Physics B.S. Phys.

This sub-plan is ideal for students who want the strongest possible grounding in physics. It is designed to suit the needs of students who are interested in fundamental physics or astrophysics, applying physics to the workplace, or who are planning on continuing their physics education in graduate school.

The Professional Physics sub-plan requires a minimum of 47 credits. Students who choose this sub-plan will take a minimum of 89 major credits to complete the Physics B.S. degree.

Students who are interested in entering the biological sciences or medicine will find this sub-plan an attractive option. Physics applies to biology at all levels, from the basics of biosystems to biomedical engineering. This option can be very useful to students who want to pursue a career in biomedical industry. It also provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in biophysics, molecular biology, physiology, medical physics, biomedical engineering, or medical school. Combined with the physics core curriculum this biological sub-plan gives students powerful tools to achieve their goals.

The Biological sub-plan requires a minimum of 51 credits. Students who choose this sub-plan will take a minimum of 93 major credits to complete the Physics B.S. degree.

This sub-plan is ideal for students who seek a strong grounding in physics and the computational techniques used in physics research. Computational physics connects physics, computer science, and applied mathematics to provide scientific solutions to realistic and often complex problems. Students who are interested in moving directly into industry, as well as those who want to pursue a graduate degree in physics will find this program valuable.

The Computational sub-plan requires a minimum of 48 credits. Students who choose this sub-plan will take a minimum of 90 major credits to complete the Physics B.S. degree.

For students who are interested in teaching secondary school physics, this program offers a versatile broad-based education. It is particularly useful to students who are planning on teaching in Minnesota, as it has been optimized to fit well with the new state licensure procedures. And, should a student's needs or plans change, this program combined with the physics core curriculum also prepares him or her for a variety of other career tracks, including graduate study in physics.

The Secondary Education sub-plan requires a minimum of 52 credits. Students who choose this sub-plan will take a minimum of 94 major credits to complete the Physics B.S. degree.

Students who are interested in the practical application of physics to the engineering fields, but who would like a less specialized education than they would find in an engineering department, will find that this sub-plan provides them with a solid education. In addition to the strong physics core curriculum, students can either focus on one area of engineering or explore a broad range of interests across a number of engineering fields. Students who are interested in moving directly into industry, as well as those who want to pursue a graduate degree in either engineering or physics will find this program valuable.

The Engineering sub-plan requires a minimum of 47 credits. Students who choose this sub-plan will take a minimum of 89 major credits to complete the Physics B.S. degree.

To ensure understanding of key concepts, PHYS 1301W or PHYS 1401V are preferred.

MATH1471 is a 2-credit course. Students who completed this course will need to work with a CSE advisor to discuss any credit discrepancies.

Students are required to take one upper division writing intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.