Physics
The laws of physics are the starting point for most scientific research and engineering applications. Students majoring in physics obtain broad-based knowledge and experience in applying these laws, as well as hands-on experience in building electronic equipment and in performing experiments.
About This Major
- College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
- Hours for the Degree: 120
- Minor: Yes
- Combined-Degree Program: Yes
- Website: www.phys.ufl.edu/academics/undergraduate
Overview
A physics major provides a wide range of career options. Many students go on to graduate study in physics, but an equal number pursue advanced degrees in other science disciplines, all branches of engineering and medical school.
Physics majors are employed in industry doing applied work such as the development of the next generation of transistors and in academia seeking the answers to such fundamental questions as what the ultimate constituents of matter are.
The Department of Physics offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in physics.
For either the B.S. or the B.A. degree, two different options are listed below for some of the courses, e.g. PHY 2048 or 2060. In this case, the second course contains selected advanced topics not covered in the first course. Both courses prepare students for taking upper-level physics classes. Students are encouraged to see a physics department adviser to determine which course is appropriate for them.
Coursework for the Major
Coursework for the major will depend upon the degree program chosen. Coursework for each specialization can be found below under Critical Tracking and Recommended Semester Plan.
Course Details
Several courses meet the criteria for the general education physical sciences (P) requirement. Some mathematical training (indicated in parentheses) is desirable or required for many of these courses.
- MET 1010 Introduction to Weather and Climate
- PHY 1033C Discovering Physics
- PHY 2020 Introduction to the Principles of Physics (MAC 1147)
- PHY 2464 Physical Basis of Music (MAC 1147)
- PHY 3031 Development of Modern Ideas in Physics: The How and Why of Science
- PHY 3400 Light, Color and Holography
- PHY 3400L Holography Laboratory
- Any of the general physics sequence courses (PHY 2004/2005, PHY 2048/2049 and PHY 2053/2054) meet this requirement. Students should carefully check the prerequisites before enrolling in a general physics course.
Residency Requirement
Transfer students must take a minimum of 15 credits of the required physics courses at the University of Florida.
Placement
Students with Advanced Placement credit should consult the catalog's Academic Advising section for course equivalencies. Sequences for the advanced student are available from any physics adviser or the department website.
Relevant Minors and/or Certificates
UFTeach Program: There is a severe shortage of qualified secondary science teachers in Florida and nationwide. Students interested in becoming part of this high-demand profession should see the undergraduate coordinator about the UFTeach program. UFTeach students can complete the UFTeach minor in science education along with their B.A. or B.S in physics and have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.
Research
All undergraduate majors are encouraged to participate in research activities. Advanced students may also be eligible to enroll in certain graduate courses, thereby accelerating their education. Physics majors are urged to confer with a department adviser as early as possible and especially as their educational goals evolve.
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements — Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Critical Tracking and Recommended Semester Plans
Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students
Semester 1
- 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5
- Complete CHM 1025 or CHM 2045 or PHY 2048 or PHY 2060, and a MAC course
Semester 2
- Complete CHM 2045/2045L and MAC 2311
Semester 3
- Complete PHY 2048 or PHY 2060, CHM 2046 and MAC 2312
Semester 4
- Complete MAC 2313 and PHY 2049 or PHY 2061 with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
Semester 5
- Complete MAP 2302 with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Arts
The B.A. degree program is for students who want to major in physics but are not presently contemplating physics graduate studies. It provides a good foundation in the fundamentals while offering increased flexibility in the major, through fewer required courses and more electives, and opportunity for parallel studies in another discipline and/or preprofessional preparation.
Required Coursework
- PHY 2048 or 2060
- PHY 2048L and 2049L
- PHY 2049 or 2061
- PHY 3101 or 3063
- PHY 3221 or PHZ 3113
- PHY 3323, 3513 and4604
- PHY 4802L or PHY 4803L
- Any two 4000-level or higher physics courses that are included in the physics major curriculum.
- One year of college-level chemistry, including one chemistry laboratory course.
- A minimum of three credits in approved mathematics courses beyond MAP 2302 (differential equations).
- Select computer science courses may substitute for the math elective.
- Grades of C or better for coursework counted toward the major.
Recommended semester plan
This plan is structured for students taking Calculus 1 during the first semester. Students may have different schedules due to their backgrounds, when they enter UF, etc. In particular, students are encouraged to take Physics 1 with Calculus as soon as they have had Calculus 1, even if this means delaying chemistry. For all the physics courses, adequate mathematical preparation is essential and is built into the suggested plans. Physics majors should meet with a department adviser before planning their schedules.
Additional sample schedules are available on the department's website and students can email advisers at advising@phys.ufl.edu.
Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
| Semester 1 | Credits |
| CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) | 4 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE-M) | 4 |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 14 |
| Semester 2 | Credits |
| CHM 2046 General Chemistry 2 (GE-P) | 3 |
| MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (GE-M) | 4 |
| PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 or PHY 2060 Enriched Physics with Calculus 1 (GE-P) | 3 |
| PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory (GE-P) | 1 |
| Elective (only if placed out of language by SAT II) | 2-0 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Total | 16-14 |
| Semester 3 | Credits |
| MAC 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 (GE-M) | 4 |
| PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 or PHY 2061 Enriched Physics with Calculus 2 (GE-P) | 3 |
| PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory (GE-P) | 1 |
| Biological Science (GE-B) | 3 |
| Foreign language | 4-5 |
| Total | 15-16 |
| Semester 4 | Credits |
| MAP 2302 Elementary Differential Equations (GE-M) | 3 |
| PHY 3101 Introduction to Modern Physics (GE-P) | 3 |
| Biological Science (GE-B) | 3 |
| Foreign language | 3-5 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Total | 15-17 |
| Semester 5 | Credits |
| PHY 3221 Mechanics 1 (GE-P) | 3 |
| PHY 3513 Thermal Physics 1 (GE-P) | 3 |
| Elective (or foreign language if 4-3-3 option) | 3 |
| Math elective | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 6 | Credits |
| PHY 3323 Electromagnetism 1 (GE-P) | 3 |
| Composition (ENC 3254 Writing in the Discipline recommended; GE-C, WR) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Physics elective (4000 level or higher) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 7 | Credits |
| PHY 4604 Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1 (GE-P) | 3 |
| PHY 4802L Laboratory Physics 1 | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 8 | Credits |
| Electives | 12 |
| Physics elective (4000 level or higher) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Bachelor of Science
The B.S. degree program is intended for those students going to graduate school in physics and related science and engineering disciplines.
Required Coursework
- PHY 2048 or 2060
- PHY 2048L and 2049L
- PHY 2049 or 2061
- PHY 3101 or 3063
- PHY 3221 or PHZ 3113
- PHY 3323, 3513, 4222, 4324, 4523, 4604, 4802L and 4803L
- One 3-credit approved physics elective.
- One year of college-level chemistry, including one chemistry laboratory course.
- A minimum of six credits in approved mathematics courses beyond MAP 2302 (differential equations).
- Select computer science courses may substitute for one of the math electives.
- Grades of C or better for coursework counted toward the major.
Recommended semester plan
This plan is structured for students taking Calculus 1 during the first semester. Students may have different schedules due to their background, when they enter UF, etc. In particular, students are encouraged to take Physics 1 with Calculus as soon as they have had Calculus 1, even if this means delaying chemistry. For all the physics courses, adequate mathematical preparation is essential and is built into the suggested plans. Physics majors should meet with a department adviser before planning their schedule.
Additional sample schedules are available on the department's website and students can email advisers at advising@phys.ufl.edu.
Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S).
| Semester 1 | Credits |
| CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) | 4 |
| MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE-M) | 4 |
| Composition (GE-C, WR) | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 14 |
| Semester 2 | Credits |
| CHM 2046 General Chemistry 2 (GE-P) | 3 |
| MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (GE-M) | 4 |
| PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 or PHY 2060 Enriched Physics with Calculus 1 (GE-P) | 3 |
| PHY 2048L Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory (GE-P) | 1 |
| Elective (only if placed out of language by SAT II) | 2-0 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Total | 16-14 |
| Semester 3 | Credits |
| MAC 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 (GE-M) | 4 |
| PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 or PHY 2061 Enriched Physics with Calculus 2 (GE-P) | 3 |
| PHY 2049L Physics with Calculus 2 Laboratory (GE-P) | 1 |
| Biological Science (GE-B) | 3 |
| Foreign language | 4-5 |
| Total | 15-16 |
| Semester 4 | Credits |
| MAP 2302 Elementary Differential Equations (GE-M) | 3 |
| PHY 3101 Introduction to Modern Physics (GE-P) | 3 |
| Biological Science (GE-B) | 3 |
| Foreign language | 3-5 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Total | 15-17 |
| Semester 5 | Credits |
| PHY 3221 Mechanics 1 (GE-P) | 3 |
| PHY 3513 Thermal Physics 1 (GE-P) | 3 |
| Elective (or foreign language if 4-3-3 option) | 3 |
| Math elective | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 6 | Credits |
| PHY 3323 Electromagnetism 1 (GE-P) | 3 |
| PHY 4222 Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| Composition (ENC 3254 Professional Writing in the Discipline recommended; GE-C, WR) | 3 |
| Humanities (GE-H) | 3 |
| Math elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 7 | Credits |
| PHY 4324 Electromagnetism 2 (GE-P) | 3 |
| PHY 4604 Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1 (GE-P) | 3 |
| PHY 4802L Laboratory Physics 1 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Semester 8 | Credits |
| PHY 4523 Statistical Physics | 3 |
| PHY 4803L Laboratory Physics 2 | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Physics elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 |