Physics
College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Department of Physics
907-474-7339
www.uaf.edu/physics/
B.S., M.S., Ph.D. Degrees; Minor
Minimum Requirements for Degree: 120 credits
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 in industry, government or the private sector that require refined abilities in problem-solving.
The physics concentration represents the classical undergraduate physics curriculum, while the applied physics concentration provides a solid foundation in general physics with the flexibility to include applied or interdisciplinary course work, aimed at e.g., engineering physics, biophysics or oceanography.
The atmospheric physics concentration is a solid foundation at the interface of physics, climate sciences and meteorology. The computational physics concentration is relevant for students seeking careers in any areas that require expertise in computational modeling and simulation of physical systems.
The technical management concentration 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 approval for some courses are, upon graduation, welcome to apply to the MBA program in UAF's School of Management.
- Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete MATH F251X.)*
- Complete the B.S. degree requirements. (As part of the B.S. degree requirement, complete MATH F252X, PHYS F211X and PHYS F212X.)*
- 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 F341--Classical Physics I: Particle Mechanics--4 credits
PHYS F342--Classical Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism--4 credits - Complete the following program (major) requirements:**
MATH F251X--Calculus I--4 credits
MATH F252X--Calculus II--4 credits
MATH F253X--Calculus III--4 credits - Complete one of the following concentrations:*
Physics- Complete 6 credits of MATH electives at the F300 level or above. (MATH F314, MATH F421 or MATH F422 are recommended.)*--6 credits
- Complete the following:*
PHYS F351--Thermal Physics--2 credits
PHYS F451--Statistical Physics--2 credits
PHYS F343--Classical Physics III: Vibration and Waves--4 credits
PHYS F381W,O--Physics Laboratory--3 credits
PHYS F421--Quantum Mechanics--4 credits
PHYS F462--Geometrical and Physical Optics--4 credits - Complete 6 credits from the following:*
PHYS F471--Advanced Topics in Physics I
PHYS F472--Advanced Topics in Physics II
- Complete 6 credits of MATH electives at the F300 level or above. (MATH F314, MATH F421, or MATH F422 are recommended.)--6 credits
- Complete 9 physics credits at the F300 level or above--9 credits
- Complete 17 credits from applied physics--17 credits
Note: The 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.
- Complete 6 credits of MATH electives at the F300 level or above. (MATH F314, MATH F421 or MATH F422 are recommended.)*--6 credits
- Complete 9 physics credits at the F300 level or above.*--9 credits
- Complete the following:*
ATM F401--Introduction to Atmospheric Science--3 credits
ATM F413--Atmospheric Radiation--3 credits
ATM F445--Atmospheric Dynamics--3 credits - Complete 8 credits in other relevant upper-division courses.*--8 credits
Note: The 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.
- Complete 6 credits of MATH electives at the F300 level or above. (MATH F314, MATH F421 or MATH F422 are recommended.)*--6 credits
- Complete 9 physics credits at the F300 level or above--9 credits
- Complete the following:*
MATH F310--Numerical Analysis--3 credits
CS F201--Computer Science I--3 credits
CS F202--Computer Science II--3 credits - Complete 8 credits in other relevant upper-division courses*--8 credits
Note: The 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.
- Complete 3 credits of MATH electives at the F300 level or above. (MATH F314, MATH F421 or MATH F422 are recommended.)*--3 credits
- Complete STAT F200X--Elementary Probability and Statistics--3 credits
- Complete 12 physics credits at the F300 level or above.*--12 credits
- Complete the following:*
ACCT F261--Principles of Financial Accounting--3 credits
ACCT F262--Principles of Managerial Accounting--3 credits - Complete the following:
(Students must take ACCT F261, MATH F253X and PHYS F220 before taking these courses; or have permission of the MBA director. The School of Management agrees that such students will be allowed to register for these courses.)
BA F325--Financial Management***--3 credits
BA F330--The Legal Environment of Business***--3 credits
BA F343--Principles of Marketing***--3 credits
BA F360--Operations Management***--3 credits
BA F390--Organizational Theory and Behavior***--3 credits
- Minimum credits required--120 credits
* Students must earn a C- grade or better in each course.
** Satisfies core curriculum or B.S. degree requirements, but not both.
*** Students can be required to earn a B grade or higher if applying for the MBA program.
Note: Other courses suggested to fulfill minimum credit requirements: ES F201, F307 and F308.
Note: Must exclude PHYS F103X and PHYS F104X from core curriculum natural science requirement.
Requirements for physics teachers (grades 7-12)
- Complete all the requirements of the 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
MATH electives--3 credits - Complete 16 credits of physics-approved electives--16 credits
- All prospective science teachers must complete the following:*
PHIL F481--Philosophy of Science (3)--3 credits
* Students must earn a C- grade or better in each course.
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. Apply for admission to the UAF School of Education's postbaccalaureate teacher preparation program, a one-year intensive program, during your senior year.
- Complete the following:*
PHYS F211X--General Physics--4 credits
PHYS F212X--General Physics --4 credits
PHYS F213X--Elementary Modern Physics--4 credits - Complete 8 credits of physics electives at the F300-400 level--8 credits
- Minimum credits required--20 credits
* Students must earn a C- grade or better in each course.