Physics, Applied

College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
Department of Physics
(907) 474-7339
www.uaf.edu/physics/

B.S. Degree

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 130 credits

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The science of physics is concerned with the nature of matter and energy for all physical systems, from elementary particles to the structure and origin of the universe. Physics, together with mathematics and chemistry, provides the foundation for work in all fields of the physical sciences and engineering, and contributes greatly to other fields such as the biosciences and medicine.

The field of applied physics encompasses those areas that have developed practical applications from fundamental research in physics in the last century, including space physics, plasma physics, condensed matter physics, device physics, surface physics, biophysics, laser physics and reactor physics.

The undergraduate curriculum provides a solid foundation in general physics. Students may study in areas of applied physics such as atmospheric physics, computational physics and engineering physics.

Major—B.S. Degree

Concentrations: Atmospheric Physics, Computational Physics

1. Complete the general university requirements (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete: MATH 200X.)
2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete: MATH 201X, PHYS 211X* and PHYS 212X*.)
3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:
   a. Complete the following:
   
   MATH 202X—Calculus 4 credits
   
   MATH 302—Differential Equations 3 credits
   
   PHYS 213X—Elementary Modern Physics* 4 credits
   
   PHYS 311—Mechanics* 4 credits
   
   PHYS 331—Electricity and Magnetism* 3 credits
   
   b. Complete mathematics credits at the 200-level or above 9 credits
   c. Complete physics credits at the 300-level or above* 12 credits
   d. Complete credits in applied physics* (see note) 20 credits
4. Minimum credits required 130

Atmospheric Physics

1. Complete the general university requirements (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete: MATH 200X.)
2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete: MATH 201X, PHYS 211X* and PHYS 212X*.)
3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:
   a. Complete the following:
   
   MATH 202X—Calculus 4 credits
   
   MATH 302—Differential Equations 3 credits
   
   PHYS 213X—Elementary Modern Physics* 4 credits
   
   PHYS 311—Mechanics* 4 credits
   
   PHYS 331—Electricity and Magnetism* 3 credits
   
   b. Complete mathematics credits at the 200-level or above 9 credits
   c. Complete physics credits at the 300-level or above* 12 credits
   d. Complete the following:*
   
   ATM 401—Introduction to Atmospheric Science 3 credits
   
   ATM 409—Atmospheric Thermodynamics 3 credits
   
   ATM 413—Atmospheric Radiation 3 credits
   
   ATM 445—Atmospheric Dynamics 3 credits
   
   e. Complete credits in other relevant upper-division courses* see note) 8 credits
4. Minimum credits required 130

Computational Physics

1. Complete the general university requirements (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete: MATH 200X.)
2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete: MATH 201X, PHYS 211X* and PHYS 212X*.)
3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:
   a. Complete the following:
   
   MATH 202X—Calculus 4 credits
   
   MATH 302—Differential Equations 3 credits
   
   PHYS 213X—Elementary Modern Physics* 4 credits
   
   PHYS 311—Mechanics* 4 credits
   
   PHYS 331—Electricity and Magnetism* 3 credits
   
   b. Complete mathematics credits at the 200-level or above 9 credits
   c. Complete physics credits at the 300-level or above* 12 credits
   d. Complete the following:*
   
   PHYS 220—Introduction to Computational Physics 4 credits
   
   MATH 310—Numerical Analysis 3 credits
   
   CS 201—Computer Science I 3 credits
   
   CS 202—Computer Science II 3 credits
   
   Complete credits in other relevant upper-division courses* (see note) 4 credits
4. Minimum credits required 130

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each course.
Note: These credits must be in a chosen subject area and approved before the beginning of the student’s final semester by the head of the physics department.
Note: Must exclude PHYS 103X and 104 from core curriculum Natural Science requirement.
See General Science.