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Duluth Campus

Applied Physics B.S.

UMD-Physics & Astronomy
Swenson College of Science and Engineering
  • Students will no longer be accepted into this program after Spring 2017. Program requirements below are for current students only.
  • The Applied Physics B.S. is no longer accepting students. Students interested in Applied Physics should consider the Physics B.S. or Physics B.A.
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2017
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 78 to 79
  • Degree: Bachelor of Science
The B.S. in applied physics is primarily for students planning to work in industry and offers flexibility in selection of technical electives. The physics courses emphasize conceptual foundations, problem-solving skills, and experimental and computational 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:
  • 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 the Math ACT score. The sample plan presupposes placement into MATH 1296. 3. Courses numbered above 3xxx are offered in alternate years only. Some courses suggested in the sample plan for the junior and senior years may need to be switched to match the course offerings.
Core Courses (31 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)
Additional Core Physics Requirements
PHYS 1021 - Exploring Current Topics in Physics (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 5061 - Experimental Methods (3.0 cr)
PHYS 5090 - Physics Seminar (1.0 cr)
PHYS 5052 - Computational Methods in Physics (3.0 cr)
or PHYS 5053 - Data Analysis Methods in Physics (3.0 cr)
Electives (8 cr)
Take 8 or more credit(s) from the following:
· 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)
Technical Electives (9 cr)
The computational course not selected in Core Courses may be used as a technical elective. Engineering courses approved by the department may also be used.
Take 9 or more credit(s) from the following:
· AST 4110 - Observational Astronomy (3.0 cr)
· LIM 5101 - Physical Limnology (3.0 cr)
· PHYS 3033 - Analytical Methods in Physics (3.0 cr)
· PHYS 5041 - Optics (3.0 cr)
· PHYS 5531 - Introduction to Solid State Physics (3.0 cr)
· PHYS 5541 - Fluid Dynamics (3.0 cr)
· PHYS 5052 - Computational Methods in Physics (3.0 cr)
or PHYS 5053 - Data Analysis Methods in Physics (3.0 cr)
· PHYS 3561 - Astrophysics I Stellar Astrophysics (3.0 cr)
or PHYS 5561 - Astrophysics I Stellar Astrophysics (3.0 cr)
Courses From Other Programs (30 - 31 cr)
Two semesters of chemistry are recommended.
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)
Computer Science
CS 1411 - Introduction to Programming in Matlab (4.0 cr)
or CS 1511 - Computer Science I [LE CAT] (5.0 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)
 
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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 1021 - Exploring Current Topics in Physics
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to current topics in the field of physics, with emphasis on recent research developments and local research activities.
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 3061 - Instrumentation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Introduction to electronics for scientific applications. DC and AC circuits, linear and nonlinear devices, integrated circuits. Analog electronics. Transducers. Digital electronics. Applications of microcomputers to lab data acquisition. prereq: 2022 and one semester programming
PHYS 5061 - Experimental Methods
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Instruction and practice in methods of experimental physics; microcomputer-based data acquisition; vacuum techniques. prereq: 2033 and 3061
PHYS 5090 - Physics Seminar
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Preparation and presentation of oral reports on approved physics topics, research projects, and journal articles. prereq: Sr or grad student
PHYS 5052 - Computational Methods in Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Applications of numerical methods to problems in classical and quantum physics, emphasizing ordinary and partial differential equations. Computer modeling of physical systems and experimentation with simulations of physical systems. prereq: 2021, 1 sem programming, Math 3280
PHYS 5053 - Data Analysis Methods in Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Problems of data analysis in the context of dynamical models. Emphasis will be placed on large datasets that arise in astrophysics, particle dynamics, physical oceanography and meteorology. (2 hr lect & 2 hr lab) prereq: 2012 or 2015 or 2018 and 2016, 1 sem programming, lab or field experience beyond 2012/2015 and 2016
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
PHYS 4031 - Thermal and Statistical Physics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Elements of thermodynamics; principles of statistical physics applied to equilibrium properties of classical and quantum systems. prereq: 2021
AST 4110 - Observational Astronomy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Applied principles of astronomical observation; review of optical telescopes and mounts; locating and tracking objects; remote telescope operation, CCD, CMOS, and film astrophotography, astrometry, photometry, spectroscopy, astronomical image processing and analysis. prereq: Phys 2015 or 2018 or instructor consent
LIM 5101 - Physical Limnology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: LIM 5101/5001
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Physical description of lake dynamics including: lake morphometry, water budget, light distribution, circulation, fronts, waves and mixing. Descriptive, mathematical, numerical and data-analysis techniques are used to investigate the various topics. prereq: Math 1297, Phys 2012 or 2015 and 2016, or grad student
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 5041 - Optics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Fundamentals of physical optics. prereq: 2022
PHYS 5531 - Introduction to Solid State Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Solid structure, thermal, and electronic properties of solids and solid surfaces. prereq: 4021, 4031
PHYS 5541 - Fluid Dynamics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Analytic and numeric treatment of dynamics of fluids. Rotating, stratified fluids, with applications in limnology, oceanography, and meteorology. prereq: 2022 or 2001, Math 3280
PHYS 5052 - Computational Methods in Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Applications of numerical methods to problems in classical and quantum physics, emphasizing ordinary and partial differential equations. Computer modeling of physical systems and experimentation with simulations of physical systems. prereq: 2021, 1 sem programming, Math 3280
PHYS 5053 - Data Analysis Methods in Physics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Problems of data analysis in the context of dynamical models. Emphasis will be placed on large datasets that arise in astrophysics, particle dynamics, physical oceanography and meteorology. (2 hr lect & 2 hr lab) prereq: 2012 or 2015 or 2018 and 2016, 1 sem programming, lab or field experience beyond 2012/2015 and 2016
PHYS 3561 - Astrophysics I Stellar Astrophysics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AST 3561/PHYS 3561
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
The application of physical laws to the understanding of astrophysical objects: celestial mechanics, energy transport, stellar stracture and evolution, the interstellar medium, and stellar remnants. prereq: AST 2050, PHYS 2021
PHYS 5561 - Astrophysics I Stellar Astrophysics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: AST 5561/PHYS5561
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
The application of physical laws to the understanding of astrophysical onjects: celestial mechanics, energy transport, stellar structure and evolution, the interstellar medium, and stellar remnants. prereq: AST 2050 and PHYS 2021
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
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