Physics

Quick Links

Related Sites

CONTACT INFORMATION

School of Physics & Astronomy
116 Church Street S.E.
Minneapolis, MN, 55455

Phone: 612-624-7375
Fax: 612-624-4578
Contact | Directory

Home > Undergrad > Handbook > Sample

Sample Programs of Study

The University of Minnesota Bachelor of Science degree in Physics offers a choice of four different programs to suit your needs. The first two years of study are common and are outlined below. After that it depends on what degree track you choose to follow. The upper division programs are arranged below by area of emphasis.

Freshman and Sophomore Year Physics Requirements, (24 Credits)

Phys 1301-1302 I II and 2503. Introductory Physics. 2503 fall only.
or Phys 1401-1402-2403. Honors Physics 12
Physics 2201 (Intro to Thermo/Stat) (3) Fall only
Phys 2601. Quantum Physics. Spring only. (4)
Phys 2605. Quantum Physics Laboratory. Spring only.

Freshman Year Sample Program of Study

First Semester (16 credits): Phys 1301, Introductory Physics I (4); Math 1271, Calculus I (4); Biol 1009 (4); English C 1011 (4)
Second Semester (15 credits): Phys 1302, Introductory Physics II (4); Math 1272, Calculus II (4); Chem 1021 or tech elective (4); Lib. Ed. elective (Social Sciences) (3)

Sophmore Year Sample Program of Study

First Semester (14 credits): Phys 2503, Introductory Physics III (4); Math 2243, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (4); PHYSICS 2201, Introductory Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (3); Lib. Ed. or tech elective(4)
Second Semester (15 credits): Phys 2601, Quantum Physics (4); Phys 2605, Quantum physics Laboratory (3); Math 2263, Multivariable Calculus (4); CSci 1113, Introduction to C/C++ (or tech elective or lib. ed.) (4)

Junior Year Sample Program (Biological Emphasis)

First Semester (15 credits): Phys 4051, Methods of Experimental Physics (5); Phys 4001, Analytical Mechanics (4); Chem 2301, Organic Chemistry I (3); Liberal Ed. elective (Humanities) (3)
Second Semester (15 credits): Phys 4002, Electricity and Magnetism (4); Phys 4052, Methods of Experimental Physics II (5); BioC 3021, Biochemistry (3); Liberal Ed. elective (Soc. Sci.) (3)

Senior Year Sample Program (Biological Emphasis)

First Semester (16 credits): Phys 5401, Physics for Biology and Medicine I (4); Chem 3501, Physical Chemistry I (3); Liberal Ed. Elective (Humanities) (3); Additional electives (tech or liberal as needed) (6)
Second Semester (14 credits): Physics 5402, Physics for Biology and Medicine II (4); Chem 3502, Physical CHemistry II (3); Phsl 3061, Principles of Physiology (4); Lib. Ed. (Historical Perspectives) (3)

Junior Year Sample Program (Engineering Emphasis)

First Semester 15( credits): Phys 4051, Methods of Experimental Physics I (5); AEM 2021, Statistics and Dynamics (4); Mat S 3011, Intro to Science of Materials (3); Liberal Ed. Elective (Humanities) (3)
Second Semester (15 credits): Phys 4002, Electricity and Magnetism (4); Phys 4051, Methods of Experimental Physics II (5); Mat S 3012, Intro to Mechanical Behaviour of Materials (4); Lib. Ed. (Historical Perspectives) (3)

Senior Year Sample Program (Engineering Emphasis)

First Semester (16 credits): Phys 4101, Quantum Mechanics (4); Phys 5041, Analytical and Numeric Methods I (4); ME 3281, System Dynamics and Control (4); ME 3321, Thermodynamics (4)
Second Semester (16 credits): Phys 4501, Experimental Project (3); ME 3322, Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow (4); Mat S 4013, Intro to Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Materials (3); Liberal Ed. Elective (Humanities) (3); Lib. Ed. (Historical Perspectives) (3)

Junior Year Sample Program (Physics)

First Semester (16 credits): Phys 4001, Analytical Mechanics (4); Phys 4051, Methods of Experimental Physics I (5); Math 4567, Introduction to Fourier Analysis (4); Lib. Ed. Elective (Humanities) (3)
Second Semester (16 credits): Phys 4002, Electricity and Magnetism (4); Phys 4052, Methods of Experimental Physics II (5); Astro 2001, Introduction to Astrophysics (4); Lib. Ed. Elective (Social Sciences) (3)

Senior Year Sample Program (Physics)

First Semester (16 credits): Phys 4101, Quantum Mechanics (4); Phys 4201, Statistical and Thermal Physics (3); Phys 4621, Intro to Plasma Physics (3); >Liberal Ed. Elective (Humanities) (3); Lib. Ed. (Historical Perspectives) (3)
Second Semester (15 credits): Phys 4303, Waves, Optics and Relativity (3); Phys 4211, Intro to Solid State Physics (3); Phys 4511, Intro to Nuclear and Particle Physics (3); Phys 4111, History of 20th Century Physics (3); Phys 4501, Experimental Project (3)

Junior Year Sample Program (Teaching Emphasis)

First Semester (15 credits): Phys 4001, Analytical Mechanics (4); Phys 4051, Methods of Experimental Physics I (5); Geo 2201, Geodynamics I (3); EPsy 3119, Learning, Cognition and Assessment (3)
Second Semester (16 credits): Phys 4002, Electricity and Magnetism (4); Phys 4052, Methods of Experimental Physics II (5); Astr 2001, Intro to Astrophysics (4); Liberal Ed. Elective (Humanities) (3)

Senior Year Sample Program (Teaching Emphasis)

First Semester (15 credits): Phys 4101, Quantum Mechanics (4); Phys 4111, History of 19th Century Physics (3); AEM 4201, Fluid Mechanics (4); Ed HD 3001, Exploring the Teaching Profession (1); Lib. Ed. Elective (Social Sciences) (3)
Second Semester (14 credits): Phys 4xxx, Intro to High Energy Physics (3); EE 5621, Physical Optics (3); EE 5622, Physical Optics Lab (1); >Liberal Ed. Elective (Humanities) (3); Lib. Ed. (Historical Perspectives) (3); Additional Electives (tech or liberal) (1)