Physics, BS (LAS Specialized Curriculum)
for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Physics (LAS Specialized Curriculum)
department catalog page: Department of Physics
department website: Physics
department faculty:
email: undergrad-info@physics.illinois.edu
overview of college admissions & requirements: LAS
college website: Liberal Arts & Sciences
The LAS Specialized Curriculum in Physics is designed for students who plan to pursue graduate study in physics or a closely allied field. However, students who want to pursue a combined major and minor, a double major, or a double degree should consider the LAS Science and Letters Curriculum in Physics because of the greater flexibility it offers.
Entering freshmen typically take calculus, chemistry, rhetoric, and PHYS 110 during the first semester and begin the general physics sequence in the second semester. Students with advance placement in mathematics should begin the general physics sequence in the first semester. All students are strongly encouraged to take a Freshman Discovery Seminar during the first year fall semester and plan ahead to allow space in their programs for undergraduate research.
Departmental distinction: Graduation with distinctions awarded to students who complete 8 additional hours of 300- or 400-level physics courses or advanced courses in closely related technical subjects and who have attained cumulative grade point averages as follows: distinction, 3.5; high distinction, 3.8; highest distinction, 3.8 plus acknowledgement of truly outstanding work/research.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Physics (LAS Specialized Curriculum)
Entering freshmen typically take calculus, chemistry, rhetoric, and PHYS 110 during the first semester and begin the general physics sequence in the second semester. Students with advance placement in mathematics should begin the general physics sequence in the first semester. All students are strongly encouraged to take a Freshman Discovery Seminar during the first year fall semester and plan ahead to allow space in their programs for undergraduate research.
Departmental distinction: Graduation with distinctions awarded to students who complete 8 additional hours of 300- or 400-level physics courses or advanced courses in closely related technical subjects and who have attained cumulative grade point averages as follows: distinction, 3.5; high distinction, 3.8; highest distinction, 3.8 plus acknowledgement of truly outstanding work/research.
General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.
Minimum required major and supporting course work: A minimum of 126 hours required for graduation.
GPA requirements: Students in the Specialized Curriculum beyond the freshman year must maintain an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 and also a grade point average of 2.5 in all required mathematics and physics courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Physics Core | 38 | |
| Physics Careers | ||
| University Physics: Mechanics | ||
| University Physics: Elec & Mag | ||
| Univ Physics: Thermal Physics | ||
| Univ Physics: Quantum Physics | ||
| Relativity & Math Applications | ||
| Classical Mechanics I | ||
| Classical Mechanics II | ||
| Electromagnetic Fields I | ||
| Electromagnetic Fields II | ||
| Thermal & Statistical Physics | ||
| Quantum Physics I | ||
| Quantum Physics II | ||
| Flexible Physics Core (Select two courses from the list below) | 8-10 | |
| Classical Physics Lab | ||
| Light (with lab) | ||
| Modern Experimental Physics | ||
| Electronic Circuits | ||
| Acoustical Physics of Music | ||
| Supporting Technical Courses | 24-26 | |
| Calculus I 1 | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Calculus III | ||
| Intro Differential Equations | ||
or MATH 286 | Intro to Differential Eq Plus | |
| Applied Linear Algebra | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry Lab I | ||
| Intro Computing: Engrg & Sci | ||
| General Education - Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements. | Variable | |
| Free Electives (No restrictions on these courses.) | 15-35 | |
| Minimum Hours | 85 | |
| 1 | MATH 220 may be substituted with four of the five credit hours applying toward the degree. MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus. |