2023-2024 Catalog 
    
    Nov 03, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, BS


Physics is the science that tries to understand the laws of nature and the relationship between energy and matter. However, it might be more appropriate to define physics as a way of thinking rather than as a profession: The field of physics trains students to take a logical, problem-solving approach in whatever situations they might find themselves, and physics students explore concepts and methods of science that can be applied in many different professional areas and research topics.

General Information

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics requires the following:

  • A minimum of 51 credit hours of PES course work. At least 20 of those hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 or higher), depending on which option is chosen.
  • 28 hours of auxiliary course work.
  • A grade of C or better in courses applied to the major.
  • A minimum 2.0 GPA must be maintained in all PES course work.
  • No more than 60 credit hours of PES course work may apply to the bachelor’s degree.

Additional course work is required to complete the Physics, BS degree. Please see the advising guide on the Academic Advising website for more information.

Physics Major Options

The following options, or tracks, may be added to the Physics major. Options may have different course, grade, GPA, or hour requirements.  See below for more information.

  • Traditional Physics
  • Energy Science
  • Solid State
  • Secondary Education - UCCSTeach

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will possess the fundamental physics knowledge that is necessary for admission into a graduate program in physics or related technical fields, such as education, industry, research, and military.
  • Students will be able to apply the fundamental ideas and methods of physics and be able to analyze problems using these skills.
  • Students will be able to prepare and present several research topics and defend them before peers and faculty.

Course Requirements


Physics majors in the Traditional, Solid State, and Energy Science Options complete the following Physics, Auxiliary, and Option courses below

Degree Option Courses


In addition to the above core requirements, students will complete required courses in their chosen degree option.

Traditional Physics Option (18 credit hours)


This option is designed for students intending to pursue graduate studies in physics or planning to obtain an industrial position with a traditional physics degree.

Energy Science Option (19 credit hours)


This option will prepare graduates for energy-related careers in industry and government and will provide the student with a strong background in the technical, economic, and instrumentation aspects of all energy resources.

Secondary Education Option


The Bachelor of Science in Physics with a secondary education option is designed for students wishing to be high school physics teachers. It requires a minimum of 40 credit hours (21 upper division) in physics as well as an additional 30 hours of auxiliary coursework and an additional 33 hours of UCCS Teach courses. No more than 40 hours in physics may be counted toward the credit hours required for graduation. The following courses or their equivalents are required.

UCCSTeach Courses (32 credit hours)


For more information on the requirements for the Initial Secondary Licensure, see the Secondary Initial License Certificate .