This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.uta.edu/.

Physics - Undergraduate Programs

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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.

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.