I 4
    LB 119 Calculus II 4
    LB 220 Calculus III 4
    MTH 235 Differential Equations 3
    or 
    MTH 340 Ordinary Differential Equations I 3
    (4) The following course (4 credits): 
    CMSE 201 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I 4
    (5) One additional mathematics courses at the 300-level or above of at least 3 credits. PHY 415 Methods of Theoretical Physics may be used towards the fulfillment of this requirement.
    b. The following courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy (33 to 38 credits): 
    (1) One of the following groups of courses (8 to 10 credits): 
    (a) PHY 183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4
    PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
    (b) PHY 193H Honors Physics I - Mechanics 4
    PHY 294H Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism 4
    PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
    PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
    (c) PHY 173 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 5
    PHY 174 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 5
    (d) LB 273 Physics I 4
    LB 274 Physics II 4
    (2) All of the following courses (12 credits): 
    PHY 215 Thermodynamics and Modern Physics 3
    PHY 321 Classical Mechanics I 3
    PHY 410 Thermal and Statistical Physics 3
    PHY 471 Quantum Physics I 3
    (3) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits): 
    PHY 431 Optics I  3
    PHY 440 Electronics  4
    (4) One of the following groups of courses (4 or 6 credits): 
    (a) PHY 490 Physics Senior Thesis 4
    Students must complete two enrollments of this course for a total of 4 credits. 
    (b) Two of the following courses: 
    PHY 491 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics 3
    PHY 492 Introduction to Nuclear Physics 3
    PHY 493 Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics 3
    PHY 494 Survey of Physics Education Research (W) 3


Minor in Physics

The Minor in Physics provides students with a deep understanding of the discipline of physics and to the fundamental physical laws at play in the world around us –and in the universe as a whole. The minor complements other majors where additional physics knowledge beyond the introductory level is beneficial. It prepares students to apply scientific methodology, to think critically and quantitatively, and to understand the experimental and theoretical methods used in modern physics.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Physics, the Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Physics, and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Astrophysics. The minor is not available to students pursuing teacher certification through the Disciplinary Teaching Minor in Physics.

With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Admission to the minor requires approval by the Physics and Astronomy undergraduate program director to ensure students are informed of the minor requirements, and have adequate preparation, including the math prerequisites.
 
Requirements for the Minor in Physics

Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits from the following:

1. One of the following (5 credits):
(a) PHY 173 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 5
(b) PHY 183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
(c) PHY 191 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I 1
PHY 193H Honors Physics I – Mechanics 4
(d) LB 273 Physics I 4
2. One of the following (5 credits):
(a) PHY 174 Studio Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 5
(b) PHY 184 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4
PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
(c) PHY 192 Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II 1
PHY 294H Honors Physics II – Electromagnetism 4
(d) LB 274 Physics II 4
3. The following course (3 credits):
PHY 215 Thermodynamics and Modern Physics 3
4. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
PHY 431 Optics I 3
PHY 440 Electronics 4
PHY 451 may be substituted for PHY 431 or PHY 440.
5. The following course (4 credits):
CMSE 201 Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I 4