Physics (B.S.) Academic Course Map

Ìý
Colorado Community College System

to

College of Arts and Sciences; ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

Academic Course Map for PhysicsÌý(B.S.)


ÌýÌýProgram OverviewÌý

The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics (PHYS) at CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ provides the knowledge of the physical concepts that are basic to the laws of nature, and the ability to use these fundamental concepts to answer questions and solve real-world problems. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Physics choose from one of two plans: Plan IÌýfor students who plan to pursue graduate study in physics or go directly into professional employment or Plan II, for students who wish to combine a physics major with an interdisciplinary (applied mathematics, biophysics, chemical physics, environmental science, history and philosophy of science, or pre-medicine) or applied physics focus. ÌýThe department also offers a Bachelor or Arts degree (B.A.) in Physics, but that degree is available only to those who wish to become elementary or secondary school teachers (teaching licensure in cooperation with the School of Education). ÌýBecause of the additional education and natural science coursework required this transfer guide cannot be used for the B.A. degree.Ìý

Students who receive an undergraduate degree in Physics may pursue the following career opportunities: design and development work in industrial firms, government and academic laboratories, and nonprofit research centers. Physics graduates often work closely with engineers, complementing specific disciplines with a broader physics perspective. Graduates can also go on to careers in business, law, finance or medicine after appropriate graduate work. A B.S. in Physics if also excellent preparation for admission to graduate school in physics and related fields.


Admission Requirements

Students who begin at a Colorado Community College can transfer directly to CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ to finish their degree in any of the programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.ÌýPlease see the CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College of Arts & Sciences’ÌýColorado Community College webpageÌýfor more information detailed information admissionsÌýrequirements for students transferingÌýfrom a Colorado Community College.Ìý


Transfer Recommendations

To graduate in a 4-year time frame, it is important that students follow the recommended schedule. Students who wish to continue their education at the community college beyond the number of credits specified below should explore with both community college and CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ staff how their graduation timeline, COF stipend, and financial aid will be affected.Ìý


Suggested Four-Year Course Plan for the PhysicsÌý(PHYS) major

This is a suggested guide of coursework only and is subject to change. Always consult with your academic advisor for graduation planning purposes. Depending on a student’s situation, a different plan might be more applicable. Ìý

Your community college must offer an Associate of Science Degree with Designation (DwD) in Physics to use this transfer guide.​Ìý A student must be ready for calculus and general chemistry to follow this course map.

Community College (first two years)

Fall Semester 1

CourseCourse TitleCredits
ENG 1021English Composition I (GT-CO1)3
MAT 2410Calculus I (GT-MA1)5
CHE 1111General College Chemistry I with Lab (GT-SC1)5
ÌýGuaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4)Ìý3
ÌýTotal Credits16

Spring Semester 1

CourseCourse TitleCredits
ENG 1022English Composition II (GT-CO2)3
MAT 2420Calculus II (GT-MA1)5
PHY 2111Physics: Calculus-based I with Lab (GT-SC1)5
ÌýGuaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4)Ìý3
ÌýTotal Credits16

Fall Semester 2

CourseCourse TitleCredits
PHY 2112Physics: Calculus-based II with Lab (GT-SC1)5
MAT 2430Calculus III (GT- MA1)4
ÌýGuaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4)3
ÌýGuaranteed Transfer History Course (GT-HI1)3
ÌýTotal Credits15

Spring Semester 2

CourseCourse TitleCredits
PHYS 2113Physics III: Calculus-Based Modern Physics3
MAT 2560Differential Equations (GT-MA1)3
CSC 1060Computer Science I4
ÌýGuaranteed Transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences Course (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3)3
ÌýTotal Credits13

Total credits at community college: 60

Completion of the four semesters of coursework listed above fulfills the requirements for an AssociateÌýof Science Degree with Designation in Physics at the Colorado community colleges that offered that degree and fulfills the General Education requirements at UCB.

Ìý

CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ (last two years)

Fall Semester 3

CourseCourse TitleCredits
PHYS 2150Experimental Physics 22
PHYS 2210Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Methods 13
MATH 2130Introduction to Linear Algebra for Non-Mathematics Majors3
ÌýNon-Major Elective1
ÌýNon-Major Elective3
ÌýUpper-Division Non-Major Elective3
ÌýTotal Credits15

Spring Semester 3

CourseCourse TitleCredits
PHYS 3210Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Methods 23
PHYS 3310Principles of Electricity and Magnetism 13
PHYS 3330Electronics for the Physical Sciences3
ÌýUpper-Division Non-Major Elective3
ÌýUpper-Division Non-Major Elective3
ÌýTotal Credits15

Fall Semester 4

CourseCourse TitleCredits
PHYS 3220Quantum Mechanics 13
PHYS 3320Principles of Electricity and Magnetism 23
PHYS 4230Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics3
ÌýUpper Division Non-Major Elective3
ÌýUpper Division Non-Major Elective3
ÌýTotal Credits15

Spring Semester 4

CourseCourse TitleCredits
PHYS 4410Quantum Mechanics 23
ÌýPHYS Upper-Division Major Elective3
ÌýPHYS Upper-Division Major Elective3
ÌýPHYS Upper-Division Major Elective3
ÌýUpper-Division Non-Major Elective3
ÌýTotal Credits15

Total credits at CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½: 60

Completion of all eight semesters of coursework listed above will fulfill the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Physics major at CU ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.**


*This course major shows the course work need to complete Plan I in the Physics major.Ìý A student who completed the first two years laid out in this course map could also complete Plan II (the interdisciplinary or applied physics programs).Ìý


NSF

This material was supported by NSF grant #1649201. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not nec​essarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

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