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  •  Physics B.S.
  • Physics
  • Swindells Hall 108, MSC 163
  • 5000 N Willamette Blvd.
  • Portland OR 97203
  • 503-943-7123
  • physics-department@up.edu
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    Physics: Bachelor of Science

    The B.S. in Physics is designed to provide a foundation in the theoretical principles and in the mathematical and laboratory methods which are necessary for graduate study in physics and related fields or for qualification for research in industrial and governmental laboratories. The program is built upon a solid lower division base in calculus and physics, but is flexible according to the needs of the student. The student will select an individual program in consultation with the advisor. A number of specific upper-division courses are recommended for the student preparing for graduate study. Students wishing to pursue graduate study in Applied Physics can select courses that fulfill individual requirements. The degree program requires 120 total credit hours.

    University Core Requirements – 30 hours

    General Physics satisfies the core science requirement. Calculus satisfies the core mathematics requirements.

    College Requirements, B.S. – 6 hours

    3 hours     CST 100 - Communication for Leadership
    3 hours     PHL 33x - Metaphysics

    Major Requirements – 75 hours

    15 hours of related Science:
    8 hours     CHM 207-208/277-278 - General Chemistry I-II / Lab
    4 hours     CS 203 / 273 - Computer Science I / Lab
    3 hours     SCI 163 - Astronomy
      
    18 hours of Mathematics:
    8 hours     MTH 201-202 - Calculus I-II
    4 hours     MTH 301 - Vector Calculus
    3 hours     MTH 321 - Differential Equations: Ordinary Differential Equations
    3 hours     MTH 341 - Introduction to Linear Algebra

    12 hours of foundational Physics:
    8 hours     PHY 204-205/274-275 - General Physics / Lab
    4 hours     PHY 306/376 - Modern Physics/Lab

    33 hours of approved science, math, or engineering electives, including 21 hours in physics with 4 hours of advanced laboratory:
    3 hours     PHY 312 - Mechanics
    3 hours     PHY 317 - Introduction to Laser Technology
    3 hours     PHY 321 - Electrodynamics
    3 hours     PHY 322 - Optics
    3 hours     PHY 356 - Mathematical Methods for Physicists
    1-3 hours  PHY 370 - Special Physics Lab and Research
    2 hours     PHY 371 - Analog and Digital Electronics
    1-3 hours  PHY 372 - Advanced Lab

    6 hours     PHY 411-412 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
    3 hours     PHY 422 - Solid State Physics
    3 hours     PHY 441 - Thermal and Statistical Physics
    1-3 hours  PHY 470 - Special Physics Lab and Research
    2-6 hours  PHY 471-472 - Advanced Lab
    variable    PHY 490 - Directed Study
    variable    PHY 491-492 - Physics Seminar
    3-6 hours  PHY 499 - Senior Thesis

    General Electives – 9

    Total Credit Hours – 120

    Activity_Fair_1.jpg

    Natalie Higgins (2011) and Allison Hedges demonstrate vibration nodes while Barbara Breen and Kyanne Mayfield (2013) make liquid nitrogen ice cream at the 2009 Activities Fair on the Quad.
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