Physics Comprehensive, Bachelor of Science
Offered by Department of Physics and Astronomy
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | ||
| Foundational Requirements (LOPERs 1-4) | 14 | |
| Including: | ||
| LOPER 4: Mathematics, Statistics, and Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Calculus I with Analytic Geometry 1 | ||
| Broad Knowledge Requirements (LOPERs 5-8) | 11 | |
| Including: | ||
| Take any one course in LOPER 5, LOPER 6, or LOPER 7 that satisfies a Dispositional Requirement (LOPER 9 or LOPER 10) and a Broad Knowledge Requirement. The courses that meet these criteria are listed at https://catalog.unk.edu/undergraduate/general-studies/courses-satisfy-broad-knowledge-dispositional/. See advisor for assistance. | ||
| LOPER 8: Natural Sciences | ||
| General Physics I (Calculus) | ||
| General Physics I (Calculus) Laboratory | ||
| Dispositional Requirements (LOPERs 9-10) 2 | 6 | |
| Wellness (LOPER 11) Optional | 0 | |
| BS Science-related course requirements | 8 | |
| Calculus II with Analytic Geometry | ||
| Differential Equations | ||
| Program Specified Requirements | 5 | |
| General Physics II (Calculus) | ||
| General Physics II (Calculus) Laboratory | ||
| Major Option | ||
| Complete all required courses | 56-62 | |
| Unrestricted electives | ||
| Needed to reach 120 credit hour minimum | 14-20 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Major Option
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Physics Comprehensive Core Requirements | ||
| PHYS 346 | Modern Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 410 | Mathematical Techniques in Physics I | 3 |
| Physics Comprehensive Math Requirements | ||
| MATH 260 | Calculus III | 5 |
| Physics Comprehensive Chemistry Requirements | ||
| CHEM 160 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 160L | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 161 | General Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 161L | General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| Physics Emphasis Requirements | ||
| Select one of the following: | 36-42 | |
Comprehensive Physics Emphasis | ||
Engineering Emphasis | ||
Astrophysics Emphasis | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 56-62 | |
Comprehensive Physics Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Physics Emphasis Requirements | ||
| PHYS 123 | Freshman Physics Seminar | 3 |
| PHYS 360 | Computational Methods in Physics and Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYS 402 | Analytic Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 407 | Electricity & Magnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 419 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 420 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 3 |
| PHYS 430 | Optics | 3 |
| PHYS 435 | Solid State Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 440 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 495 | Research in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 498 | Senior Seminar in Physics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
Engineering Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Emphasis Requirements | ||
| Engineering Core Requirements | ||
| ENGR 101 | Introduction to Engineering | 3 |
| Physics Elective Requirements | ||
| Select 9 credit hours from the following courses: | 9 | |
| Astrophysics I | ||
| Astrophysics II | ||
| Computational Methods in Physics and Astronomy | ||
| Astronomy Methods II | ||
| Analytic Mechanics | ||
| Electricity & Magnetism | ||
| Quantum Mechanics | ||
| Advanced Physics Laboratory | ||
| Optics | ||
| Solid State Physics | ||
| Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Research in Physics | ||
| Engineering Electives | 11 | |
| Computer Aided Drafting for Mechanical Engineering | ||
| Engineering Problem Solving: MATLAB | ||
| Engineering Thermodynamics | ||
| Engineering Circuits I | ||
| Engineering Circuits II | ||
| Engineering Statics | ||
| Mechanics of Materials | ||
| Engineering Dynamics | ||
| Students must take 18 credit hours of engineering classes at 300 level or above from an ABET (Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) accredited university. Three of these hours must demonstrate experiential learning, e.g. Senior Engineering Design. | 18 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 41 | |
Astrophysics Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Astrophysics Emphasis Requirements | ||
| PHYS 123 | Freshman Physics Seminar | 3 |
| PHYS 210 | Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYS 350 | Astrophysics I | 3 |
| PHYS 351 | Astrophysics II | 3 |
| PHYS 360 | Computational Methods in Physics and Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYS 361 | Astronomy Methods II | 3 |
| PHYS 402 | Analytic Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 407 | Electricity & Magnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 419 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 430 | Optics | 3 |
| PHYS 440 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 495 | Research in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 498 | Senior Seminar in Physics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Students without sufficient preparation will also need to take the following courses, increasing the total credit hours needed:
- 2
Designated courses with the appropriate content may be approved to satisfy one of the Broad Knowledge requirements plus LOPER 9 or Broad Knowledge plus LOPER 10. Courses may be approved to satisfy LOPER 9 or LOPER 10 alone. (Courses satisfying LOPER 9 or LOPER 10 alone must be 3 credit hours.) Students applying this option will need to take additional hours in other categories to meet the required General Education hours.
This document represents a sample 4-year plan for degree completion with this major. Actual course selection and sequence may vary and should be discussed individually with your academic advisor. Advisors can also help you plan other experiences to enrich your undergraduate education such as internships, education abroad, undergraduate research, learning communities, and service learning and community-based learning.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| LOPER 1: First-year Seminar | 3 | |
| PHYS 123 | Freshman Physics Seminar | 3 |
| MATH 115 | Calculus I with Analytic Geometry | 5 |
| LOPER 2: Writing Skills | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | ||
| PHYS 275 & 275L | General Physics I (Calculus) and General Physics I (Calculus) Laboratory | 5 |
| MATH 202 | Calculus II with Analytic Geometry | 5 |
| LOPER 3: Oral Communication Skills | 3 | |
| LOPER 5: Visual or Performing Arts | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 3 | ||
| PHYS 276 & 276L | General Physics II (Calculus) and General Physics II (Calculus) Laboratory | 5 |
| MATH 260 | Calculus III | 5 |
| CHEM 160 & 160L | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 4 | ||
| PHYS 346 | Modern Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 410 | Mathematical Techniques in Physics I | 3 |
| MATH 305 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| CHEM 161 & 161L | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 5 | ||
| PHYS 360 | Computational Methods in Physics and Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYS 407 | Electricity & Magnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 430 | Optics | 3 |
| LOPER 6: Humanities | 3 | |
| LOPER 7: Social Science | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 6 | ||
| PHYS 419 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 420 | Advanced Physics Laboratory | 3 |
| LOPER 9: Civic Competency and Engagement | 3 | |
| LOPER 10: Respect for Human Diversity | 3 | |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 7 | ||
| PHYS 402 | Analytic Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 440 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 495 | Research in Physics | 3 |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 8 | ||
| PHYS 435 | Solid State Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 498 | Senior Seminar in Physics | 3 |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
This document represents a sample 4-year plan for degree completion with this major. Actual course selection and sequence may vary and should be discussed individually with your academic advisor. Advisors can also help you plan other experiences to enrich your undergraduate education such as internships, education abroad, undergraduate research, learning communities, and service learning and community-based learning.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| LOPER 1: First-year Seminar | 3 | |
| PHYS 123 | Freshman Physics Seminar | 3 |
| MATH 115 | Calculus I with Analytic Geometry | 5 |
| LOPER 2: Writing Skills | 3 | |
| LOPER 3: Oral Communication Skills | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | ||
| PHYS 275 & 275L | General Physics I (Calculus) and General Physics I (Calculus) Laboratory | 5 |
| MATH 202 | Calculus II with Analytic Geometry | 5 |
| PHYS 210 | Astronomy | 3 |
| LOPER 5: Visual or Performing Arts | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 3 | ||
| PHYS 276 & 276L | General Physics II (Calculus) and General Physics II (Calculus) Laboratory | 5 |
| MATH 260 | Calculus III | 5 |
| CHEM 160 & 160L | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 4 | ||
| PHYS 346 | Modern Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 410 | Mathematical Techniques in Physics I | 3 |
| MATH 305 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| CHEM 161 & 161L | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 5 | ||
| PHYS 360 | Computational Methods in Physics and Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYS 407 | Electricity & Magnetism | 4 |
| PHYS 430 | Optics | 3 |
| LOPER 6: Humanities | 3 | |
| LOPER 7: Social Science | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 6 | ||
| PHYS 419 | Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 361 | Astronomy Methods II | 3 |
| LOPER 9: Civic Competency and Engagement | 3 | |
| LOPER 10: Respect for Human Diversity | 3 | |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 7 | ||
| PHYS 402 | Analytic Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 440 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 495 | Research in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 350 | Astrophysics I | 3 |
| Unrestricted Elective | 2 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 8 | ||
| PHYS 351 | Astrophysics II | 3 |
| PHYS 498 | Senior Seminar in Physics | 3 |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
This document represents a sample 4-year plan for degree completion with this major. Actual course selection and sequence may vary and should be discussed individually with your academic advisor. Advisors can also help you plan other experiences to enrich your undergraduate education such as internships, education abroad, undergraduate research, learning communities, and service learning and community-based learning.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| LOPER 1: First-year Seminar | 3 | |
| ENGR 101 | Introduction to Engineering | 3 |
| MATH 115 | Calculus I with Analytic Geometry | 5 |
| LOPER 2: Writing Skills | 3 | |
| LOPER 3: Oral Communication Skills | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | ||
| PHYS 275 & 275L | General Physics I (Calculus) and General Physics I (Calculus) Laboratory | 5 |
| MATH 202 | Calculus II with Analytic Geometry | 5 |
| LOPER 5: Visual or Performing Arts | 3 | |
| LOPER 6: Humanities | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 3 | ||
| PHYS 276 & 276L | General Physics II (Calculus) and General Physics II (Calculus) Laboratory | 5 |
| MATH 260 | Calculus III | 5 |
| CHEM 160 & 160L | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| ENGR Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 4 | ||
| PHYS 346 | Modern Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 410 | Mathematical Techniques in Physics I | 3 |
| MATH 305 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| CHEM 161 & 161L | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| ENGR Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 5 | ||
| ENGR Elective | 4 | |
| PHYS Elective | 4 | |
| LOPER 7: Social Science | 3 | |
| LOPER 9: Civic Competency and Engagement | 3 | |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 6 | ||
| ENGR Elective | 3 | |
| PHYS Elective | 3 | |
| PHYS Elective | 3 | |
| LOPER 10: Respect for Human Diversity | 3 | |
| Unrestricted Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 7 | ||
| Semester is spent at UNL for completion of 3+2 degree. For this semester, see UNL for suggested class schedule. | ||
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 8 | ||
| Semester is spent at UNL for completion of 3+2 degree. For this semester, see UNL for suggested class schedule. | ||
Students may take ACE courses in place of LOPER courses to fulfill General Education requirements. See your advisor for more information.