Campuses:
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Duluth Campus
Physics B.S.UMD-Physics & Astronomy
Swenson College of Science and Engineering
The B.S. in physics is primarily for students planning to work toward an advanced degree in physics or a related area. The physics courses emphasize conceptual foundations, problem-solving skills, and experimental techniques.
Students are encouraged to participate in research, with emphasis in experimental high-energy physics and particle astrophysics; limnological research, including observational studies and modeling of lakes; and computational physics. Additional faculty interests include optics and condensed matter physics. The department also offers courses required for other science and engineering programs.
Honors Requirements: To graduate with honors, students must participate in the department honors program, complete and present a research project, and maintain a GPA above 3.00 overall and in the major. They are also expected to attend department colloquia. Interested students should contact the physics honors program coordinator.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the
Office of Admissions
website.
General Requirements
Program Requirements
Requirements for the B.S. in physics include:
* A minor or a second major in a different program.
The first math course is determined by ACT math score. The sample plan presupposes placement into MATH 1296.
Courses numbered above 3xxx will be offered in alternate years only. Some courses suggested in the sample plans in the junior and senior years may need to be switched to match the course offerings.
Students interested in teaching 9-12 physics may enroll concurrently in the Department of Education and apply for admission to the Secondary Teacher Education Program.
Core Courses (44 cr)
The department also recommends the supplementary courses PHYS 2111 and PHYS 2112.
PHYS 1021 - Exploring Current Topics in Physics
(1.0 cr)
PHYS 2013 - General Physics I
[LE CAT, NAT SCI]
(4.0 cr)
PHYS 2014 - General Physics Lab I
[NAT SCI]
(1.0 cr)
PHYS 2015 - General Physics II
(4.0 cr)
PHYS 2016 - General Physics Lab II
(1.0 cr)
PHYS 2021 - Relativity and Quantum Physics
(4.0 cr)
PHYS 2022 - Classical Physics
(4.0 cr)
PHYS 2033 - Classical and Quantum Physics Lab
(2.0 cr)
PHYS 3061 - Instrumentation
(3.0 cr)
PHYS 4001 - Classical Mechanics
(4.0 cr)
PHYS 4011 - Electromagnetic Theory
(4.0 cr)
PHYS 4021 - Quantum Physics II
(4.0 cr)
PHYS 4031 - Thermal and Statistical Physics
(4.0 cr)
PHYS 5061 - Experimental Methods
(3.0 cr)
PHYS 5090 - Physics Seminar
(1.0 cr)
Required Courses From Other Programs (31 cr)
Two semesters of chemistry are recommended.
MATH 1296 - Calculus I
[LE CAT, LOGIC & QR]
(5.0 cr)
MATH 1297 - Calculus II
[LOGIC & QR]
(5.0 cr)
MATH 3280 - Differential Equations with Linear Algebra
(4.0 cr)
MATH 3298 - Calculus III
(4.0 cr)
CHEM 1161 {Inactive}
[LE CAT4, NAT SCI]
(5.0 cr)
or
CHEM 1153 - General Chemistry I
[LE CAT, NAT SCI]
(4.0 cr)
CHEM 1154 - General Chemistry Lab I
[LE CAT, NAT SCI]
(1.0 cr)
CS 1511 - Computer Science I
[LE CAT]
(5.0 cr)
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Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | PHYS 2033/2031 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Fall Even Year |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Spring Odd Year |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Math1290/1296/1596 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Math 1597/1297 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CHEM 1173/CHEM 1153/CHEM 1161 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CHEM 1174/CHEM 1154 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 5.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | CS 1511/1581 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |