Physics
Bachelor of Science
Coursework Location(s)
Main/Tucson
Areas of Interest
- Business, Economics & Entrepreneurship
- Computer & Information Science
- Law, Policy & Social Justice
- Mathematics, Statistics & Data Science
- Engineering & Technology
- Environment & Sustainability
- Physical & Space Sciences
- Architecture, Planning & Development
- Education & Human Development
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological & Biomedical Science
Study physics to gain a broad knowledge base and a problem-solving skill set that is in demand across a variety of exciting industries. Physics is the study of matter and energy and how they interact. Students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Physics study topics such as computational physics, electricity and magnetism, quantum theory and scientific computing. They also gain expertise in calculus and other advanced math courses to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills they can apply to their physics courses and future careers. Graduates with a B.S. in Physics can pursue advanced degrees in a variety of subjects or hit the job market directly, seeking work in lab or research settings in both public and private sectors.
Learning Outcomes
Basic Physics Knowledge; Physics majors will demonstrate significant knowledge of the theories that form the basis of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Critical Thinking; Physics majors will design and conduct experiments in order to investigate physical phenomena. They will document, analyze and critically interpret the results of these experiments. Skills for Physics; Physics majors will use mathematical or computational skills in order to investigate physical phenomena. Communication; Physics majors will effectively communicate their results through written reports and oral presentations.
Sample Courses
- PHYS 371: Quantum Theory I
- PHYS 305: Computational Physics
- PHYS 426: Thermal and Statistical Physics
Career Fields
- Manufacturing
- Finance
- Government
- Defense
- Energy
Level of Math
LEVEL OF SECOND LANGUAGE
Pre-major Required?
NO
Sample Plans 2020 - Physics
First Year
1st Semester
Credits
CHEM 151 (Intro Chem)
4.00
MATH (Calculus I)
3.00
ENGL 101 First Year Composition
3.00
Tier I General Education
3.00
Tier I General Education
3.00
2nd Semester
Credits
PHYS 141 (Mechanics)
4.00
MATH 129 (Calculus II)
3.00
ENGL 102 First Year Composition
3.00
Tier I General Education
3.00
Tier I General Education
3.00
Second Year
3rd Semester
Credits
PHYS 142 (Thermo, Optics)
4.00
MATH 223 (Vector Calc)
4.00
MATH 254 (Intro Diff Eqn)
3.00
Tier II General Education
3.00
PHYS 105A (Intro Computing)
1.00
4th Semester
Credits
PHYS 241 (Elec. & Mag.)
4.00
PHYS 263H (Modern Physics
3.00
PHYS 204 (Math Meth)
3.00
Tier II General Education
3.00
Elective
3.00
Third Year
5th Semester
Credits
PHYS 305 (Comput Phys)
3.00
PHYS 321 (Classical Mech)
3.00
MATH 331 (Intermed E&M I)
3.00
Tier II General Education
3.00
Second Language
4.00
6th Semester
Credits
PHYS 332 (Intermed E & M II)
3.00
PHYS 381 (Advanced Lab I)
2.00
PHYS 371 (Quantum Theory I)
3.00
Elective
3.00
Second Language
4.00
Fourth Year
7th Semester
Credits
PHYS 472 (Quantum Theory II)
3.00
PHYS 426 (Thermo/Stat Mech)
3.00
PHYS 382 (Advanced Lab II)
2.00
PHYS Application
3.00
PHYS Elective
3.00
8th Semester
Credits
Elective
3.00
PHYS Elective
3.00
Elective
3.00
Elective
3.00