Physics B.A. Requirements
KU Core requirements not met by major requirements (~24 credits or equivalent experiences) |
Estimated Hours |
|
Goal 2 |
Written (2 units) and Oral Communication (1 unit) |
9 |
Goal 3A 3B |
Fundamental knowledge in Humanities, Social Sciences (1 unit each area) |
6 |
Goal 4 |
Human Diversity and Cultural Understanding and Global Awareness (2 units) |
6 |
Goal 5 |
Social responsibility and ethical behavior ( 1 unit) |
3 |
Goals 1 & 3C |
Met by foundational courses in mathematics and physics |
|
CLAS BA requirements not met by major requirements: |
Hours |
|
Foreign Language |
Fourth semester proficiency or 3rd semester proficiency plus one semester of another foreign language
|
16 |
Writing Courses |
Credit (not exemption) for TWO writing courses:
|
6 |
Foundational Physics & Mathematics (19.5 credits) |
Hours |
|
PHSX 150 |
Seminar in Physics, Astronomy & Engineering Physics |
0.5 |
PHSX 211 or 213 |
General Physics I (213 is honors/majors equivalent, 5 credits includes lab) |
4 |
PHSX 212 or 214 |
General Physics II (214 is honors/majors equivalent, 4 credits includes lab) |
3 |
PHSX 216 |
General Physics I Laboratory |
1 |
PHSX 236 |
General Physics II Laboratory |
1 |
MATH 125 |
Calculus I |
5 |
MATH 126 |
Calculus II |
5 |
Advanced Physics requirements for major (20 credits, all jr/sr) |
Hours |
|
PHSX 313 |
General Physics III |
3 |
PHSX 316 |
Intermediate Physics Lab (take with or after PHSX 313) |
1 |
PHSX 511 |
Intro. Quantum Mechanics |
3 |
PHSX 521 |
Mechanics I |
3 |
PHSX 531 |
Electricity & Magnetism |
3 |
PHSX 536 |
Electronic Circuit Measurement & Design |
4 |
PHSX elective |
Any physics lecture or laboratory course numbered 500 or higher |
3 |
Advanced Mathematics requirements for major (8 credits, 0 to 3 at jr/sr level) |
Hours |
|
MATH 127 |
Vector Calculus |
3 |
MATH 290 |
Elementary Linear Algebra |
2 |
MATH 220 or 320 |
Elementary Differential Equations; MATH 320 is recommended for physics & astronomy majors |
3 |
Additional Notes:
- Students may satisfy the Integrative Knowledge (Goal 6) KU Core requirement by
- satisfying requirements for more than one major or a major and minor combination
- taking PHSX 601 as the elective
- satisfying requirements for Research Experience Certification
- 120 credits are required for graduation, of which 45 must be at junior/senior level (courses numbered 300 or higher). Specific requirements for this major comprise 109.5 credit hours, including 20 jr/sr credit hours (increased by 3 if MATH 320 is taken). Students must take 22 to 25 additional hours as electives at the jr/sr level to satisfy this regents’ requirement.
- The department also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Computational Physics. These requirements are listed in the Undergraduate Catalog of the University.
With a few modifications, students earning a bachelor of arts in physics may qualify for licensure to teach secondary physics at the time they graduate by following the UKanTeach curriculum. UKanTeach adds several pedagogic and a few general education requirements but is otherwise indistinguishable from other physics degrees, so students may feel equally well prepared for education, further research or study.
All content and education-related courses used to fulfill licensure requirements must be taken on a letter-grade basis.
Other requirements specific to completing the UKanTeach program for a secondary teaching license in physics are:
Professional Development Coursework Requirements: A minimum grade of C is required in all courses. |
27 |
|
Liberal Arts & Sciences |
LA&S 290 Approaches to Teaching Science and Math I |
1 |
|
LA&S 291 Approaches to Teaching Science and Math II |
1 |
Curriculum & Teaching |
C&T 360 Knowing and Learning in Science & Mathematics |
3 |
|
C&T 366 Classroom Interactions in Science & Mathematics |
3 |
|
C&T 448 Reading and Writing across the Curriculum |
3 |
|
C&T 460 Project-Based Instruction |
3 |
|
C&T 500 Student Teaching (6 hours) Requires a 2.5 cumulative GPA in major and overall.) |
6 |
|
C&T 598 Special Topics Seminar |
1 |
Research Methods |
CHEM 598 or Equivalent course /experience approved by UKanTeach in Major Field of Study |
3 |
History of Science |
History of Science course approved by UKanTeach |
3 |