Bachelor of Science, Major in Physics
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| 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 | Introduction to Theoretical Physics and Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory I | 4 |
| PHYS 4366 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4368 | Electricity And Magnetism | 3 |
| PHYS 4370 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 4371 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 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 | Introduction to Linear Algebra and Matrices | 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.
