Physics- Bachelor of Science

For information, contact the Department of Physics, 217 Kreger Hall, 513-529-5625.

The Physics B.S. degree prepares students for graduate study or employment in physics and related fields, including applied and engineering physics, biophysics, biomedical engineering, medical school, teacher licensure in physics, or careers in business or law. Students are encouraged to speak with a Department advisor early in order to select the most appropriate advanced coursework for their career goals.

Teacher Licensure

Students who wish to combine teacher licensure with an Arts and Science major must observe the rules, procedures, and restrictions pertaining to admission to a licensure cohort as outlined in the College of Education, Health and Society chapter. For information, contact the Office of Student Services in the College of Education, Health and Society, 202 McGuffey Hall, 513-529-6418.

Program Requirements

(54-63 credit hours, plus 15 related hours)

Core Requirements and Related Hours

Core requirements (25 credit hours)
PHY 181General Physics I4
PHY 182General Physics II4
PHY 183General Physics Laboratory I1
PHY 184General Physics Laboratory II1
PHY 281Contemporary Physics I: Foundations3
PHY 282Contemporary Physics II: Frontiers3
PHY 286Introduction to Computational Physics3
PHY 292Electronic Instrumentation2
PHY 293Contemporary Physics Laboratory2
PHY 294Laboratory in Electronic Instrumentation2
PHY 401Physics Assessment Examination0
Related hours (15 credit hours)
MTH 151Calculus I4
MTH 222Introduction to Linear Algebra3
MTH 251Calculus II4
MTH 252Calculus III4
Total Credit Hours40

Advanced Coursework

In addition to the core requirements and related hours, advanced coursework is required. Complete the following advanced coursework OR select one concentration.

Designed for students interested in the applied or engineering physics, or the interdisciplinary study of physics.

Advanced Coursework (at least 29 credit hours)
PHY 483Mathematical Methods in Physics4
Any one of PHY 437, PHY 451, PHY 461, or PHY 491.4
Any PHY course numbered 400 and above excluding seminar and independent study.3-4
Any second major, co-major, or minor. 118+
Total Credit Hours29+
1

For an applied or engineering physics emphasis, select a second major or minor from the College of Engineering and Computing. For a biomedical engineering emphasis, the Concentration in Biological Physics is the recommended advanced coursework option.

Concentration in Advanced Physics

Designed for students intending graduate study in physics or for students interested in a broad theoretical background in physics.

Advanced Coursework (32-34 credit hours)
MTH 347Differential Equations3
PHY 437Intermediate Thermodynamics and Introduction to Statistical Physics4
PHY 451Classical Mechanics4
PHY 461Electromagnetic Theory4
PHY 483Mathematical Methods in Physics4
PHY 491Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I4
PHY 488Research Capstone in Physics3
Select one advanced laboratory course from the following:3-4
Optics and Laser Physics
Spectroscopy of Atoms and Molecules
Advanced Electronics
Advanced Computational Physics
Select one advanced elective from the following or an additional advanced laboratory course:3-4
Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
PHY 422
Seismology
Gravitation and Spacetime
Total Credit Hours32-34

Concentration in Biological Physics

Designed for students interested in biophysics, physics-based biomedical fields, or medical school. The Physics B.S. with a Concentration in Biological Physics satisfies at least 39 of the 61-66 hours required of the Premedical and Pre-Health Studies Co-Major.

Advanced Coursework (35-38 credit hours)
BIO 116Biological Concepts: Structure, Function, Cellular, and Molecular Biology4
CHM 141College Chemistry3
CHM 142College Chemistry3
CHM 144College Chemistry Laboratory2
CHM 145College Chemistry Laboratory2
CHM 241Organic Chemistry3
CHM 244Organic Chemistry Laboratory2
PHY 421Molecular and Cellular Biophysics4
or PHY 422
STA 301Applied Statistics3
Any one of the following:3-4
Introduction to Cell Biology
General Microbiology
Any one of the following:3-4
Differential Equations
Mathematical Methods in Physics
Any PHY course numbered 400 and above excluding seminar and independent study.3-4
Total Credit Hours35-38