The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics and geophysics is designed to provide a thorough foundation in the field of physics, considerable background in the geological sciences and mathematics, and a balanced program in the liberal arts. The degree program is designed for those with an interest in graduate study in the geological sciences or employment in the environmental or energy sector.
A Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysics is also available and is administered by the Department of Geological Sciences. For additional information, refer to the Department of Geological Sciences section of this catalog.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and Geophysics
- 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 in Physics and Geophysics.
The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Physics and Geophysics major is met by completing Physics 431, 440, and 451. Those courses are 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.
- 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.
- The following requirements for the major:
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a. |
The following courses outside the Department of Physics or Astronomy (44 or 45 credits): |
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(1) |
One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits): |
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BS |
110 |
Organisms and Populations |
4 |
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BS |
111 |
Cells and Molecules |
3 |
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ENT |
205 |
Pests, Society and Environment |
3 |
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MMG |
205 |
Allied Health Microbiology |
3 |
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PLB |
105 |
Plant Biology |
3 |
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PSL |
250 |
Introductory Physiology |
4 |
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ZOL |
141 |
Introductory Human Genetics |
3 |
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(2) |
One of the following pairs of courses (7 credits): |
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(a) |
CEM |
141 |
General Chemistry |
4 |
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CEM |
142 |
General and Inorganic Chemistry |
3 |
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(b) |
CEM |
151 |
General and Descriptive Chemistry |
4 |
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CEM |
152 |
Principles of Chemistry |
3 |
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(3) |
All of the following courses (15 credits): |
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CEM |
161 |
Chemistry Laboratory I |
1 |
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MTH |
132 |
Calculus I |
3 |
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MTH |
133 |
Calculus II |
4 |
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MTH |
234 |
Multivariable Calculus |
4 |
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MTH |
235 |
Differential Equations |
3 |
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(4) |
All of the following courses in the Department of Geological Sciences (19 credits): |
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GLG |
201 |
The Dynamic Earth |
4 |
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GLG |
304 |
Physical and Biological History of the Earth |
4 |
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GLG |
411 |
Hydrogeology |
4 |
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GLG |
470 |
Principles of Modern Geophysics |
3 |
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GLG |
471 |
Applied Geophysics |
4 |
b. |
The following courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy (33 to 35 credits): |
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(1) |
All of the following courses (27 credits): |
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PHY |
191 |
Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I |
1 |
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PHY |
192 |
Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II |
1 |
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PHY |
215 |
Thermodynamics and Modern Physics |
3 |
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PHY |
321 |
Classical Mechanics I |
3 |
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PHY |
410 |
Thermal and Statistical Physics |
3 |
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PHY |
431 |
Optics I |
3 |
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PHY |
440 |
Electronics |
4 |
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PHY |
451 |
Advanced Laboratory |
3 |
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PHY |
471 |
Quantum Physics I |
3 |
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PHY |
481 |
Electricity and Magnetism I |
3 |
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(2) |
One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits): |
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PHY |
183 |
Physics for Scientists and Engineers I |
4 |
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PHY |
193H |
Honors Physics I-Mechanics |
3 |
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(3) |
One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits): |
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PHY |
184 |
Physics for Scientists and Engineers II |
4 |
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PHY |
294H |
Honors Physics II-Electromagnetism |
3 |
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The completion of Geological Sciences 470 and 471, or Physics 390 and 490, fulfills the department’s capstone course requirement. |
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