Physics, Applied

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

B.S. Degree

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 120 credits; 124 credits for concentration in Technical Management

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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 applied physics in one of three concentrations or may design a course of study appropriate for individual goals. Examples outside the approved concentrations could include engineering physics and biophysics. In all cases, the credits in applied physics (items "d" and "e" in each course outline) must be appropriate for the chosen subject area.

The concentration in Technical Management provides an opportunity to combine basic knowledge of physics with an aptitude for leadership in business. Declared physics majors in good standing with appropriate grades, department mentoring, and with approval for some courses are upon graduation welcome to apply to the M.B.A. program in UAF’s School of Management. GMAT exam required.

Major--B.S. Degree with no concentration

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:
   1. Complete the following:
      MATH 202X--Calculus--4 credits
      PHYS 213X--Elementary Modern Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 220--Introduction to Computational Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 341--Classical Physics I: Particle Mechanics*--4 credits
      PHYS 342--Classical Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism*--4 credits
   2. Complete mathematics credits at the 200-level or above--9 credits
   3. Complete physics credits at the 300-level or above*--9 credits
   4. Complete credits in applied physics* **--17 credits
4. Minimum credits required--120 credits

Concentrations: Atmospheric Physics, Computational Physics, Technical Management

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 thefollowing program (major) requirements:
   1. Complete thefollowing:
      MATH 202X--Calculus--4 credits
      PHYS 213X--Elementary Modern Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 220--Introduction to Computational Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 341--Classical Physics I: Particle Mechanics*--4 credits
      PHYS 342--Classical Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism*--4 credits
   2. Complete mathematics credits at the 200-level or above--9 credits
   3. Complete physics credits at the 300-level or above* **--9 credits
   4. Complete the following:*
      ATM 401--Introduction to Atmospheric Science--3 credits
      ATM 413--Atmospheric Radiation--3 credits
      ATM 445--Atmospheric Dynamics--3 credits
   5. Complete credits in other relevant upper-division courses* **--8 credits
4. Minimum credits required--120 credits

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:
   1. Complete the following:
      MATH 202X--Calculus--4 credits
      PHYS 213X--Elementary Modern Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 220--Introduction to Computational Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 341--Classical Physics I: Particle Mechanics*--4 credits
      PHYS 342--Classical Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism*--4 credits
   2. Complete mathematics credits at the 200-level or above--9 credits
   3. Complete credits in applied physics* **--12 credits
   4. Complete the following in the concentration:*
      MATH 310--Numerical Analysis--3 credits
      CS 201--Computer Science I--3 credits
      CS 202--Computer Science II--3 credits
   5. Complete credits in other relevant upper-division courses* **--5 credits
4. Minimum credits required--120 credits

Technical Management

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:
   1. Complete the following:
      MATH 202X--Calculus--4 credits
      PHYS 213X--Elementary Modern Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 220--Introduction to Computational Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS 341--Classical Physics I: Particle Mechanics*--4 credits
      PHYS 342--Classical Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism*--4 credits
   2. Complete mathematics credits at the 200-level or above, which can include courses needed for the M.B.A. program, including:
      STAT 200X--Elementary Probability and Statistics or equivalent--9 credits
   3. Complete physics credits at the 300-level or above*--12 credits
   4. Complete the following in the concentration, which can be prerequisites for entrance into the UAF School of Management’s M.B.A. program****.
      ACCT 261, 262--Accounting Concepts and Uses--6 credits
      BA 325--Financial Management***--3 credits
      BA 330--The Legal Environment of Business***--3 credits
      BA 343--Principles of Marketing***--3 credits
      BA 360--Operations Management***--3 credits
      BA 390     organizational Theory and Behavior***--3 credits
4. Minimum credits required--120 credits

* 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.
*** Prerequisites are MATH 202X, STAT 200X, PHYS 220 or permission of the M.B.A. director.
**** Students can be required to earn a B grade or better if applying for the M.B.A. program.
Note: Must exclude PHYS 103X and 104X from core curriculum natural science requirement.

See General Science.