Campuses:
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
The bachelor of science degree 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 complete and present a research project, and are suggested to maintain a GPA above 3.50 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
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. Elective courses numbered above 3xxx may 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.
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 (PHYS 2017) and Physics II (PHYS 2018) courses is recommended but not required.
6. Recommended courses from other programs include General Chemistry I (CHEM 1153) and General Chemistry Lab I (CHEM 1154).
Physics (40 cr)
General 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)
General Physics I lab
PHYS 2014 - General Physics Lab I
[NAT SCI]
(1.0 cr)
General Physics II
PHYS 2015 - General Physics II
(4.0 cr)
or
PHYS 2018 - Honors General Physics II
(4.0 cr)
General Physics II lab
PHYS 2016 - General Physics Lab II
(1.0 cr)
Current Topics in Physics
PHYS 1021 - Exploring Current Topics in Physics
(1.0 cr)
Classical and Modern Physics
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)
Advanced Physics
PHYS 3033 - Analytical Methods in Physics
(3.0 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)
Physics Seminar
PHYS 4090 - Undergraduate Physics Seminar
(1.0 cr)
Electives (6 cr)
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
AST 3xxx
·
AST 4xxx
·
PHYS 3xxx
·
PHYS 4xxx
·
PHYS 5xxx
Additional Requirements (25 - 26 cr)
Mathematics
Calculus I
MATH 1296 - Calculus I
[LE CAT, LOGIC & QR]
(5.0 cr)
Calculus II
MATH 1297 - Calculus II
[LOGIC & QR]
(5.0 cr)
Advanced Mathematics
MATH 3280 - Differential Equations with Linear Algebra
(4.0 cr)
MATH 3298 - Calculus III
(4.0 cr)
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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 |
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: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
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 |
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: | Every Fall |
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: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
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] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
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 |