Bachelor of Science, Major in Physics

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.  

Bachelor of Science, Major in Physics
Core Curriculum
Component Area I (Communication)6
Component Area II (Mathematics) 13
Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) 28
Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture)3
Component Area V (Creative Arts)3
Component Area VI (U.S. History)6
Component Area VII (Political Science/Government)6
Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences)3
Component Area IX (Component Area Option) 14
Degree Specific Requirements
BIOL 1406General Biology I4
or GEOL 1403 Physical Geology
or PHYS 1404 Solar System Astronomy
BIOL 1407General Biology II4
or GEOL 1404 Historical Geology
or PHYS 1403 Stars & Galaxies
CHEM 1411General Chemistry I 24
CHEM 1412General Chemistry II 24
COSC 1436Programming Fundamentals I4
Advanced Electives7
MATH (Advanced) or Science (Advanced)6
Major: Foundation
PHYS 1401Physics Boot Camp4
PHYS 1411Introduction To Physics I4
PHYS 1422Introduction To Physics II4
PHYS 3391
PHYS 3111
Modern Physics I
and Modern Physics Laboratory I
4
PHYS 3370
PHYS 4110
Intro To Theoretical Physics
and Adv Undergrad Laboratory I
4
PHYS 4366Intro Quantum Mechanics3
PHYS 4368Electricity And Magnetism3
PHYS 4370Classical Mechanics3
PHYS 4371Thermodynamcs & Statistcl Mech3
PHYS 4395Undergraduate Research3
Major: Prescribed Electives
PHYS Advanced Electives3
Electives: General
General Electives1
Minor: Required 3
MATH 1420Calculus I 14
MATH 1430Calculus II4
MATH 2440Calculus III4
MATH 3376Differential Equations3
MATH 3377Intro to Linear Alg & Matrics3
Total Hours120
1

MATH 1420 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area II (Mathematics), one semester credit hour of Component Area IX (Component Area Option), and the Degree Specific requirement.

2

CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area III (Life and Physical Science). 

3

The following minor cannot be paired with this degree program: Minor in Physics.

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

All students interested in Physics or Pre-Engineering enroll in the Physics Bootcamp (PHYS 1401) during their first semester on campus. This lets interested students see what Physics is all about as early as possible, with no prerequisites. It ensures that they have math skills required in the next two years, and helps them understand what those skills are good for in Physics and Engineering. It develops confidence, teamwork, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging in the department. A weekly group-based problem-solving practice session is integrated. The Bootcamp is typically offered each Fall and Spring term.

A student may need preparatory work in Mathematics or might be eligible for advanced placement, either of which necessitates adjustment of the schedule. Such a student should consult a member of the Physics or Mathematics faculty concerning his/her schedule.

 Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit. 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 141114CHEM 141214
ENGL 130123ENGL 130223
General Elective1MATH 14304
MATH 142034PHYS 14114
PHYS 14014 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area IV3COSC 14364
HIST 130143HIST 130243
MATH 24404PHYS 3370
PHYS 4110
4
PHYS 14224POLS 230653
POLS 230553 
 17 14
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area VIII3Component Area V3
Component Area IX3BIOL 1407, GEOL 1404, or PHYS 14034
BIOL 1406, GEOL 1403, or PHYS 14044MATH 33773
MATH 33763PHYS 43703
PHYS 31111 
PHYS 33913 
 17 13
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Advanced Electives3Advanced Electives 4
Math or Science Advanced3Math or Science Advanced3
PHYS 43683PHYS 43663
PHYS 43713 PHYS Advanced Electives3
PHYS 43953 
 15 13
Total Hours: 120
1

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area III (Life and Physical Science). 

2

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communications).

3

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area II (Mathematics) and one semester credit hour of the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IX (Component Area Option).

4

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VI (U.S. History).

5

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VII (Political Science). 

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

The following minor cannot be paired with this degree program: Minor in Physics.

All students interested in Physics or Pre-Engineering enroll in the Physics Bootcamp (PHYS 1401) during their first semester on campus. This lets interested students see what Physics is all about as early as possible, with no prerequisites. It ensures that they have math skills required in the next two years and helps them understand what those skills are good for in Physics and Engineering. It develops confidence, teamwork, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging in the department. A weekly group-based problem-solving practice session is integrated. The Bootcamp is typically offered each Fall and Spring term.

A student may need preparatory work in Mathematics or might be eligible for advanced placement, either of which necessitates adjustment of the schedule. Such a student should consult a member of the Physics or Mathematics faculty concerning his/her schedule.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The BS in Physics is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Ability to creatively solve real-world problems.
  • Sophisticated understanding of applied mathematics.
  • Capacity to analyze and interpret complex data.
  • Quantitative understanding of mechanical, electrical, and thermal systems.
  • Model complex interactions with computer programming and technology.