This is an archived copy of the 2017-2018 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.uta.edu/.

Physics - Undergraduate Programs

Academic Advising: 107 Life Science Building  • 817.272.9685

Degree Programs

The Department of Physics offers five Bachelor of Science degree programs, a Bachelor of Arts degree program, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics/Master's in Materials Science and Engineering Fast Track Program.

The Bachelor of Science degree programs include one which prepares students for careers in science and technology, another for medical school preparation, and a third for students wanting to minor in an Engineering discipline. When combined with the required UTeach education courses, the Bachelor of Science program is also appropriate for students who are interested in becoming schoolteachers.* The Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics is intended for students who seek a broader education while retaining a firm foundation in Physics. The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics/Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering Fast Track Program enables outstanding senior undergraduate students in Physics to satisfy degree requirements leading to a Bachelor's degree in Physics while simultaneously pursuing a Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering.

Students considering a Physics major should schedule an appointment with the undergraduate advisor in Physics to discuss their degree and career options. Physics majors are encouraged to participate in research projects under faculty guidance for course credit or financial reward. In this way, undergraduate students have the choice of gaining hands-on experience from a variety of research disciplines, including astrophysics, biophysics, computational physics, high energy physics, medical physics, optics, space physics, and theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics.

The faculty of the Physics Department encourages qualified students to participate in the university’s Honors College. Scholarships may be offered every year to new students majoring in Physics.

*

Students desiring certification for teaching at the secondary level must fulfill specific requirements for the appropriate Physics B.S. Teacher Certification degree.

Second Major in Physics

Students who satisfy the requirements for any other baccalaureate degree qualify to have Physics named as a second major upon completion of the following courses:

PHYS 1443GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1444GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II4
PHYS 2311MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS3
PHYS 3313INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS3
PHYS 3321INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM3
PHYS 4326INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS3
PHYS electives approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics17
Total Hours37

Teacher Certification

Students who are interested in earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with Secondary Teacher Certification should refer to the Bachelor of Science in Physics with Physical Science Teacher Certification and the Bachelor of Science in Physics with Physics/Mathematics Teacher Certification degree plans for requirements. Teacher certification is offered through the UTeach program.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Physics

This program provides students with a rigorous training in Physics, which is designed to prepare for a career in science, technology, and/or engineering research.

The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL COURSES
RECOMMENDED CORE REQUIREMENTS
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Creative Arts *3
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
Language, Philosophy and Culture *3
PHYS 1443GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1444GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I4
MATH 2425CALCULUS II4
Social/Behavioral Science *3
HIST 1311HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1312HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Foundational Component Area *3
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Communication Competence - satisfied by PHYS 4117
Computer Use Competence - satisfied by Computer Science requirement for major
PROFESSIONAL COURSES
Select one of the following for Computer Science requirement:3
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS & PROGRAMMING
or higher-numbered CSE course
COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
or other suitable course approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
courses for majors offered in the departments of Biology and/or Earth and Environmental Sciences6
MATH 2326CALCULUS III3
MATH 3319DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS & LINEAR ALGEBRA3
or MATH 3318 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
MATH 4000-level elective3
Students may obtain a Mathematics minor by consulting with the undergraduate advisor for the Department of Mathematics to discuss additional requirements.
MAJOR
PHYS 2311MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS3
PHYS 3313INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS3
PHYS 3183MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 3321INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM3
PHYS 4117INDIVIDUAL LEARNING BY SEMINAR1
PHYS 4315THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS3
PHYS 4319ADVANCED MECHANICS3
PHYS 4324ADVANCED ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM3
PHYS 4326INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS3
PHYS electives approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics14
General Electives11
36 hours of coursework must be advanced (3000/4000-level) to earn degree.
Total Hours120
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

Typical Course Sequence

Details of a personal course sequence should be made with the guidance of the Physics undergraduate advisor, particularly since many courses in Physics are not offered every semester. For all entering freshmen, it is important to begin the mathematics sequence, starting with MATH 1426 CALCULUS I, in the first semester.

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
MATH 14264PHYS 14434
CHEM 14414MATH 24254
ENGL 13013CHEM 14424
HIST 13113ENGL 13023
 14 15
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 14444PHYS 23113
MATH 23263PHYS 33133
MATH 3319 or 33183PHYS 31831
HIST 13123BIOL or GEOL course for majors3
Creative Arts*3Social/Behavioral Science*3
 16 13
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 33213PHYS 43243
approved PHYS elective4approved PHYS elective4
Computer Science course (CSE 1310 or higher-numbered CSE course, PHYS 2321, or MATH 3345)3MATH 4000-level elective3
POLS 23113POLS 23123
General Elective3Language, Philosophy and Culture*3
 16 16
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 43153PHYS 41171
PHYS 43263PHYS 43193
approved PHYS course3approved PHYS elective3
BIOL or GEOL course for majors3Foundational Component Area*3
General Elective3General Electives5
 15 15
Total Hours: 120
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Physics with Engineering Emphasis

This program allows students to augment a rigorous training in Physics with the choice of a minor in a suitable engineering discipline, thus combining a theoretical understanding of the basic physical theories with a practical, more detailed understanding given in the College of Engineering. Such a combination would be a bonus for employment in the engineering-type professions often chosen by Physics majors.

The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL COURSES
RECOMMENDED CORE REQUIREMENTS
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Creative Arts *3
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
Language, Philosophy and Culture *3
PHYS 1443GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1444GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I4
MATH 2425CALCULUS II4
Social/Behavioral Science *3
HIST 1311HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1312HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Foundational Component Area *3
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Communication Competence - satisfied by PHYS 4117
Computer Use Competence - satisfied by Computer Science requirement for major
PROFESSIONAL COURSES
Select one of the following for Computer Science requirement:3
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS & PROGRAMMING
or higher-numbered CSE course
COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
or other suitable course approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
course for majors in the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, or Earth and Environmental Sciences 4
MATH 2326CALCULUS III3
MATH 3319DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS & LINEAR ALGEBRA3
or MATH 3318 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
ENGINEERING MINOR: 18 or more hours as required by the appropriate Engineering department18
MAJOR
PHYS 2311MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS3
PHYS 3313INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS3
PHYS 3183MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 3321INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM3
PHYS 4117INDIVIDUAL LEARNING BY SEMINAR1
PHYS 4315THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS3
PHYS 4324ADVANCED ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM3
PHYS 4326INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS3
PHYS electives approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics12
General Electives7
36 hours of coursework must be advanced (3000/4000-level) to earn degree.
Total Hours120
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

Typical Course Sequence

Details of a personal course sequence should be made with the guidance of the Physics undergraduate advisor as well as the undergraduate advisor in the appropriate Engineering department. Many courses in Physics are not offered every semester, and Engineering coursework and sequences are determined by individual departments in the College of Engineering. For all entering freshmen, it is important to begin the mathematics sequence, starting with MATH 1426 CALCULUS I, in the first semester.

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
MATH 14264PHYS 14434
CHEM 14414MATH 24254
ENGL 13013ENGL 13023
HIST 13113HIST 13123
 14 14
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 14444PHYS 23113
MATH 23263PHYS 33133
MATH 3319 or 33183PHYS 31831
Engineering minor course**3Engineering minor course**3
Creative Arts*3BIOL, CHEM, or GEOL course for majors4
 16 14
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 33213PHYS 43243
approved PHYS elective4approved PHYS elective4
Engineering minor course**3Engineering minor course**3
Computer Science course (CSE 1310 or higher-numbered CSE course, PHYS 2321, or MATH 3345)3POLS 23123
POLS 23113Social/Behavioral Science*3
 16 16
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 43153PHYS 41171
PHYS 43263approved PHYS elective4
Engineering minor course**3Engineering minor course**3
Language, Philosophy and Culture*3Foundational Component Area*3
General Elective3General Elective(s)4
 15 15
Total Hours: 120
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

**

Actual number of courses/hours and course sequence determined by appropriate Engineering department.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Physics with Medical School Preparation

This program offers the broad background in fundamental science and strong problem-solving ability of a Physics degree as well as specific Biology and Chemistry medical school requirements. The combination of skills developed in this program is designed to provide the intellectual foundation necessary for excellence in research and the practice of medicine.

The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL COURSES
RECOMMENDED CORE REQUIREMENTS
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Creative Arts *3
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
Language, Philosophy and Culture *3
PHYS 1443GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1444GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I4
MATH 2425CALCULUS II4
Social/Behavioral Science *3
HIST 1311HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1312HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Foundational Component Area *3
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Communication Competence - satisfied by PHYS 4117
Computer Use Competence - satisfied by Computer Science requirement for major
PROFESSIONAL COURSES
Select one of the following for Computer Science requirement:3
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS & PROGRAMMING
or higher-numbered CSE course
COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
or other suitable course approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 2321ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I3
CHEM 2181ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY1
CHEM 2322ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II3
CHEM 2182ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY1
MATH 2326CALCULUS III3
MATH 3319DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS & LINEAR ALGEBRA3
or MATH 3318 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
BIOLOGY MINOR
BIOL 1441CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY4
BIOL 1442EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY4
BIOL electives to give the total of 18 hours, 6 hours of which must be advanced (3000/4000-level)10
MAJOR
PHYS 2311MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS3
PHYS 3313INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS3
PHYS 3183MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 3321INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM3
PHYS 4117INDIVIDUAL LEARNING BY SEMINAR1
PHYS 4315THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS3
or PHYS 4319 ADVANCED MECHANICS
PHYS 4326INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS3
PHYS electives approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics11
General Electives3
36 hours of coursework must be advanced (3000/4000-level) to earn degree.
Total Hours120
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

Typical Course Sequence

Details of a personal course sequence should be made with the guidance of the Physics undergraduate advisor, particularly since many courses in Physics are not offered every semester. Consultation with the Health Professions advisor is also encouraged. For all entering freshmen, it is important to begin the mathematics sequence, starting with MATH 1426 CALCULUS I, in the first semester.

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
MATH 14264PHYS 14434
CHEM 14414MATH 24254
ENGL 13013CHEM 14424
HIST 13113ENGL 13023
 14 15
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 14444PHYS 23113
MATH 23263BIOL 14414
MATH 3319 or 33183CHEM 23223
CHEM 23213CHEM 21821
CHEM 21811HIST 13123
 14 14
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 33133approved PHYS elective4
PHYS 31831approved PHYS elective3
PHYS 33213BIOL minor course**3
BIOL 14424Computer Science course (CSE 1310 or higher-numbered CSE course, PHYS 2321, or MATH 3345)3
BIOL minor course**3Social/Behavioral Science*3
 14 16
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 43153PHYS 41171
PHYS 43263approved PHYS elective4
BIOL minor course**4POLS 23123
POLS 23113Creative Arts*3
Language, Philosophy and Culture*3Foundational Component Area*3
 General Elective3
 16 17
Total Hours: 120
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

**

Coursework for Biology minor should be chosen in consultation with a Biology undergraduate advisor.

 Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Physics

This program is intended for students who seek a broader education while retaining a firm foundation in Physics.

The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL COURSES
RECOMMENDED CORE REQUIREMENTS
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Creative Arts *3
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
Language, Philosophy and Culture *3
PHYS 1443GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1444GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I4
MATH 2425CALCULUS II4
Social/Behavioral Science *3
HIST 1311HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1312HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Foundational Component Area *3
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Communication Competence - satisfied by PHYS 4117
Computer Use Competence - satisfied by Computer Science requirement for major
PROFESSIONAL COURSES
Select one of the following for Computer Science requirement:3
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS & PROGRAMMING
or higher-numbered CSE course
COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
or other suitable course approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics
courses for majors in the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and/or Earth and Environmental Sciences8
MATH 2326CALCULUS III3
MATH 3319DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS & LINEAR ALGEBRA3
or MATH 3318 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Modern and Classical Languages 4
MINOR: 18 or more hours as required by the appropriate department18
MAJOR
PHYS 2311MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS3
PHYS 3313INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS3
PHYS 3183MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 3321INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM3
PHYS 4117INDIVIDUAL LEARNING BY SEMINAR1
PHYS 4315THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS3
PHYS 4326INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS3
PHYS electives approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics11
General Electives7
36 hours of coursework must be advanced (3000/4000-level) to earn degree.
Total Hours120
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

Typical Course Sequence

Details of a personal course sequence should be made with the guidance of the Physics undergraduate advisor, particularly since many courses in Physics are not offered every semester, as well as the undergraduate advisor in the appropriate department for the minor. For all entering freshmen, it is important to begin the mathematics sequence, starting with MATH 1426 CALCULUS I, in the first semester.

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
MATH 14264PHYS 14434
BIOL, CHEM, or GEOL course for majors4MATH 24254
ENGL 13013ENGL 13023
HIST 13113HIST 13123
 14 14
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 14444PHYS 23113
MATH 23263PHYS 33133
MATH 3319 or 33183PHYS 31831
minor course**3BIOL, CHEM, or GEOL course for majors4
Creative Arts*3minor course**3
 16 14
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 33213approved PHYS elective4
approved PHYS elective4minor course**3
minor course**3Computer Science course (CSE 1310 or higher-numbered CSE course, PHYS 2321, or MATH 3345)3
Modern/Classical Language4POLS 23123
POLS 23113Social/Behavioral Science*3
 17 16
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 43153PHYS 41171
PHYS 43263approved PHYS elective3
minor course**3minor course**3
Language, Philosophy and Culture*3Foundation Component Area*3
General Elective3General Elective(s)4
 15 14
Total Hours: 120
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

**

Actual number of courses/hours and course sequence determined by appropriate department.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Physics with Physical Science Teacher Certification (UTeach)

The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL COURSES
RECOMMENDED CORE REQUIREMENTS
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Creative Arts *3
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
Language, Philosophy and Culture *3
PHYS 1443GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1444GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I4
MATH 2425CALCULUS II4
Social/Behavioral Science *3
HIST 1311HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1312HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Foundational Component Area *3
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Communication Competence - satisfied by PHYS 4117
Computer Use Competence - satisfied by Computer Science requirement for major
PROFESSIONAL COURSES
Select one of the following for Computer Science requirement:3
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS & PROGRAMMING
or higher-numbered CSE course
COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
or other suitable course approved by UTeach advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics
MATH 2326CALCULUS III3
MATH 3319DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS & LINEAR ALGEBRA3
CHEMISTRY MINOR
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 2335QUANTITATIVE CHEMISTRY3
CHEM 2285QUANTITATIVE CHEMISTRY LABORATORY2
CHEM 3315INTRODUCTION TO BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY3
CHEM 3321PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I3
CHEM 3181PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY1
TEACHER CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (UTEACH)
SCIE 1101STEP 1: INQUIRY APPROACHES TO TEACHING1
SCIE 1102STEP 2: INQUIRY-BASED LESSON DESIGN1
SCIE 4107STUDENT TEACHING SEMINAR1
SCIE 4607STUDENT TEACHING FOR SECONDARY GRADES6
EDUC 4331KNOWING AND LEARNING IN MATH AND SCIENCE3
EDUC 4332CLASSROOM INTERACTIONS3
EDUC 4333MULTIPLE TEACHING PRACTICES IN MATH AND SCIENCE3
PHIL 2314PERSPECTIVES ON SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS3
MAJOR
PHYS 2311MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS3
PHYS 3313INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS3
PHYS 3183MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 3321INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM3
PHYS 4117INDIVIDUAL LEARNING BY SEMINAR1
PHYS 4315THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS3
PHYS 4319ADVANCED MECHANICS3
PHYS 4326INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS3
PHYS 4391SPECIAL TOPICS (Research Methods)3
PHYS electives approved by UTeach advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics6
36 hours of coursework must be advanced (3000/4000-level) to earn degree.
Total Hours125
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

Typical Course Sequence

Details of a personal course sequence should be made with the guidance of the UTeach advisor, particularly since many courses in Physics are not offered every semester. For all entering freshmen, it is important to begin the mathematics sequence, starting with MATH 1426 CALCULUS I, in the first semester.

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
MATH 14264PHYS 14434
CHEM 14414MATH 24254
ENGL 13013ENGL 13023
HIST 13113HIST 13123
SCIE 11011SCIE 11021
 15 15
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 14444PHYS 23113
MATH 23263PHYS 33133
MATH 33193PHYS 31831
CHEM 14424CHEM 23353
EDUC 43313CHEM 22852
 EDUC 43323
 17 15
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 33213PHYS 4391 (Research Methods)3
CHEM 33153approved PHYS elective3
Computer Science course (CSE 1310 or higher-numbered CSE course, PHYS 2321, or MATH 3345)3POLS 23123
POLS 23113Creative Arts*3
PHIL 23143Social/Behavioral Science*3
 15 15
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 43153PHYS 41171
PHYS 43263PHYS 43193
approved PHYS elective3Language, Philosophy and Culture*3
CHEM 33213Foundational Component Area*3
CHEM 31811SCIE 41071
EDUC 43333SCIE 46076
 16 17
Total Hours: 125
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Physics with Physics/Mathematics Teacher Certification (UTeach)

The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL COURSES
RECOMMENDED CORE REQUIREMENTS
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Creative Arts *3
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
Language, Philosophy and Culture *3
PHYS 1443GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1444GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I4
MATH 2425CALCULUS II4
Social/Behavioral Science *3
HIST 1311HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1312HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Foundational Component Area *3
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Communication Competence - satisfied by PHYS 4117
Computer Use Competence - satisfied by Computer Science requirement for major
PROFESSIONAL COURSES
Select one of the following for Computer Science requirement:3
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS & PROGRAMMING
or higher-numbered CSE course
COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
or other suitable course approved by UTeach advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
MATHEMATICS MINOR
MATH 2326CALCULUS III3
MATH 2330FUNCTIONS AND MODELING3
MATH 3300INTRODUCTION TO PROOFS3
MATH 3301FOUNDATIONS OF GEOMETRY3
MATH 3319DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS & LINEAR ALGEBRA3
MATH 3321ABSTRACT ALGEBRA I3
TEACHER CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (UTEACH)
SCIE 1101STEP 1: INQUIRY APPROACHES TO TEACHING1
SCIE 1102STEP 2: INQUIRY-BASED LESSON DESIGN1
SCIE 4107STUDENT TEACHING SEMINAR1
SCIE 4607STUDENT TEACHING FOR SECONDARY GRADES6
EDUC 4331KNOWING AND LEARNING IN MATH AND SCIENCE3
EDUC 4332CLASSROOM INTERACTIONS3
EDUC 4333MULTIPLE TEACHING PRACTICES IN MATH AND SCIENCE3
PHIL 2314PERSPECTIVES ON SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS3
MAJOR
PHYS 2311MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS3
PHYS 3313INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS3
PHYS 3183MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 3321INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM3
PHYS 4117INDIVIDUAL LEARNING BY SEMINAR1
PHYS 4315THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS3
PHYS 4319ADVANCED MECHANICS3
PHYS 4326INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS3
PHYS 4391SPECIAL TOPICS (Research Methods)3
PHYS electives approved by UTeach advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics6
36 hours of coursework must be advanced (3000/4000-level) to earn degree.
Total Hours125
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

Typical Course Sequence

Details of a personal course sequence should be made with the guidance of the UTeach advisor, particularly since many courses in Physics are not offered every semester. For all entering freshmen, it is important to begin the mathematics sequence, starting with MATH 1426 CALCULUS I, in the first semester.

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
MATH 14264PHYS 14434
CHEM 14414MATH 24254
ENGL 13013ENGL 13023
HIST 13113HIST 13123
SCIE 11011SCIE 11021
 15 15
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 14444PHYS 23113
MATH 23263PHYS 33133
MATH 33193PHYS 31831
CHEM 14424MATH 33003
EDUC 43313MATH 33013
 EDUC 43323
 17 16
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 33213PHYS 4391 (Research Methods)3
approved PHYS elective3approved PHYS elective3
MATH 23303POLS 23113
Computer Science course (CSE 1310 or higher-numbered CSE course, PHYS 2321, or MATH 3345)3Creative Arts*3
PHIL 23143Social/Behavioral Science*3
 15 15
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 43153PHYS 41171
PHYS 43263PHYS 43193
MATH 33213Language, Philosophy and Culture*3
POLS 23123Foundational Component Area*3
EDUC 43333SCIE 41071
 SCIE 46076
 15 17
Total Hours: 125
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Physics with a Master's in Materials Science and Engineering (Fast Track Program)

The Fast Track Program enables outstanding senior undergraduate students in Physics to satisfy degree requirements leading to a Bachelor's degree in Physics while simultaneously pursuing a Master's degree (M. Engr.) in Materials Science and Engineering. The essential elements of the Fast Track Program involve the use of up to 9 hours of graduate coursework to apply towards an undergraduate degree in Physics.

Students who complete PHYS 1443 and PHYS 1444 with a GPA of 3.0 and express an interest in the Fast Track Program will be designated as "Fast Track Bound" and encouraged to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better to retain their eligibility. Students who have been identified as "Fast Track Bound" as well as other outstanding undergraduates in Physics can apply for the Fast Track Program when they are within 30 hours of completing their Bachelor's degree. They must have completed at least 30 hours at UTA, have a GPA of at least 3.0 in those courses, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better in all college courses. Additionally, they must have completed 9 hours of specified undergraduate Foundation Courses that are listed below with a GPA of 3.3 in these courses.

FOUNDATION COURSES – Required for Admission into the Fast Track Program
MSE 3300MATERIALS SCIENCE3
PHYS 3313INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS3
PHYS 3321INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM3

Once admitted, students will be allowed to take a combination of advanced undergraduate and graduate courses. Students can use 9 hours of MSE graduate-level (or 3000/4000-level) coursework towards their Physics degree.

For more details about the program, please contact the Physics undergraduate advisor and/or the graduate advisor in Materials Science and Engineering.

The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL COURSES
RECOMMENDED CORE REQUIREMENTS
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
Creative Arts *3
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
Language, Philosophy and Culture *3
PHYS 1443GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1444GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II4
MATH 1426CALCULUS I4
MATH 2425CALCULUS II4
Social/Behavioral Science *3
HIST 1311HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1312HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
Foundational Component Area *3
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Communication Competence - satisfied by PHYS 4117
Computer Use Competence - satisfied by Computer Science requirement for major
PROFESSIONAL COURSES
Select one of the following for Computer Science requirement:3
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS & PROGRAMMING
or higher-numbered CSE course
COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
or other suitable course approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics
CHEM 1441GENERAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 1442GENERAL CHEMISTRY II4
course for majors offered in the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, or Earth and Environmental Sciences4
MATH 2326CALCULUS III3
MATH 3319DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS & LINEAR ALGEBRA3
or MATH 3318 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
MSE 3300MATERIALS SCIENCE3
MSE graduate or advanced (3000/4000-level) courses approved by MSE graduate advisor9
MAJOR
PHYS 2311MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS3
PHYS 3313INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS3
PHYS 3183MODERN PHYSICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 3321INTERMEDIATE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM3
PHYS 3445OPTICS4
PHYS 4117INDIVIDUAL LEARNING BY SEMINAR1
PHYS 4315THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS3
PHYS 4326INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS3
PHYS electives approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics12
General Electives8
36 hours of coursework must be advanced (3000/4000-level) to earn degree; up to 9 hours can be graduate-level (only for approved MSE coursework).
Total Hours120

Students should refer to the M.Engr. degree in Materials Science and Engineering section of the catalog for detailed requirements for that degree.

*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

Typical Course Sequence

Details of a personal course sequence should be made with the guidance of the Physics undergraduate advisor and, upon admission to the Fast Track Program, the graduate advisor in Materials Science and Engineering. Many courses in Physics are not offered every semester, and MSE coursework and sequences are determined by the Materials Science and Engineering Department. For all entering freshmen, it is important to begin the mathematics sequence, starting with MATH 1426 CALCULUS I, in the first semester.

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
MATH 14264PHYS 14434
CHEM 14414MATH 24254
ENGL 13013CHEM 14424
HIST 13113ENGL 13023
 14 15
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 14444PHYS 23113
MATH 23263PHYS 33133
MATH 3319 or 33183PHYS 31831
MSE 33003BIOL, CHEM, or GEOL course for majors4
Creative Arts*3Language, Philosophy and Culture*3
 16 14
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 33213approved PHYS elective4
PHYS 34454approved PHYS elective4
Computer Science course (CSE 1310 or higher-numbered CSE course, PHYS 2321, or MATH 3345)3HIST 13123
POLS 23113POLS 23123
Social/Behavioral Science*3 
 16 14
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
PHYS 43153PHYS 41171
PHYS 43263approved PHYS elective4
approved MSE course**3approved MSE course**3
approved MSE course**3Foundational Component Area*3
General Elective(s)4General Elective(s)4
 16 15
Total Hours: 120
*

See General Core Requirements for approved courses.

**

Actual courses and course sequence determined by Materials Science and Engineering Department.

Minor in Physics

A minimum total of 18 credit hours (including a minimum of 6 hours at the 3000/4000 level) are required. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 9 hours at UTA, 6 of which must be 3000/4000-level. A 2.0 GPA is required for coursework in the minor.

REQUIRED COURSES
PHYS 1443GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1444GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II4
PHYS 3313INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS3
PHYS electives approved by Physics undergraduate advisor and/or Chair of the Department of Physics7
Total Hours18

Minor in Astronomy for Non-Physics Majors

A minimum total of 18 credit hours (including a minimum of 6 hours at the 3000/4000 level) are required. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 9 hours at UTA, 6 of which must be 3000/4000-level. A 2.0 GPA is required for coursework in the minor.

REQUIRED COURSES
PHYS 1441GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1442GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II4
PHYS 2315INTRODUCTORY ASTROPHYSICS3
PHYS 3315ASTROPHYSICS AND COSMOLOGY3
PHYS 3316ASTROBIOLOGY I3
Elective Courses - choose from the following (approval from the Physics undergraduate advisor is required):1
Special Problems (PHYS 4181, PHYS 4281 - with Astronomy research faculty)
Special Topics (PHYS 4191, PHYS 4291, PHYS 4391 - when a suitable topic is offered)
Total Hours18

Minor in Astrophysics for Non-Physics Majors

A minimum total of 18 credit hours (including a minimum of 6 hours at the 3000/4000 level) are required. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 9 hours at UTA, 6 of which must be 3000/4000-level. A 2.0 GPA is required for coursework in the minor.

REQUIRED COURSES
PHYS 1443GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 1444GENERAL TECHNICAL PHYSICS II4
PHYS 2315INTRODUCTORY ASTROPHYSICS3
PHYS 3315ASTROPHYSICS AND COSMOLOGY3
Elective Courses - choose from the following:4
INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS
ASTROBIOLOGY I
OPTICS
NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS
Special Problems (PHYS 4181, PHYS 4281 - with Astronomy research faculty)
Special Topics (PHYS 4191, PHYS 4291, PHYS 4391 - when a suitable topic is offered)
Approval from the Physics undergraduate advisor is required for Special Problems and Special Topics courses.
Total Hours18