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Physics B.A. - Computational Physics

The computational physics concentration provides a thorough study of computer science and computational physics as well as a solid background in physics and mathematics. Graduates from this program have gone on to graduate programs in physics and computer science while others have found career opportunities in technical fields.

Bachelor of Arts - Physics; Computational Physics Concentration

College of Humanities & Sciences

Degree Specific Credits: 73

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0

Catalog Year: 2020-21

General Education Requirements

Information regarding these requirements can be found in the General Education Section of the catalog.

Summary

Course List

Code

Title

Hours

Lower-Division Physics Core

10

Upper-Division Physics Core

18

Physics Elective

3

Math Requirements

19

Computer Science Requirements

20

Computer Science Core Courses

Computer Science Electives

Advanced College Writing Requirement

3

Total Hours

73


Lower-Division Physics Core

Course List

Code

Title

Hours

Complete one of the following Physics sequences:

10

Algebra- and Trigonometry-based Physics:

PHSX 205N
& PHSX 206N

College Physics I
and College Physics I Laboratory

PHSX 207N
& PHSX 208N

College Physics II
and College Physics II Laboratory

Calculus-based Physics (strongly recommended):

PHSX 215N
& PHSX 216N

Fund of Physics w/Calc I
and Physics Laboratory I w/Calc

PHSX 217N
& PHSX 218N

Fund of Physics w/Calc II
and Physics Laboratory II w/Calc

Total Hours

10

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Upper-Division Physics Core

Course List

Code

Title

Hours

Complete all of the following courses:

PHSX 301

Intro Theoretical Physics

3

PHSX 311

Oscillations and Waves

2

PHSX 320

Classical Mechanics

3

PHSX 333

Computational Physics

3

PHSX 343

Modern Physics

3

PHSX 423

Electricity & Magnetism I

3

PHSX 499

Senior Capstone Seminar

1

Total Hours

18

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Physics Elective

Course List

Code

Title

Hours

Complete one of the following courses:

3

PHSX 141N

Einstein's Relativity

PHSX 323

Intermediate Physics Lab

PHSX 327

Optics

PHSX 330

Communicating Physics

PHSX 425

Electricity & Magnetism II (strongly recommended)

PHSX 444

Advanced Physics Lab

PHSX 446

Thermodyn & Stat Mech

PHSX 461

Quantum Mechanics I (strongly recommended)

PHSX 462

Quantum Mechanics II

Total Hours

3

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Math Requirements

Note: In addition, M 307, STAT 341, and STAT 458 are recommended.

Course List

Code

Title

Hours

Complete all of the following courses:

M 171

Calculus I

4

M 172

Calculus II

4

M 221

Introduction to Linear Algebra

4

M 225

Introduction to Discrete Mathematics

3

M 273

Multivariable Calculus

4

Total Hours

19

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Computer Science Requirements

Rule: Complete the following subcategories of courses. 20 total credits required.

Computer Science Core Courses

Course List

Code

Title

Hours

Complete all of the following courses:

CSCI 151

Interdisciplinary Computer Science I

3

CSCI 152

Interdisciplinary Computer Science II

3

CSCI 232

Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithms

4

CSCI 332

Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms

3

Total Hours

13

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Computer Science Electives

Course List

Code

Title

Hours

Complete 7 credits from any CSCI course numbered 200 and above. The following courses are recommended:

7

CSCI 205

Programming with C/C++

CSCI 361

Computer Architecture

CSCI 477

Simulation

Total Hours

7

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Advanced College Writing Requirement

Note: May substitute another advanced writing course as approved by the department chair.

Course List

Code

Title

Hours

Complete the following course:

PHSX 330

Communicating Physics

3

Total Hours

3

Minimum Required Grade: C-