Degree Options
This information is accurate for the 2021-2022 academic year. All course requirements and offerings are subject to change. Meet with the undergraduate academic advisor regularly to check current requirements. For more information, explore our Undergraduate Handbook.
To declare a major or minor, contact the academic advisor.
The Physics major is designed to give students the deepest and broadest understanding of physics to lay a firm foundation for graduate work in physics or related discipline. Courses provide advanced and in-depth instruction in topics that are the most important for success in physics graduate studies. This degree also provides practical experience in laboratory techniques, writing, and computer programming.
Core Physics Courses
PHYS 1970 |
Undergrad Seminar I |
PHYS 1980 |
Undergrad Seminar II |
PHYS 2210 |
Physics I for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2215 |
Physisscs I Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 2235 |
Computation Lab for Physicists |
PHYS 2220 |
Physics II for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2225 |
Physics II Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 3740 |
Intro to Quantum Theory and Relativity |
PHYS 3760 |
Thermodyamics and Statistical Mechanics |
Advanced Physics Courses
PHYS 3719/3729 |
Undergraduate Lab/Honors Undergraduate Lab |
PHYS 3730 |
Computational Physics I |
PHYS 4410 |
Classical Physics I |
PHYS 4420 |
Classical Physics II |
PHYS 5450 |
Intro to Quantum Mechanics |
Advanced Physics Electives
Select two courses below:
PHYS 5110 |
Intro to Nuclear and Particle Physics |
PHYS 5210 |
Intro to Gravitation |
PHYS 5460 |
Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics |
PHYS 5510 |
Solid State Physics I |
PHYS 5520 |
Solid State Physics II |
Core Math Courses
MATH 1210 |
Calculus I |
MATH 1220 |
Calculus II |
MATH 2210 |
Calculus III |
MATH 2250 |
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra |
MATH 3150 OR 5440 |
Partial Differential Equations for Eng OR Partial Differential Equations |
MATH 3160 OR 4200 |
Applied Complex Variables OR Complex Variables |
Core Chemistry Courses
CHEM 1210/1211 |
General Chemistry I/Honors General Chemistry I |
CHEM 1215/1240 |
Gen ChemLab I/Honors Gen Chem Lab I |
CHEM 1220/1221 |
General Chemistry II/Honors General Chemistry II |
CHEM 1225/1241 |
Gen ChemLab II/Honors Gen Chem Lab II |
The Physics major with an Applied Physics emphasis is intended for students who want considerable physics knowledge, but who do not plan on a research-oriented career. It is helpful for those who are planning on doing graduate research in related areas such as engineering or earth science, who are thinking about law school, or who plan on going directly into industry after graduating with their bachelor’s. By reducing the total number of semesters in classical and quantum physics from four to two, the Applied Physics emphasis allows students more time for additional practical courses. Students choose advanced and practical electives to best meet their goals and interests.
Core Physics Courses
PHYS 1970 |
Undergrad Seminar I |
PHYS 1980 |
Undergrad Seminar II |
PHYS 2210 |
Physics I for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2215 |
Physics I Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 2235 |
Computation Lab for Physicists |
PHYS 2220 |
Physics II for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2225 |
Physics II Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 3740 |
Intro to Quantum Theory and Relativity |
PHYS 3760 |
Thermodyamics and Statistical Mechanics |
Advanced Physics Courses
PHYS 3719/3729 |
Undergraduate Lab/Honors Undergraduate Lab |
PHYS 3730 |
Computational Physics I |
PHYS 5010 |
Classical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics |
PHYS 5020 |
Electricity and Magnetism and Statisical Physics |
Advanced Physics Electives
Select one course:
PHYS 5110 |
Intro to Nuclear and Particle Physics |
PHYS 5210 |
Intro to Gravitation |
PHYS 5510 |
Solid State Physics I |
Practical Physics Electives
Select two courses:
PHYS 3330 |
Digital Audio and Video |
PHYS 3410 |
Found of Modern Optics |
PHYS 3610 |
Electronics for Scientific Instrumentation |
PHYS 3620 |
Data Aquisition for Scientific Instrumentation |
PHYS 4060 |
Observational Astronomy |
PHYS 5760 |
Principles of Physical Measurement and Instrumentation |
PHYS 4800 OR 4999 |
Undergraduate Research OR Senior Honors Thesis |
Core Math Courses
MATH 1210 |
Calculus I |
MATH 1220 |
Calculus II |
MATH 2210 |
Calculus III |
MATH 2250 |
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra |
Math 3150/5440 |
Partial Differential Equations for Eng/Partial Differential Equations |
Math 3160/4200 |
Applied Complex Variables/Complex Variables |
Core Chemistry Courses
CHEM 1210/1211 |
General Chemistry I/Honors General Chemistry I |
CHEM 1215/1240 |
Gen ChemLab I/Honors Gen Chem Lab I |
CHEM 1220/1221 |
General Chemistry II/Honors General Chemistry II |
CHEM 1225/1241 |
Gen ChemLab II/Honors Gen Chem Lab II |
The Physics major with an Astronomy & Astrophysics Emphasis prepares students for graduate school in Astronomy or Astrophysics. At its core, it is the same sequence of courses that are in the Physics Bachelor’s Degree, but the depth and breadth courses have been replaced with astronomy electives, allowing students to study astronomy as an undergraduate. Because it is a strong physics degree, students with this degree also attend graduate school in other areas of physics, or related fields.
Core Physics Courses
PHYS 1970 |
Undergrad Seminar I |
PHYS 1980 |
Undergrad Seminar II |
PHYS 2210 |
Physics I for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2215 |
Physics I Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 2235 |
Computation Lab for Physicists |
PHYS 2220 |
Physics II for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2225 |
Physics II Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 3740 |
Intro to Quantum Theory and Relativity |
PHYS 3760 |
Thermodyamics and Statistical Mechanics |
Core Math Courses
MATH 1210 |
Calculus I |
MATH 1220 |
Calculus II |
MATH 22102 |
Calculus III |
MATH 22503 |
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra |
MATH 3150/5440 |
Partial Differential Equations for Eng/ Partial Differential Equations |
MATH 3160/4200 |
Applied Complex Variables/Complex Variables |
Advanced Physics Courses
ASTR 3070 |
Foundations of Astronomy |
PHYS 4410 |
Classical Physics I |
PHYS 4420 |
Classical Physics II |
PHYS 5450 |
Intro to Quantum Mechanics |
Topical Astronomy Electives
Select two courses:
ASTR 4070 |
Extragalactic Astrophysics |
ASTR 4080 |
Intro to Cosmology |
ASTR 4090 |
Stellar Astrophysics |
ASTR 5560 |
Stars and Stellar Populations |
ASTR 5570 |
Galaxies |
ASTR 5580 |
Cosmology |
ASTR 5590 |
High Energy Astrophysics |
Practical Physics Electives
Select two courses:
PHYS 3410 |
Found of Modern Optics |
PHYS 3610 |
Electronics for Sci Instrument |
PHYS 3620 |
Data Aquisition for Sci Instrumentation |
PHYS 3719/3729 |
Undergraduate Lab/Honors Undergraduate Lab |
PHYS 3730 |
Computational Physics I |
PHYS 4060 |
Observational Astronomy |
PHYS 4800 OR 4999 |
Undergraduate Research OR Senior Honors Thesis |
CMP 3850 OR 3851 |
Dark Sky Studies: Lightscapes or Nightscapes |
Advanced Physics or Astronomy Electives
Select one PHYS/ASTR 5000-level or higher course to fulfill this requirement.
The Physics major with a Biomedical Physics emphasis was designed by a professor in the department who holds both a PhD in Physics and an MD. The degree is designed with the intent of allowing students to complete their pre-med requirements as well as complete a degree in physics. This is an ideal degree for applying to medical school, dental school, or other medical professions. Students also use this degree program to prepare to study biophysics or medical physics. Students choose electives to best meet their goals and interests.
Core Physics Courses
PHYS 1970 |
Undergrad Seminar I |
PHYS 1980 |
Undergrad Seminar II |
PHYS 2210 |
Physics I for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2215 |
Physics I Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 2235 |
Computation Lab for Physicists |
PHYS 2220 |
Physics II for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2225 |
Physics II Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 3740 |
Intro to Quantum Theory and Relativity |
PHYS 3760 |
Thermodyamics and Statistical Mechanics |
Core Math Courses
MATH 1210 |
Calculus I |
MATH 1220 |
Calculus II |
MATH 22101 |
Calculus III |
MATH 22502 |
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra |
MATH 46003 |
Mathematics in Physiology and Medicine |
1Qualified students are encouraged to substitute MATH 1250-1260 for MATH 1210-1220-2210.
2Qualified students are encouraged to substitute MATH 2270-2280 for MATH 2250.
3Students may substitute MATH 3150-3160 for MATH 4600.
Core Chemistry Courses
CHEM 1210/1211 |
General Chemistry I/Honors General Chemistry I |
CHEM 1215/1240 |
Gen ChemLab I/Honors Gen Chem Lab I |
CHEM 1220/1221 |
General Chemistry II/Honors General Chemistry II |
CHEM 1225/1241 |
Gen ChemLab II/Honors Gen Chem Lab II |
CHEM 2310/2311 |
Organic Chem I/Honors Organic Chem I |
CHEM 2315 |
Organic Chem Lab I |
Advanced Physics Courses
PHYS 3719/3729 |
Undergraduate Lab/Honors Undergraduate Lab |
PHYS 5010 |
Classical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics |
PHYS 5020 |
Electricity and Magnetism and Statisical Physics |
Advanced Physics Electives
Select one course from the advanced physics electives and one course from the practical physics electives:
Advanced Physics Electives:
- PHYS 4210: Optics in Bio
- PHYS 4230: Molecular Motors
- PHYS 4310: Physics in Biology
- PHYS 5110: Nuclear/Particle Physics
- PHYS 5510: Solid State Physics I
Practical Physics Electives:
- PHYS 3330: Audio and Video
- PHYS 3410: Modern Optics
- PHYS 3610: Electronics
- PHYS 3620: Data Aquisition
- PHYS 3730: Computational Physics I
- PHYS 4800: Undergraduate Research
- PHYS 4999: Senior Honors Thesis
- PHYS 5760: Physical Measurements and Instrumentation
Allied Courses
Select five credit hours from chemisty and four courses from biology.
Chemistry Electives:
- CHEM 2320/2321: Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 2325: Organic Chemistry II Lab
- CHEM 3000: Quantitative Analysis
- CHEM 3100: Inorganic Chemistry
- CHEM 3130: Solid State Chemistry
- CHEM 3200: Radio Chemistry
- CHEM 5810: Nanoscience
- CHEM 4800: Undergraduate Research
- CHEM 4801: Honors Undergraduate Research
Biology Electives:
- BIOL 1610: Biology
- BIOL 2020: Cell Biology
- BIOL 2021: Cell Science
- BIOL 2030: Genetics
- BIOL 2210: Human Genetics
- BIOL 2420: Physiology
- BIOL 3510: Biochemistry
- BIOL 3215: Cell Biology Lab
- BIOL 3515: Biochemistry Lab
- BIOL 4955: Undergraduate Research
- BIOL 4995: Honors Undergraduate Research
The Computational Emphasis is designed for students interested in focusing on computational methods in physics and astronomy. A broad range of electives allows students to customize their experience toward their interests.
Core Physics Courses
PHYS 1970 |
Undergrad Seminar I |
PHYS 1980 |
Undergrad Seminar II |
PHYS 2210 |
Physics I for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2215 |
Physisscs I Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 2235 |
Computation Lab for Physicists |
PHYS 2220 |
Physics II for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2225 |
Physics II Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 3740 |
Intro to Quantum Theory and Relativity |
PHYS 3760 |
Thermodyamics and Statistical Mechanics |
Core Math Courses
MATH 1210 |
Calculus I |
MATH 1220 |
Calculus II |
MATH 2210 |
Calculus III |
MATH 2250 |
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra |
MATH 3150 OR 5440 |
Partial Differential Equations for Eng OR Partial Differential Equations |
MATH 3160 OR 4200 |
Applied Complex Variables OR Complex Variables |
1Qualified students are encouraged to substitute MATH 1250-1260 for MATH 1210-1220-2210.
2Qualified students are encouraged to substitute MATH 2270-2280 for MATH 2250.
3Placement into your computer science track will depend on your previous experience..
4ASTR 3070 is a required prerequisite for other astronomy courses.
Advanced Physics Courses
PHYS 3730 |
Computational Physics I |
PHYS 4410 |
Classical Physics I |
PHYS 4420 |
Classical Physics II |
PHYS 5730 |
Computational Physics II |
Computational Electives
Select one course below:
CS 3200 |
Intro to Scientific Computing and Data Computing |
CS 3500 |
Software Practice |
CS 3190 |
Foundations of Data Analysis |
CS 4230 |
Parallel Programming |
CS 5635 |
Visualization for Scientific Data |
DS 2500 |
Data Wrangling |
MATH 5600 OR 5610 |
Survey of Numerical Analysis |
MATH 5740 |
Mathematical Modeling |
s
Core Computer Science Courses
Complete one set of courses3:
CS 1400+ CS 1410+ CS 2420 |
CS 1420+ CS 2420+ One Additional Computational Elective |
Physics and Astronomy Electives:
Select two courses in any combination from the list below or the computational electives list:
PHYS 5110 |
Intro to Nuclear and Particle Physics |
PHYS 5210 |
Intro to Gravitation |
PHYS 5450 |
Intro to Quantum Mechanics |
PHYS 5460 |
Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics |
PHYS 5510 |
Solid State Physics I |
PHYS 5520 |
Solid State Physics II |
PHYS 3719 |
Undergraduate Lab |
ASTR 30704 |
Foundations of Astronomy |
ASTR 4060 |
Observational Astronomy |
ASTR 4070 |
Extragalactic Astrophysics |
ASTR 4080 |
Intro to Cosmology |
ASTR 4090 |
Stellar Astrophysics |
The Physics Teaching major is intended for students who plan on becoming teachers in the secondary school system. It includes all the required courses for an endorsement in Physics through the Utah State Office of Education, a sampling of courses required for the licensure program through the Urban Institute for Teacher Education (UITE), as well as additional depth and breadth courses beneficial for physics teachers. Students in this degree program should also meet with the UITE advisors.
Core Physics Courses
PHYS 1970 |
Undergrad Seminar I |
PHYS 1980 |
Undergrad Seminar II |
PHYS 2210 |
Physics I for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2215 |
Physics I Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 2235 |
Computation Lab for Physicists |
PHYS 2220 |
Physics II for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2225 |
Physics II Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 3740 |
Intro to Quantum Theory and Relativity |
PHYS 3760 OR CHEM 3070 |
Thermodyamics and Statistical Mechanics OR Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinematics |
PHYS 3719/3729 |
Undergraduate Lab |
Core Math Courses
MATH 1050 | College Algebra |
MATH 1060 |
Trigonometry |
MATH 1210 |
Calculus I |
MATH 1220 |
Calculus II |
MATH 22101 |
Calculus III |
MATH 22502 |
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra |
1Qualified students are encouraged to substitute MATH 1250-1260 for MATH 1210-1220-2210.
2Qualified students are encouraged to substitute MATH 2270-2280 for MATH 2250.
Core Chemistry Courses
CHEM 1210/1211 |
General Chemistry I/Honors General Chemistry I |
CHEM 1215/1240 |
Gen ChemLab I/Honors Gen Chem Lab I |
CHEM 1220/1221 |
General Chemistry II/Honors General Chemistry II |
Advanced Physics Courses
PHYS 4410 |
Classical Physics I |
PHYS 5140 |
Physics Education Research |
ASTR 3070 |
Foundations of Astronomy |
PHYS or ASTR
|
Any elective 3000-level or higher (except PHYS 3111 or 3670 |
Education Courses
EDU 1010 OR SCI 3670 OR SCI 5050 |
Intro to Teaching OR Science Communication and Mentoring OR Science of Learning |
ETHNC 25** |
Ethnic Studies Elective (2550, 2570, 2580, 2590) |
ECS 2150 OR SCI 3900 |
Intro to Multi Cultural Ed OR Being Human in STEM |
ED PS 3721 |
Adolescent Psychology |
EDU 5170 |
Secondary Science Methods |
ECS 5709 |
Building Family Partnership |
Allied Electives Courses
Select one course:
- ATMOS 1010: Severe and Unusual Weather
- ATMOS 1020: Climate Change
- ATMOS 5400: The Climate System
Combined BS/MEd Degree
Students interested in completing the combined BS/MEd degree in 5 years should meet with their physics and education advisors as soon as possible to create a plan to complete in a timely manner. Graduate work is completed through the Urban Institute of Teacher Education.
Honors College Requirements
2 Intellectual Traditions Courses |
6 |
1 Honors Writing Course |
3 |
1 Honors Science Course |
3-4 |
Honors Electives |
9 |
Honors Thesis (PHYS/ASTR 4999) |
3 |
For more information about the Honors College, advising, other degree requirements, or how to apply, please visit the Honors College website.
Department Requirements
In addition to the requirements for the physics degree, students seeking an Honors Degree must also meet the following requirements:
|
|
|
|
For more departmental information about Honors, click here.
Honors Courses
Courses offered by the Department of Physics & Astronomy that fill Honors elective requirements are:
PHYS 3210 |
Physics I for Scientists |
PHYS 3220 |
Physics II for Scientists |
PHYS 3729 |
Honors Undergraduate Lab |
PHYS 4410 |
Classical Physics I |
PHYS 4420 |
Classical Physics II |
PHYS 4800 |
Undergraduate Researchss |
PHYS 5450 |
Intro to Quantum Mechanics |
PHYS 5460 |
Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics |
PHYS 5510 |
Solid State Physics I |
PHYS 5520 |
Solid State Physics II |
ASTR/PHYS 5560 |
Stars and Stellar Populations |
ASTR/PHYS 5570 |
Galaxies |
ASTR/PHYS 5580 |
Cosmology |
The physics minor is designed for students outside of the major to gain an deep knowledge and understanding of physics.
Any University of Utah student with a declared major other than physics can add a physics minor.
Physics minors must complete all general education and College of Science requirements and have a GPA of at least 2.0 in physics courses combined. All physics, math, and chemistry classes must be passed with at least a C- grade. The credit/no-credit option may not be elected for any course used to fulfill the degree requirements for a physics minor.
Required Physics Courses
Select up to ten credit hours from the list below:
PHYS 2210 |
Physics I for Scientists & Engineers |
4 |
PHYS 2215 |
Physics I Lab for Scientists & Engineers |
1 |
PHYS 2235 |
Computation Lab for Physicists |
1 |
PHYS 2220 |
Physics II for Scientists & Engineers |
4 |
PHYS 2225 |
Physics II Lab for Scientists & Engineers |
1 |
Upper Division Courses
Select six or more credit hours of upper division approved coursework, totalling 16 credit hours.
To fulfill requirement, student must take any Physics or Astronomy course numbered 3000-5999, except:
PHYS 3111, PHYS 3210, PHYS 3220, PHYS 3670, PHYS 3949, PHYS 3970, PHYS 4800, PHYS 4999
Astronomy is a profound and fundamental science that has never ceased to fascinate the general public and attract the imagination of students.
Any University of Utah student with a declared major other than physics can add an Astronomy minor.
Astronomy minors must complete all general education and College of Science requirements and have a GPA of at least 2.0 in physics, astronomy and mathematics courses combined. All physics, astronomy and mathematics courses must be passed with at least a C- grade. The credit/no credit option may not be elected for any course used to fulfill the degree requirements for an astronomy minor.
Required Courses
MATH 1210 |
Calculus I |
MATH 1220 |
Calculus II |
MATH 2210 |
Calculus III |
PHYS 2210 |
Physics I for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2220 |
Physics II for Scientists & Engineers |
ASTR 3070 |
Foundations of Astronomy |
Elective Courses
Select three courses from the list below:
ASTR 4060 |
Observational Astronomy |
ASTR 4070 |
Extragalactic Astrophysics |
ASTR 4080 |
Intro to Cosmology |
ASTR 4090 |
Stellar Astrophysics |
ASTR 5560 |
Stars and Stellar Populations |
ASTR 5570 |
Galaxies |
ASTR 5580 |
Cosmology |
Students declaring this minor must have declared a teaching major in another subject.
Required Physics and Math Courses
PHYS 2210 |
Physics I for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2215 |
Physics I Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 2220 |
Physics II for Scientists & Engineers |
PHYS 2225 |
Physics II Lab for Sci & Eng |
PHYS 3740 |
Intro to Quantum Theory and Relativity |
MATH 1210 |
Calculus I |
MATH 1220 |
Calculus II |
MATH 2210 |
Calculus III |
MATH 2250 |
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra |
1Qualified students are encouraged to substitute MATH 1250-1260 for MATH 1210-1220-2210.
2Qualified students are encouraged to substitute MATH 2270-2280 for MATH 2250.
Other Requirements
EDU 5170 |
Secondary Science Methodss |
|
Select at least one course of upper division approved coursework: Any Physics or Astronomy course numbered 3000-5999, except: PHYS 3111, PHYS 3210, PHYS 3220, PHYS 3670, PHYS 3949, PHYS 3970, PHYS 4800, PHYS 4999 |
This minor is hosted by the College of Architecture and Planning, and interested students will need to meet with a Student Success Advisor in order to declare this minor.
Students are required to complete at least 18 credits: 3 required courses, and 4 elective courses. You can find more details about the minor program here.
Astronomy courses that fulfill these electives:
ASTR 1050: The Solar System,
ASTR 1060: The Universe,
ASTR 3070: Foundations of Astronomy,
and ASTR 4060: Observational Astronomy.
Click Here to Schedule an Appointment with an Academic Advisor