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Nov 25, 2024
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2018-2019 UMass Dartmouth Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Physics
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BS degree
The Physics program prepares students for pure or applied research into the physical phenomena of nature, from the subatomic to the cosmic realm. The curriculum provides students with a powerful array of scientific skills, including mathematical analysis, computer modeling, and hands-on experimentation.
The first two years of the physics program provide the core scientific and mathematical background required for advanced courses taken during the third and fourth years. The selection of advanced courses should be consistent with students’ interests and career goals. Many courses are designed to prepare students for graduate study in the field. Students must consult with their advisors at least once each semester to plan their schedule. Students are encouraged to work on faculty-sponsored research or independent study projects, which carry course credits that can be applied to their physics major program. The department also offers a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Concentraion in Astronomy/Astrophysics, as well as a graduate program leading to the Master of Science Degree in Physics.
Calculation of GPA in the Physics Major
Students must have earned a minimum 2.000 cumulative grade point average (GPA) for all courses taken at the university in order to graduate. Students must also have a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA in the major. For purposes of this computation:
- All courses with a PHY prefix at the 300-level or higher together with PHY courses 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 213, 225, 227, 234 and 252 count in calculating the GPA for a physics major.
- Courses required for the major but taken outside the major discipline are not counted in the calculation of the major cumulative GPA.
- If a course is repeated, only the most recent course grade (whether higher or lower) shall be used to calculate the major cumulative GPA.
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Requirements
To graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, a minimum of 120 university credits are required. Of these, 45 credits are approved courses in physics; 12 credits in specified courses in mathematics; 6 credits in courses in a second science, mathematics or engineering; and 30 credits at the 300 level or higher are required. Students are required to consult with their advisor before registering for courses.
Students who earn below a grade of C in PHY 111/113, PHY 112/114, or PHY 213 must consult with their advisor before the start of the following semester to develop a strategy for academic improvement. First Year (Recommended Sequence)
First Semester: 17 credits
- University Studies requirement Credits: 3 (see Footnote 1 below)
Second Semester: 17 credits
- University Studies requirement Credits:3 (see Footnote 1 below)
- Free Elective Credits:3
Second Year (Recommended Sequence)
First Semester: 13 credits
- University Studies requirement Credits:3 (see Footnote 1 below)
Second Semester: 13 credits
Third Year (Recommended Sequence)
First Semester: 15 credits
- University Studies requirement Credits:3 (see Footnote 1 below)
- Second Science elective I Credits:3 (see Footnote 8 below)
Second Semester: 15 credits
- Second Science elective II Credits:3 (see Footnote 8 below)
- Free Elective Credits:3
Fourth Year (Recommended Sequence)
First Semester: 15 credits
- University Studies requirement Credits:3 (see Footnote 1 below)
- Physics Elective (300+ level) Credits:3
Second Semester: 15 credits
- PHY 300+ University Studies Capstone Project Credits:3 (see Footnote 11 below)
- Physics Electives (300+ level) Credits:3
- Free Elective Credits:3
- Free Elective Credits:3
Footnotes
- These courses must be selected from approved courses in Clusters 3 and 4 of the University Studies curriculum and should be discussed with your advisor.
- ENL 101 and ENL 102 satisfy University Studies Clusters 1A and 1B, respectively.
- PHY 109 satisfies University Studies Cluster 1E.
- PHY 114 satisfies University Studies Cluster 2A.
- PHY 115 satisfies University Studies Cluster 2B.
- PHY 225 satisfies University Studies Cluster 1C.
- Taken as a Physics Elective. Course selection should be discussed with the faculty advisor.
- Students must complete 6 credits in a second science, mathematics, or engineering. Both courses must be from the same department (BIO, BNG, CEN, CHM, CIS, ECE, MTH, or MNE) or in Astrophysics (PHY 252, PHY 363). Courses must satisfy the major requirement for the respective department and be approved by the faculty advisor.
- A minimum of 6 credits of advanced laboratory courses is required. Other courses may be substituted with approval of faculty advisor.
- PHY 441 and PHY 442 are typically offered on an alternating basis.
- An approved Capstone Study satisfies University Studies Clusters 5A and 5B.
Required Physics Courses (38 credits total)
Physics Electives (at least 7 credits from this list)
Note
Students who intend to continue their studies in physics at the graduate level should consult frequently with their advisors. Advanced physics courses typically taken by these students are indicated above by an asterisk.
Astrophysics Concentration
The Astrophysics Concentration has students complete the 38-credits of required courses in physics along with the mathematics and University Studies requirements for the physics major, together with 9-credits of elective courses in astrophysics. Students are required to consult with their advisor before registering for these courses.
Alternative Paths Program Requirements
Students not starting in Calculus (MTH 151 or MTH 153) will be placed in Pre-Calculus (MTH 150) or Pre-Calculs Enhanced (MTH 150E) in the first semester. This delays the start of Calculs to the spring semester, which may then extend the program beyond four years.
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