Bachelor of Science, Major in Physics
Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science, Major in Physics | ||
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 | |
| Component Area II (Mathematics) 1 | 3 | |
| Component Area III (Life and Physical Science) 2 | 8 | |
| 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) 1 | 4 | |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| BIOL 1406 | General Biology I | 4 |
| or GEOL 1403 | Physical Geology | |
| or PHYS 1404 | Solar System Astronomy | |
| BIOL 1407 | General Biology II | 4 |
| or GEOL 1404 | Historical Geology | |
| or PHYS 1403 | Stars & Galaxies | |
| CHEM 1411 | General Chemistry I 2 | 4 |
| CHEM 1412 | General Chemistry II 2 | 4 |
| COSC 1436 | Programming Fundamentals I | 4 |
| Advanced Electives | 7 | |
| MATH (Advanced) or Science (Advanced) | 6 | |
| Major: Foundation | ||
| PHYS 1401 | Physics Boot Camp | 4 |
| PHYS 1411 | Introduction To Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 1422 | Introduction To Physics II | 4 |
| 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 4366 | Intro Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4368 | Electricity And Magnetism | 3 |
| PHYS 4370 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4371 | Thermodynamcs & Statistcl Mech | 3 |
| PHYS 4395 | Undergraduate Research | 3 |
| Major: Prescribed Electives | ||
| PHYS Advanced Electives | 3 | |
| Electives: General | ||
| General Electives | 1 | |
| Minor: Required 3 | ||
| MATH 1420 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| MATH 1430 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 2440 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 3376 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 3377 | Intro to Linear Alg & Matrics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| CHEM 14111 | 4 | CHEM 14121 | 4 |
| ENGL 13012 | 3 | ENGL 13022 | 3 |
| General Elective | 1 | MATH 1430 | 4 |
| MATH 14203 | 4 | PHYS 1411 | 4 |
| PHYS 1401 | 4 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Component Area IV | 3 | COSC 1436 | 4 |
| HIST 13014 | 3 | HIST 13024 | 3 |
| MATH 2440 | 4 | PHYS 3370 & PHYS 4110 | 4 |
| PHYS 1422 | 4 | POLS 23065 | 3 |
| POLS 23055 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Component Area VIII | 3 | Component Area V | 3 |
| Component Area IX | 3 | BIOL 1407, GEOL 1404, or PHYS 1403 | 4 |
| BIOL 1406, GEOL 1403, or PHYS 1404 | 4 | MATH 3377 | 3 |
| MATH 3376 | 3 | PHYS 4370 | 3 |
| PHYS 3111 | 1 | ||
| PHYS 3391 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 13 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Advanced Electives | 3 | Advanced Electives | 4 |
| Math or Science Advanced | 3 | Math or Science Advanced | 3 |
| PHYS 4368 | 3 | PHYS 4366 | 3 |
| PHYS 4371 | 3 | PHYS Advanced Electives | 3 |
| PHYS 4395 | 3 | ||
| 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.
