Physics Major (B.S.)

Program objectives for a B.S. in Physics are: (a) Acquire knowledge of core principles in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal physics, quantum mechanics, mathematical methods, optics, and modern physics; (b) ability to discriminate between relevant and irrelevant principles and facts in problem solving; (c) an understanding of research methodology in physics; (d) ability to effectively communicate scientific results in both oral and written reports; (e) ability to use computers for data analysis, literature search, scientific writing, and the ability to use other specialized research equipment; (f) ability to collaborate with other students in and out of the laboratory and during problem-solving sessions.

University General Education Program (41 hours)

See Graduation from the University  for the University General Education Program requirements. Note the following requirements specified for the Physics major:

The Major: (59-66 hours in addition to University General Education Program)

Completion of

• MATH 1920 - Calculus II**
• PHYS 2110 - Sci/Engr Phys I/Calc**
• PHYS 2111 - Sci/Engr Phys Lab I
• PHYS 2120 - Sci/Engr Phys II/Calc**
• PHYS 2121 - Sci/Engr Phys Lab II (PHYS 2010 /PHYS 2011 , PHYS 2020 /PHYS 2021  are acceptable, but not recommended)
• PHYS 2130 - Intermediate Physics
• PHYS 2990 - Research in Physics I
• PHYS 3010 - Intro Modern Physics
• PHYS 3990 - Research in Physics II

General Physics (21 hours):

• MATH 2110 - Calculus III**
• MATH 2120 - Differential Equations**
• PHYS 3011 - Methods of Theoretical Phys I
• PHYS 3111 - Mechanics I
• PHYS 3211 - Electricity/Magnetism I
• PHYS 4510 - Thermal and Statistical Phys
• PHYS 4410 - Intro Quantum Theory
• PHYS 4420 - Intro Computational Physics
• PHYS 4211 - Waves and Optics
• plus six (6) hours of upper division PHYS courses.

Electives

Electives may be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120.

Honors Program

This program is open to physics majors who maintain an inclusive grade point average of at least 3.25, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 in the major, have achieved junior standing, and have completed PHYS 3060 . Students admitted to the honors program must complete 8 hours of upper-division physics honors courses: (1) PHYS 4991 /PHYS 4992  Honors Research in Physics, where the student will conduct original scholarly work under the direction of an honors research advisor; (2) PHYS 4999  Senior Honors Thesis, where the student will write a thesis based upon background reading and the experimental research completed in PHYS 4991 /PHYS 4992 ; (3) PHYS 4911  Senior Honors Seminar, where the student will give a presentation based on the work completed in PHYS 4991 /PHYS 4992 .

Those students who complete the physics honors program and the regular college requirements will be recognized at the commencement ceremony by having their degree conferred “With Honors in Physics.” Moreover, the student’s diploma and record at the University of Memphis will reflect this distinction.

Typical 4-Year Physics Sequence General Physics Concentration

Total Hours: 120

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120

*Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement