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
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.
- Complete the general university requirements.
- Complete the B.A. degree requirements.
- Complete the following program (major) requirements:
- Complete the following:*
PHYS F211X--General Physics--4 credits
PHYS F212X--General Physics--4 credits
PHYS F213X--Elementary Modern Physics--4 credits
PHYS F301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics--4 credits
PHYS approved electives--20 credits - Complete the following:
MATH F200X--Calculus I**--4 credits
MATH F201X--Calculus II**--4 credits
MATH F202X--Calculus III--4 credits
MATH electives at the F300-level or above--3 credits
- Complete the following:*
- 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.
- Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, these courses are suggested: CHEM F105X and CHEM F106X; GEOS F101X; BIOL F115X.)
- Complete the B.S. degree requirements.
- Complete the following program (major) requirements:*
PHYS F211X--General Physics--4 credits
PHYS F212X--General Physics--4 credits
PHYS F213X--Elementary Modern Physics--4 credits
PHYS F220--Introduction to Computational Physics--4 credits
PHYS F301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics--4 credits
PHYS F313--Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics--4 credits
PHYS F341--Classical Physics I: Particle Mechanics--4 credits
PHYS F342--Classical Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism--4 credits
PHYS F343--Classical Physics III: Vibration and Waves--4 credits
PHYS F381W,O--Physics Laboratory--3 credits
PHYS F382W--Physics Laboratory--3 credits
PHYS F421--Quantum Mechanics--4 credits
PHYS F462--Geometrical and Physical Optics--4 credits
PHYS F471--Advanced Topics in Physics I**--3 credits
PHYS F472--Advanced Topics in Physics II**--3 credits - Complete the following program (major) requirements:
MATH F200X--Calculus I***--4 credits
MATH F201X--Calculus II***--4 credits
MATH F202X--Calculus III--4 credits
MATH electives at the F300-level or above****--6 credits - 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 F471 and at least three application topics from F472
*** Satisfies core curriculum or B.S. degree requirements, but not both.
**** Suggested electives: MATH F314, F421 and F422.
Note: Other courses suggested to fulfill minimum credit requirements: ES F201, F307 and F308.
Requirements for physics teachers (grades 7 - 12)
- Complete all the requirements of the B.A. or B.S. degree.
- All prospective physics teachers must complete the following:
CHEM F105X and CHEM F106X--General Chemistry--8 credits
PHYS F211X--General Physics--4 credits
PHYS F212X--General Physics--4 credits
PHYS F213X--Elementary Modern Physics--4 credits
PHYS F220--Introduction to Computational Physics--4 credits
PHYS F301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics--4 credits
PHYS approved electives--16 credits
MATH electives--3 credits - All prospective science teachers must complete the following:
PHIL F481--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
- Complete the following:
PHYS F103X - F104X--College Physics (8)
or PHYS F211X - F212X--General Physics (8)--8 credits - Complete the following:
PHYS F213X--Elementary Modern Physics--4 credits
Electives at the F300 - F400-level--8 credits - Minimum credits required--20 credits