Physics, BS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Physics
The Illinois Physics program provides students with outstanding opportunities to explore modern scientific mysteries. As a physics major at Illinois, students will develop a deep conceptual and mathematical understanding of the world. Our flexible program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of fulfilling careers or post-graduate paths.
The Physics curriculum provides a rigorous foundation in physics, mathematics, and laboratory technique. The students' selected program track will allow the student to fine-tune their individual program of study to best suit interests and career goals. Whether students plan to enter the private sector, become a teacher, or continue their education through graduate study, students can explore how the Illinois Physics Bachelor of Science in Physics can meet their goals.
In consultation with the academic advisor, each student will elect a set of technical or professional courses covering a cohesive body of knowledge. Each program track will add a minimum of twelve (12) hours to the physics core curriculum.
Students may select from a list of pre-approved tracks or design a custom track subject to departmental approval. Physics courses used to satisfy the Flexible Physics Core Electives and Physics Lab Electives may not be used to satisfy the track requirements, with the exception of the Graduate Study Track.
The current pre-approved options, requiring 12-22 credit hours of course work, are:
- Astrophysics Track
- Business Track
- Computational Physics Track
- Nuclear Physics Track
- Graduate Study Track
- Pre-Med
- Pre-Law
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Physics
Graduation Requirements
Minimum hours required for graduation: 128 hours
Minimum Technical GPA: 2.0 TGPA is required for Math and Physics courses. See Technical GPA to clarify requirements.
Minimum Overall GPA: 2.0
University Requirements
Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.
The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.
General Education Requirements
Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | 4-6 | |
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
| Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | 6-10 | |
| Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required) | 0-15 | |
Major Requirements
Orientation and Professional Development
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 100 | Grainger Engineering Orientation Seminar (External transfer students take ENG 300.) | 1 |
| PHYS 110 | Physics Careers | 0 |
| Total Hours | 1 | |
Foundational Mathematics and Science
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 221 | Calculus I (MATH 220 may be substituted. MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus. 4 of 5 credit hours count towards degree.) | 4 |
| MATH 231 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 241 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 257 | Linear Algebra with Computational Applications | 3 |
| MATH 285 | Intro Differential Equations (May be replaced by both MATH 441 and MATH 442.) | 3 |
| PHYS 211 | University Physics: Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 212 | University Physics: Elec & Mag | 4 |
| PHYS 213 | Univ Physics: Thermal Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 214 | Univ Physics: Quantum Physics | 2 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 103 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| CS 101 | Intro Computing: Engrg & Sci | 3 |
| or CS 124 | Introduction to Computer Science I | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Physics Technical Core
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 225 | Relativity & Math Applications | 2 |
| PHYS 325 | Classical Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 435 | Electromagnetic Fields I | 3 |
| PHYS 486 | Quantum Physics I (PHYS 485 may be substituted.) | 4 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Program Tracks
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Students are required to complete one track. Tracks may be selected from one of the departmentally approved lists below. Students may devise an alternative, custom track with a set of courses approved by the department. | 20-24 | |
| Astrophysics Track | 21 | |
| ASTR 210 | Introduction to Astrophysics | 3 |
| Choose 3 courses from the following: | ||
| ASTR 350 | The Big Bang, Black Holes, and the End of the Universe | 3 |
| or ASTR 406 | Galaxies and the Universe | |
| ASTR 404 | Stellar Astrophysics | 3 |
| ASTR 405 | Planetary Systems | 3 |
| ASTR 414 | Astronomical Techniques | 4 |
| Choose a minimum of 6 hours of courses from the Flexible Physics Core Electives List: | 6 | |
| PHYS 246 | Physics on the Silicon Prairie: An Introduction to Modern Computational Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 326 | Classical Mechanics II | 3 |
| PHYS 370 | Introduction to Quantum Information and Computing | 3 |
| PHYS 427 | Thermal & Statistical Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 436 | Electromagnetic Fields II | 3 |
| PHYS 446 | Modern Computational Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 460 | Condensed Matter Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 470 | Subatomic Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 487 | Quantum Physics II | 4 |
| Choose 1 course from the Physics Lab Electives List: | 3 | |
| PHYS 371 | Project Design and Execution in a Physics Context | 3 |
| PHYS 401 | Classical Physics Lab | 3 |
| PHYS 402 | Light | 4 |
| PHYS 403 | Modern Experimental Physics | 5 |
| PHYS 404 | Electronic Circuits | 5 |
| PHYS 407 | Experimental Biological Physics | 4 |
| Business Track | 21 | |
| TE 100 | Introduction to Innovation, Leadership and Engineering Entrepreneurship | 1 |
| Choose 11 hours from the following: | ||
| ENG 471 | Seminar Energy & Sustain Engrg | 1 |
| IE 420 | Financial Engineering | 3 |
| SE 400 | Engineering Law | 3 |
| TE 360 | Lectures in Engineering Entrepreneurship | 1 |
| TE 333 | Creativity, Innovation, Vision | 4 |
| TE 461 | Technology Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| TE 450 | Startups: Incorporation, Funding, Contracts, & Intellectual Property | 3 |
| TE 466 | High-Tech Venture Marketing | 2 |
| Choose a minimum of 6 hours of courses from the Flexible Physics Core Electives List: | 6 | |
| PHYS 246 | Physics on the Silicon Prairie: An Introduction to Modern Computational Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 326 | Classical Mechanics II | 3 |
| PHYS 370 | Introduction to Quantum Information and Computing | 3 |
| PHYS 427 | Thermal & Statistical Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 436 | Electromagnetic Fields II | 3 |
| PHYS 446 | Modern Computational Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 460 | Condensed Matter Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 470 | Subatomic Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 487 | Quantum Physics II | 4 |
| Choose 1 course from the Physics Lab Electives List: | 3 | |
| PHYS 371 | Project Design and Execution in a Physics Context | 3 |
| PHYS 401 | Classical Physics Lab | 3 |
| PHYS 402 | Light | 4 |
| PHYS 403 | Modern Experimental Physics | 5 |
| PHYS 404 | Electronic Circuits | 5 |
| PHYS 407 | Experimental Biological Physics | 4 |
| Computational Physics Track | 24 | |
| CS 173 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| or MATH 213 | Basic Discrete Mathematics | |
| CS 225 | Data Structures | 4 |
| Choose 3 classes from the following: | ||
| CS 357 | Numerical Methods I | 3 |
| CS 420 | Parallel Progrmg: Sci & Engrg | 3 |
| CS 418 | Interactive Computer Graphics | 3 |
| CS 450 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| PHYS 246 | Physics on the Silicon Prairie: An Introduction to Modern Computational Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 446 | Modern Computational Physics | 3 |
| Choose a minimum of 6 hours of courses from the Flexible Physics Core Electives List: | 6 | |
| PHYS 326 | Classical Mechanics II | 3 |
| PHYS 370 | Introduction to Quantum Information and Computing | 3 |
| PHYS 427 | Thermal & Statistical Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 436 | Electromagnetic Fields II | 3 |
| PHYS 460 | Condensed Matter Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 470 | Subatomic Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 487 | Quantum Physics II | 4 |
| Choose 1 course from the Physics Lab Electives List: | 3 | |
| PHYS 371 | Project Design and Execution in a Physics Context | 3 |
| PHYS 401 | Classical Physics Lab | 3 |
| PHYS 402 | Light | 4 |
| PHYS 403 | Modern Experimental Physics | 5 |
| PHYS 404 | Electronic Circuits | 5 |
| PHYS 407 | Experimental Biological Physics | 4 |
| Nuclear Physics Track | 22 | |
| NPRE 402 | Nuclear Power Engineering | 3 |
| PHYS 470 | Subatomic Physics | 4 |
| Choose 2 classes from the following: | ||
| NPRE 321 | Introduction to Plasmas and Applications | 3 |
| NPRE 421 | Plasma and Fusion Science | 3 |
| NPRE 429 | Plasma Engineering | 3 |
| NPRE 435 | Radiological Imaging | 3 |
| NPRE 441 | Radiation Protection | 4 |
| NPRE 445 | Interaction of Radiation with Matter | 4 |
| NPRE 451 | NPRE Laboratory | 3 |
| NPRE 455 | Neutron Diffusion & Transport | 4 |
| Choose a minimum of 6 hours of courses from the Flexible Physics Core Electives List: | 6 | |
| PHYS 246 | Physics on the Silicon Prairie: An Introduction to Modern Computational Physics | 2 |
| PHYS 326 | Classical Mechanics II | 3 |
| PHYS 370 | Introduction to Quantum Information and Computing | 3 |
| PHYS 427 | Thermal & Statistical Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 436 | Electromagnetic Fields II | 3 |
| PHYS 446 | Modern Computational Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 460 | Condensed Matter Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 487 | Quantum Physics II | 4 |
| Choose 1 course from the Physics Lab Electives List: | 3 | |
| PHYS 371 | Project Design and Execution in a Physics Context | 3 |
| PHYS 401 | Classical Physics Lab | 3 |
| PHYS 402 | Light | 4 |
| PHYS 403 | Modern Experimental Physics | 5 |
| PHYS 404 | Electronic Circuits | 5 |
| PHYS 407 | Experimental Biological Physics | 4 |
| Graduate Study Track | 20 | |
| Take the following four courses from the Flexible Physics Core Electives List: | 14 | |
| PHYS 326 | Classical Mechanics II | 3 |
| PHYS 427 | Thermal & Statistical Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 436 | Electromagnetic Fields II | 3 |
| PHYS 487 | Quantum Physics II | 4 |
| Choose two labs from Physics Lab Electives List: | 6 | |
| PHYS 371 | Project Design and Execution in a Physics Context | 3 |
| PHYS 401 | Classical Physics Lab | 3 |
| PHYS 402 | Light | 4 |
| PHYS 403 | Modern Experimental Physics | 5 |
| PHYS 404 | Electronic Circuits | 5 |
| PHYS 407 | Experimental Biological Physics | 4 |
Free Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Additional course work,subject to the Grainger College of Engineering restrictions to Free Electives, so that there are at least 128 credit hours earned toward the degree. | 36-43 | |
The number of free elective hours varies depending upon the total hours earned in Flexible Physics Electives, Physics Lab Electives, and Program Track. | ||
| Total Hours of Curriculum to Graduate | 128 | |
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Physics
Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence. The curriculum sequence can also be viewed via dynamic and static curricular maps, which include prerequisite sequencing.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements.
Free Electives: Additional course work, subject to the Grainger College of Engineering restrictions to Free Electives, so that there are at least 128 credit hours earned toward the degree. The number of free elective hours varies depending upon the total hours earned in Flexible Physics Electives, Physics Lab Electives, and Program Track.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| PHYS 110 | 0 | PHYS 211 | 4 |
| MATH 221 (MATH 220 may be substituted) | 4 | MATH 231 | 3 |
| ENG 100 | 1 | CS 101 (or CS 124) | 3 |
| CHEM 102 | 3 | General Education (Choose a Humanities or Social/Behavioral Science course) or Composition I course | 3-4 |
| Composition I or General Education (Choose a Humanities or Social/Behavioral Science course) | 4-3 | General Education course (choose a Humanities or Social/Behavioral Science course with Cultural Studies designation) | 3 |
| CHEM 103 | 1 | ||
| General Education course (choose a Humanities or Social/Behavioral Science course with Cultural Studies designation) | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| PHYS 212 | 4 | PHYS 213 | 2 |
| MATH 241 | 4 | MATH 285 (May be replaced by both MATH 441 and MATH 442.) | 3 |
| PHYS 225 | 2 | PHYS 214 | 2 |
| Track elective course | 2 | PHYS 325 | 3 |
| General Education course (choose a Humanities or Social/Behavioral Science course with Cultural Studies designation) | 3 | Track elective course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 4 | ||
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| PHYS 435 | 3 | PHYS 486 (PHYS 485 may be substituted.) | 4 |
| MATH 257 | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| Track elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| Track elective course | 4 | Track elective course | 3 |
| General Education (Advanced Composition) course | 3 | Free elective course | 4 |
| 16 | 17 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Track elective course | 4 | Track elective course | 3 |
| Language Other Than English (3rd level) course | 4 | Free elective course | 4 |
| Free elective course | 4 | Free elective course | 4 |
| Free elective course | 4 | Free elective course | 4 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours 128 | |||
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Physics
By the completion of their degree program, Physics graduates will be able to:
- Define and use fundamental principles of physics as defined and used by scientists and engineers.
- Identify which fundamental principles should be applied to a specified situation.
- Identify the tools used by scientists and engineers to use fundamental physical principles to solve problems.
- Apply physics problem solving tools to known and novel problems.
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
- Design and execute physics experiments to answer open-ended questions.
- Develop mathematical models to extract physics results from numerical data.
- Communicate verbally and in writing experimental and theoretical results.
- Participate in cooperative groups to design, practice, and communicate physics and physics-related information to themselves and the community.
- Develop physics and mathematics related problem-solving skills through participation in cooperative-learning groups.
- Design and execute physics experiments/research projects in a collaborative setting.
- Document, report, and present experimental results.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Physics
Physics website
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