Duluth campus

This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.

 
Duluth Campus

Physics B.S.

UMD-Physics & Astronomy
Swenson College of Science and Engineering
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2015
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 65
  • Degree: Bachelor of Science
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. 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:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
General Requirements
  1. Students must meet all course and credit requirements of the departments and colleges or schools in which they are enrolled including an advanced writing course. Students seeking two degrees must fulfill the requirements of both degrees. However, two degrees cannot be awarded for the same major.
  2. Students must complete all requirements of the Liberal Education Program or its approved equivalent.
  3. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits completed in compliance with University of Minnesota Duluth academic policies with credit limits (e.g., Satisfactory/Non-Satisfactory Grading Policy, Credit for Prior Learning, etc).
  4. At least 30 semester credits must be earned through UMD, and 15 of the last 30 credits earned immediately before graduation must be awarded by UMD.
  5. At least half of upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits that satisfy major requirements (major requirements includes all courses required for the major, including courses in a subplan) through UMD.
  6. If a minor is required, students must take at least three upper division credits in their minor field from UMD.
  7. For certificate programs, at least 3 upper-division credits that satisfy requirements for the certificate must be taken through UMD. If the program does not require upper division credits students must take at least one course from the certificate program from UMD.
  8. The minimum cumulative University of Minnesota (UMN) GPA required for graduation is 2.00 and includes only University of Minnesota coursework. A minimum UMN GPA of 2.00 is required in each UMD undergraduate major, minor, and certificate. No academic unit may impose a higher GPA standard to graduate.
  9. Diploma, transcripts, licensure, and certification will be withheld until all financial obligations to the University have been met.
Program Requirements
1. A minor or a second major in a different program. 2. The first math course is determined by ACT math score. The sample plan presupposes placement into MATH 1296. 3. Courses numbered above 3xxx may be offered in alternate years only. Some ourses suggested in the sample plans in the junior and senior years may need to be switched to match the course offerings. 4. 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. 5. Taking the "Honors" General Physics I course (PHYS 2017) is recommended but not required.
Required Courses (35 cr)
Physics I
PHYS 2013 - General Physics I [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (4.0 cr)
or PHYS 2017 - Honors: General Physics I [NAT SCI] (4.0 cr)
PHYS 2014 - General Physics Lab I [NAT SCI] (1.0 cr)
Physics II
PHYS 2015 - General Physics II (4.0 cr)
or PHYS 2018 - Honors General Physics II (4.0 cr)
PHYS 2016 - General Physics Lab II (1.0 cr)
Core Courses
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 3033 - Analytical Methods in Physics (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)
Electives (9 cr)
Take 9 or more credit(s) from the following:
· PHYS 3xxx
· PHYS 4xxx
· PHYS 5xxx
Required Courses From Other Programs (21 cr)
Math
MATH 1296 - Calculus I [LE CAT, LOGIC & QR] (5.0 cr)
or MATH 1596 {Inactive} [LE CAT2, LOGIC & QR] (5.0 cr)
MATH 1297 - Calculus II [LOGIC & QR] (5.0 cr)
or MATH 1597 {Inactive} [LOGIC & QR] (5.0 cr)
MATH 3280 - Differential Equations with Linear Algebra (4.0 cr)
MATH 3298 - Calculus III (4.0 cr)
Advanced Writing
WRIT 3130 - Advanced Writing: Engineering (3.0 cr)
or WRIT 3150 - Advanced Writing: Science (3.0 cr)
Recommended Courses From Other Programs
Chemistry
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 1411 - Introduction to Programming in Matlab (4.0 cr)
or CS 1511 - Computer Science I [LE CAT] (5.0 cr)
or CS 1581 - Honors: Computer Science I [LE CAT] (5.0 cr)
Math
MATH 3326 - Vectors and Matrices (3.0 cr)
MATH 4810 - Applied Mathematics: Numerical Methods (4.0 cr)
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· Swenson College of Science and Engineering

View future requirement(s):
· Fall 2023
· Fall 2022
· Fall 2020
· Fall 2019
· Fall 2017
· Fall 2016

View sample plan(s):
· Physics B.S. Traditional Track
· Physics B.S. Honors Track

View checkpoint chart:
· Physics B.S.
View PDF Version:
Search.
Search Programs

Search University Catalogs
Related links.

Swenson College of Science and Engineering

Duluth Admissions

Duluth Application

One Stop
for tuition, course registration, financial aid, academic calendars, and more
 
PHYS 2013 - General Physics I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Calculus-based introduction to Newtonian Mechanics, fluid mechanics, and heat. The companion laboratory, PHYS 2014 should be taken concurrently. The combination of PHYS 2013 and 2014 meets liberal education category 4. prereq: previous or concurrent registration in PHYS 2014. Prerequisite of Math 1290 or 1296 or 1596; credit will not be granted if already received for PHYS 2011.
PHYS 2017 - Honors: General Physics I (NAT SCI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Advanced coverage of General Physics topics that include Newtonian Mechanics, fluid mechanics, and heat. Mathematically and conceptually demanding problem solving techniques. The companion laboratory, PHYS 2014, should be taken concurrently. The combination of PHYS 2014 and PHYS 2017 meets liberal education natural science with lab. prereq: Previous or concurrent registration in PHYS 2014. Previous or concurrent registration in Math 1290 or Math 1296 or 1596, or physics major or instructor permission. Credit will not be granted if already received for PHYS PHYS 2011 or PHYS 2013.
PHYS 2014 - General Physics Lab I (NAT SCI)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Calculus-based introduction to Newtonian Mechanics, fluid mechanics, and heat exemplified by laboratory study. This laboratory accompanies lecture PHYS 2013 and should be taken concurrently. The combination of PHYS 2013 and 2014 meets liberal education category 4. prereq: previous or concurrent enrollment in PHYS 2013 or 2017
PHYS 2015 - General Physics II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics. The companion laboratory, PHYS 2016, should be taken concurrently. prereq: previous or concurrent registration in 2016. Prerequisite of 2011 or 2013 or 2017 and 2014, Math 1297 or 1597; credit will not be granted if already received for PHYS 2012.
PHYS 2018 - Honors General Physics II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced coverage of calculus-based introduction to electricity magnetism and optics. Mathematically and conceptually demanding problem solving techniques. The companion laboratory, PHYS 2016 should be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: Previous or concurrent registration in PHYS 2016; PHYS 2013 or 2017; co-registration in or prior completion of Math 1287 or 1597 or instruction permission. Credit will not be granted if already received for PHYS 2012 or 2015.
PHYS 2016 - General Physics Lab II
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics exemplified by laboratory study. This laboratory accompanies lecture PHYS 2015 and should be taken concurrently. prereq: Previous or concurrently enrollment in PHYS 2015 or 2018.
PHYS 2021 - Relativity and Quantum Physics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Descriptive course; relativity, quantum mechanics, hydrogen atom, multielectron atoms, molecular structure, quantum statistics, thermal radiation, solid state physics, nuclear physics. prereq: 2015 and 2016 or 2018 and 2016 (or 2012)
PHYS 2022 - Classical Physics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Survey of various topics in classical physics: vector angular momentum, AC circuits, oscillatory motion, waves, physical optics. prereq: 2015 or 2018 and 2016 as pre or co-req
PHYS 2033 - Classical and Quantum Physics Lab
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: PHYS 2033/2031
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Experiments and computer simulations selected to provide experience with both concepts and techniques in classical and quantum physics. prereq: 2021 and 2022 (concurrent registration is allowed)
PHYS 3033 - Analytical Methods in Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
A survey of analytical methods for the solution of fundamental equations of physics, such as those of Newton, Schrodinger, and Maxwell, and of the underlying mathematics, including complex variables, linear algebra, vector analysis, and ordinary and partial differential equations. prereq: 2021, 2022, Math 3280 and 3298
PHYS 4001 - Classical Mechanics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Theoretical mechanics, including Lagrangian and Hamiltonian functions, symmetries, and conservation laws. prereq: 2022, Math 3280
PHYS 4011 - Electromagnetic Theory
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations and applications, radiation. prereq: 3033
PHYS 4021 - Quantum Physics II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Quantum wave mechanics with applications; Schrodinger equation, angular momentum, hydrogen atom, symmetries, identical particles. prereq: 3033
MATH 1296 - Calculus I (LE CAT, LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math1290/1296/1596
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
First part of a standard introduction to calculus of functions of a single variable. Limits, continuity, derivatives, integrals, and their applications. prereq: Math ACT 27 or higher or a grade of at least C- in Math 1250 or department consent
MATH 1297 - Calculus II (LOGIC & QR)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1597/1297
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Second part of a standard introduction to calculus. Vectors, applications of integrals, transcendental functions, series, and multivariable functions and partial derivatives. prereq: A grade of at least C- in 1290 or 1296 or 1596
MATH 3280 - Differential Equations with Linear Algebra
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
First, second, and higher order equations; series methods; Laplace transforms; systems; software; modeling applications; introduction to vectors; matrix algebra, eigenvalues. prereq: A grade of at least C- in 1297 or 1597
MATH 3298 - Calculus III
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Third part of a standard introduction to calculus. Conic sections, vectors and vector-valued functions, partial derivatives and multiple integrals, vector fields, Green's and Stokes' theorems. prereq: A grade of at least C- in 1297 or 1597
WRIT 3130 - Advanced Writing: Engineering
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Study of writing for those invested in the disciplines of engineering or computer science. Exploration of academic and professional rhetorical situations. Practice with research methods, document design, editing, effective collaboration, and ethical issues in the production of documents in multiple genres for multiple audiences. pre-req: 1) WRIT 1120 or MNTC or AA completed 2) minimum 60 credits earned or in progress
WRIT 3150 - Advanced Writing: Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Study of writing for those invested in the disciplines of mathematics and life and physical sciences. Exploration of academic and professional rhetorical situations. Practice with research methods, document design, editing, effective collaboration, and ethical issues in the production of documents in multiple genres for multiple audiences. prereq: 1) WRIT 1120 or MNTC or AA completed 2) minimum 60 credits earned or in progress
CHEM 1153 - General Chemistry I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
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
Fundamental principles of chemistry exemplified by study of elements, compounds, and their reactions. Covers fundamental concepts of the atom, molecule, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, gas laws, atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonding, and other selected topics. The companion laboratory, CHEM 1154, should be taken concurrently. The combination of CHEM 1153 and CHEM 1154 meets the lab component of NAT SCI, LE CAT 4. prereq: One year high school chem, Math ACT 24 or higher or a grade of least C- in Math 1005, Credit will not be granted if already received for 1151 or 1161 or 1173. Fall semester, SCSE majors only.
CHEM 1154 - General Chemistry Lab I (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: CHEM 1174/CHEM 1154
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Basic laboratory skills while investigating the fundamental principles of chemistry. Covers fundamental concepts of the atom and molecule, stoichiometry, acid-base reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions, thermochemistry, characteristic properties of anions, gas laws and spectrophotometry. This laboratory accompanies lecture CHEM 1153. The combination of CHEM 1153 and CHEM 1154 meets liberal education category 4 requirements. prereq: Previous or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 1153 or 1173; credit will not be granted if already received for CHEM 1151, 1161 or 1174.
CS 1411 - Introduction to Programming in Matlab
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
An introduction to programming in the Matlab language. Topics covered will include the creation of algorithms, function definition, basic programming statements, input and output, mathematical operations, matrix manipulation, and representing data. As time allows, additional coverage of plotting methods, data structures using cellular arrays and other advanced topics. prereq: one to two years of high school math or instructor consent
CS 1511 - Computer Science I (LE CAT)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: CS 1511/1581
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
A comprehensive introduction to computer programming using the C++ language. The course covers program design, C++ programming basics, control structures, functions and parameter passing. Students write and implement programs with data structures (arrays), pointers and files. Object-oriented programming is also introduced, along with concepts of abstraction, ADTs, encapsulation and data hiding. prereq: 3 1/2 yrs high school math or instructor consent
CS 1581 - Honors: Computer Science I (LE CAT)
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: CS 1511/1581
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Similar to 1511, but in greater depth and with more challenging assignments. For high-ability students. prereq: Honors student, 3 1/2 yrs high school math
MATH 3326 - Vectors and Matrices
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Solving systems of linear equations; matrix algebra; determinants; an introduction to vector spaces, subspaces, linear independence, span, basis; coordinates, matrix transformations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, matrix factorizations and applications to computer graphics. prereq: 1296 with a grade of C- or better
MATH 4810 - Applied Mathematics: Numerical Methods
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Methods for the numerical solution of mathematical problems. Computer representation of numbers; courses of error; introduction to interpolation, approximation, numerical integration, solution of linear and nonlinear systems, initial-value problem approximation; use of highly structured computer software such as MATLAB, Octave, Mathematical and/or SAGE. prereq: previous or concurrent registration in 3280; credit will not be granted if already received for MATH 3810