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Physics, Bachelor of Science

A Physicist has a solid understanding of fundamental laws, which in turn can be applied to a wide area of scientific and engineering fields. It is an exciting career that requires discipline and significant amount of work. It also requires development of mathematical, experimental, theoretical, and computational skills. As a result of the Physicist’s solid and broad background, Physicists can apply to a wide range of job opportunities, including National Laboratories and Research Centers, Industry, and Academia.

Note: For a PDF version of the degree requirements for this program go to the Undergraduate Programs page on the UTRGV website. 

 

Core Curriculum - 42 Hours

Students must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements.

Mathematics – 3 hours

MATH 2413Calculus I

4

Life and Physical Sciences* – 6 hours

PHYS 2425Physics for Scientists and Engineers I

4
PHYS 2426Physics for Scientists and Engineers II

4

Note: *It is mandatory for students pursuing a BS in Physics to take face-to-face (onsite) lecture sections for PHYS 2425/2426.

Integrative and Experiential Learning – 6 hours

CSCI 1380Computer Science I

3
PHYS 2425Physics for Scientists and Engineers I

4
PHYS 2426Physics for Scientists and Engineers II

4

Note: Any additional course of at least 1 hour that satisfies the General Education Core “Integrative/Experiential Learning Option” requirement.

Major Requirements – 72 Hours (54 advanced minimum)

Physics Core Courses – 39 hours (39 advanced)

PHYS 3000Undergraduate Research

0
PHYS 3305Classical Mechanics

3
PHYS 3303Thermodynamics

3
PHYS 3304Optics

3
PHYS 3402Modern Physics

4
PHYS 3411Math Methods in Physics I

4
PHYS 3412Math Methods in Physics II

4
PHYS 4305Statistical Mechanics

3
PHYS 3301Electromagnetic Theory I

3
PHYS 3302Electromagnetic Theory II

3
PHYS 4303Quantum Mechanics I

3
PHYS 4304Quantum Mechanics II

3
PHYS 4008Seminar in Physics

0

PHYS 3000: taken three times

PHYS 4008: taken twice

Choose one:

PHYS 4101Laboratory Research

1
PHYS 4306Advanced Physics Lab

3

PHYS 4101: taken three times

Capstone Course – 3 hours (3 advanced)

PHYS 4300Undergraduate Research Project

3

Mathematics – 12 hours (3 advanced)

MATH 2413Calculus I

4
MATH 2414Calculus II

4
MATH 2415Calculus III

4
MATH 3341Differential Equations

3

Concentration – 18 hours (9 advanced minimum)

Choose one concentration:

Pure and Applied Physics Concentration – 18 hours (9 advanced)
Advanced Physics Electives – 9 hours (9 advanced)

Choose any advanced Physics courses.

Approved Science Electives – 9 hours

Science electives need to be accepted and approved to be suitable by the department chair of the physics department. Any courses with the prefix ASTR, BIOL, CSCI, CHEM, ELEE, ENGR, ENGT, ENST, ENVR, GEOG, GEOL, MARS, MATH, MECE, PHYS, or PSCI can be used for this requirement. PHYS 1401/1402 and PSCI 1421/1422 cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.

Biophysics/Medical Physics Concentration – 18 hours (15 advanced)
Choose 18 hours from:
BIOL 1406General Biology I

4
PHYS 3315Physics of Biological Systems

3
PHYS 4309Nuclear and Particle Physics

3
PHYS 3306Introduction to Biophysics

3
PHYS 3310Radiation Biophysics

3
PHYS 3309Introduction to Medical Imaging

3
PHYS 4312Introductory Nuclear Engineering and Health Physics Concepts

3
PHYS 4315Analysis of Biomolecules by Physical Methods

3
 
BENG 4320Molecular Bioengineering

3
And
BENG 4120Molecular Bioengineering Lab

1

Note: Any of the above courses could be substituted with other advanced physics courses upon approval by the Department Chair.

Free Electives – 6 hours

Complete 6 hours of Free Electives

Total Credit Hours: 54

Total Credit Hours: 120