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.
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