Comprehensive Physics
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.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR
The Comprehensive specialization of the Physics BS degree program is intended for students planning to do graduate work in physics or related science and engineering disciplines. The BS requires a minimum of 41 credits in Physics, 15 credits of foundation coursework, and 13 credits of related coursework for a total of 69 credits. Minimum grades of C are required for coursework counted toward the major.
Students must take a minimum of 15 credits of required physics courses at UF.
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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 4222 | Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4324 | Electromagnetism 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4523 | Statistical Physics | 3 |
| PHY 4604 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4802L | Laboratory Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4803L | Laboratory Physics 2 | 3 |
| Physics BS Major Elective | ||
| Select one 4000-level or higher physics course that is included in the physics major curriculum 1 | 3 | |
PHY 4424 | Optics 1 | |
PHY 4605 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics 2 | |
PHZ 4390 | Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics | |
PHZ 4404 | Introduction to Solid State Physics | |
PHZ 4710 | Introduction to Biological Physics | |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
- 1
PHY 4905 and PHY 4911 are not acceptable.
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.
Medical Physics
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.
Requirements for the Major
The Physics BS specialization in Medical Physics requires a minimum of 41 credits in Physics including a specific Physics elective, 3 specific courses outside of Physics (10 credits), 15 credits of foundation coursework, and 13 other credits of related coursework for a total of 79 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Required Medical Physics BS 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 4222 | Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4324 | Electromagnetism 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4523 | Statistical Physics | 3 |
| PHY 4604 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4802L | Laboratory Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4803L | Laboratory Physics 2 | 3 |
| PHZ 4710 | Introduction to Biological Physics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Required Major Courses Outside of Physics | Medical Physics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| APK 2100C | Applied Human Anatomy with Laboratory | 4 |
| ENU 4612 | Nuclear Radiation Detection and Instrumentation | 3 |
| MAP 4413 | Fourier Analysis | 3 |
| Total Credits | 10 | |
Related Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHM 2045 | General Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHM 2045L | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM 2046 | General Chemistry 2 | 3 |
| MAS 3114 | Computational Linear Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MAS 4105 | Linear Algebra 1 | |
| AST 2730 | Introduction to Python for Physical Sciences | 3-4 |
| or COP 2273 | Python Programming for Engineers | |
| or MAD 2502 | Intro to Computational Math | |
| Total Credits | 13-15 | |
- 1
Certain computer science courses may substitute for one of the math electives.
Nanoscience
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.
Requirements for the Major
The Physics BS specialization in Nanoscience requires a minimum of 41 credits in Physics including a specific Physics elective, 3 specific courses outside of Physics (9-11 credits), 15 credits of foundation coursework, and 13 credits of related coursework for a total of 78-80 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 Credits | 15 | |
Required Major Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physics BS Required 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 4222 | Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4324 | Electromagnetism 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4523 | Statistical Physics | 3 |
| PHY 4604 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4802L | Laboratory Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4803L | Laboratory Physics 2 | 3 |
| PHZ 4404 | Introduction to Solid State Physics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Required Major Courses Outside of Physics | Nanoscience
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EEE 3396 | Solid-State Electronic Devices | 3 |
| EEE 4331 | Microelectronic Fabrication Technologies | 3 |
| or EMA 4614 | Production of Electronic Materials | |
| Select one: | 3-4 | |
EEE 4222 | Resonant MEMS | |
EEL 4930 | Special Topics in Electrical Engineering | |
EGN 3353C | Fluid Mechanics | |
EMA 4615 | Compound Semiconductor Materials | |
| Total Credits | 9-10 | |
Related Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHM 2045 | General Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHM 2045L | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM 2046 | General Chemistry 2 | 3 |
| MAS 3114 | Computational Linear Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MAS 4105 | Linear Algebra 1 | |
| AST 2730 | Introduction to Python for Physical Sciences | 3-4 |
| or COP 2273 | Python Programming for Engineers | |
| or MAD 2502 | Intro to Computational Math | |
| Total Credits | 13-15 | |
- 1
Certain computer science courses may substitute for one of the math electives.
Optics
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.
Requirements for the Major
The Physics BS specialization in Optics requires a minimum of 41 credits in Physics including a specific Physics elective, 3 optics-related courses outside of Physics (9-11 credits), 15 credits of foundation coursework, and 13 other credits of related coursework for a total of 78-80 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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physics BS Major Core Coursework | ||
| 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 4222 | Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4324 | Electromagnetism 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4523 | Statistical Physics | 3 |
| PHY 4604 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4802L | Laboratory Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4803L | Laboratory Physics 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4424 | Optics 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Required Major Courses Outside of Physics | Optics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AST 3722C | Techniques of Observational Astronomy 1 | 3 |
| EEL 4446 | Laser Theory and Design | 3 |
| EEL 4458 | Fundamentals of Photonics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Related Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHM 2045 | General Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHM 2045L | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHM 2046 | General Chemistry 2 | 3 |
| MAS 3114 | Computational Linear Algebra | 3-4 |
| or MAS 4105 | Linear Algebra 1 | |
| AST 2730 | Introduction to Python for Physical Sciences | 3-4 |
| or COP 2273 | Python Programming for Engineers | |
| or MAD 2502 | Intro to Computational Math | |
| Total Credits | 13-15 | |
- 1
Certain computer science courses may substitute for one of the math electives