Physics

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

B.A., B.S., M.S., M.A.T., Ph.D. Degrees

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: 120 credits

Downloadable PDF (PDF 65K)

The science of physics is concerned with the nature of matter and energy in 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 disciplines such as the biosciences and medicine.

The undergraduate curriculum provides a solid foundation in classical and modern physics, with emphasis on both its experimental and theoretical aspects. A student completing this curriculum can be well prepared for advanced study in physics and related sciences, and for other careers that also require refined abilities in problem solving.

The physics department is also responsible for the bachelor’s degree programs in general science and applied physics. These programs are also described in this catalog.

Major--B.A. Degree

1. Complete the general university requirements.
2. Complete the B.A. degree requirements.
3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:
   1. Complete the following:*
      PHYS 113--Concepts of Physics--1 credits
      PHYS 211X--General Physics--4 credits
      PHYS 212X--General Physics--4 credits
      PHYS 213X--Elementary Modern Physics--4 credits
      PHYS 301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics--4 credits
      PHYS approved electives--20 credits
   2. Complete the following:
      MATH 200X--Calculus**--4 credits
      MATH 201X--Calculus**--4 credits
      MATH 202X--Calculus--4 credits
      MATH electives at the 300-level or above--3 credits
   3. Minimum credits required--120 credits

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each course.
** Satisfies core curriculum or B.A. degree requirements, but not both.

Major--B.S. Degree

1. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, these courses are suggested: CHEM 105X and CHEM 106X; GEOS 101X; BIOL 105X.)
2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements.
3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:*
   PHYS 113--Concepts of Physics--1 credits
   PHYS 211X--General Physics--4 credits
   PHYS 212X--General Physics--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 313--Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics--4 credits
   PHYS 341--Classical Physics I: Particle Mechanics--4 credits
   PHYS 342--Classical Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism--4 credits
   PHYS 343--Classical Physics III: Vibration and Waves--4 credits
   PHYS 381W,O--Physics Laboratory--3 credits
   PHYS 382W--Physics Laboratory--3 credits
   PHYS 421--Quantum Mechanics--4 credits
   PHYS 462--Geometrical and Physical Optics--4 credits
   PHYS 471--Advanced Topics in Physics I**--3 credits
   PHYS 472--Advanced Topics in Physics II**--3 credits
4. Complete the following program (major) requirements:
   MATH 200X--Calculus***--4 credits
   MATH 201X--Calculus***--4 credits
   MATH 202X--Calculus--4 credits
   MATH electives at the 300-level or above****--6 credits
5. Minimum credits required--120 credits

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each course.
** Student must take at least three emphasis topics from 471 and at least three application topics from 472
*** Satisfies core curriculum or B.S. degree requirements, but not both.
**** Suggested electives: MATH 314, 421 and 422.
Note: Other courses suggested to fulfill minimum credit requirements: ES 201, 307 and 308.

Requirements for physics teachers (grades 7-12)

1. Complete all the requirements of the B.A. or B.S. degree.
2. All prospective physics teachers must complete the following:
   CHEM 105X and CHEM 106X--General Chemistry--8 credits
   PHYS 113--Concepts of Physics--1 credits
   PHYS 211X--General Physics--4 credits
   PHYS 212X--General Physics--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 approved electives--16 credits
   MATH electives--3 credits
3. All prospective science teachers must complete one of the following:
   PHIL 380--Conceptual Foundations of Science (3)
        or PHIL 382--Science & Technological Limits (3)
        or PHIL 481--Philosophy of Science (3)--3 credits

Note: We strongly recommend that prospective secondary science teachers seek advising from the UAF School of Education early in your undergraduate degree program, so that you can be appropriately advised of the state of Alaska requirements for teacher licensure. You will apply for admission to the UAF School of Education’s post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program, a one-year intensive program, during your senior year.

Minor

1. Complete the following:
   PHYS 103X-104X--College Physics (8)
        or PHYS 211X-212X--General Physics (8)--8 credits
2. Complete the following:
   PHYS 213X--Elementary Modern Physics--4 credits
   Electives at the 300-400-level--8 credits
3. Minimum credits required--20 credits