Overview
A Physics major provides a wide range of career options. Many students pursue further studies in physics, other scientific disciplines, and various branches of engineering and medicine. Professional physicists work in universities and government laboratories seeking answers to fundamental questions about nature, in industry leading the development of new technologies, and in the medical sector performing clinical service and research. The analytical, problem-solving, and communications skills acquired by Physics majors also lead to career opportunities in business and finance.
The BA degree program is for students who want to major in Physics but are not presently contemplating graduate studies in physics. It provides a good foundation in the fundamentals while offering increased flexibility in the major, through fewer required courses and more electives, and opportunity for parallel studies in another discipline or preprofessional studies.
Requirements for the Major
The Physics BA requires a minimum of 32 credits in Physics, plus 15 credits of foundation coursework, and 13 credits of related coursework for a total of 60 credits.
Minimum grades of C are required for coursework counted toward the major.
A minimum of 15 credits of required physics courses must be UF credit.
Required Foundation Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MAC 2313 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 | 4 |
| MAP 2302 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Foundation Credits | 15 | |
Required Major Coursework
In each case where the student must select between two courses, the second course includes selected advanced topics not covered in the first. While both courses prepare students for upper-level physics courses, students should see a department advisor to determine which course meets their needs.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physics BA Major Core Courses | ||
| PHY 2048 | Physics with Calculus 1 | 3 |
| or PHY 2060 | Enriched Physics with Calculus 1 | |
| PHY 2048L | Laboratory for PHY 2048 | 1 |
| PHY 2049 | Physics with Calculus 2 | 3 |
| or PHY 2061 | Enriched Physics with Calculus 2 | |
| PHY 2049L | Laboratory for PHY 2049 | 1 |
| PHY 3101 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| or PHY 3063 | Enriched Modern Physics | |
| PHY 3221 | Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| or PHZ 3113 | Introduction to Theoretical Physics | |
| PHY 3323 | Electromagnetism 1 | 3 |
| PHY 3513 | Thermal Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4604 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4802L | Laboratory Physics 1 | 3 |
| or PHY 4803L | Laboratory Physics 2 | |
| Physics BA Major Electives | ||
| Select two 4000-level or higher physics courses that are included in the physics major curriculum 1 | 6 | |
PHY 4222 | Mechanics 2 | |
PHY 4324 | Electromagnetism 2 | |
PHY 4424 | Optics 1 | |
PHY 4523 | Statistical Physics | |
PHY 4605 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics 2 | |
PHY 4802L | Laboratory Physics 1 | |
PHY 4803L | Laboratory Physics 2 | |
PHZ 4390 | Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics | |
PHZ 4404 | Introduction to Solid State Physics | |
PHZ 4710 | Introduction to Biological Physics | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
- 1
PHY 4905 and PHY 4911 are not acceptable for this requirement.
Related Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHM 2045 | General Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHM 2046 | General Chemistry 2 | 3 |
| CHM 2045L | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| MAS 3114 | Computational Linear Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MAS 4105 | Linear Algebra 1 | |
| COP 2273 | Python Programming for Engineers | 3-4 |
| or MAD 2502 | Intro to Computational Math | |
| or AST 2730 | Introduction to Python for Physical Sciences | |
| Total Credits | 13-15 | |
Placement
Students with Advanced Placement credit should consult the catalog's Academic Advising section for course equivalencies. Sequences for advanced students are available from any physics advisor or the department website.
Research
All undergraduate majors are encouraged to participate in research activities. Many physics majors participate in research during the academic year and through summer research programs. Advanced students may also be eligible to enroll in certain graduate courses, thereby accelerating their education. Physics majors are urged to confer with a department advisor as early as possible and especially as their educational goals evolve.