School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Physics (BA, BS)
The science of physics seeks understanding of the behavior of matter and energy at the most general and fundamental level. The physicist is trained to explore the physical universe in which people live and seeks interpretations of the natural phenomena found there. While much is known about the physical universe, many phenomena still remain to be investigated, understood, and exploited to the ultimate benefit of humankind. This is the challenge that a modern physicist faces.
Faculty
Cecil and Ida Green Chair in Physics: Roderick A. Heelis
Distinguished Chair in Physics: Myron B. Salamon
Green Distinguished Chair in Academic Leadership: B. Hobson Wildenthal
Professors: Phillip C. Anderson, Austin J. Cunningham, Robert Glosser, John H. Hoffman, Joseph M. Izen, Mark Lee, Xinchou Lou, Wolfgang A. Rindler, Robert M. Wallace, Anvar A. Zakhidov
Professor Emeritus: Ervin J. Fenyves, Walter Heikkila, Brian A. Tinsley
Associate Professors: Yuri Gartstein, Mustapha Ishak-Boushaki, Lindsay J. King, David J. Lary, Chuanwei Zhang
Assistant Professors: Anton V. Malko, Fabiano Rodrigues, Jason D. Slinker
Senior Lecturers: Paul MacAlevey, Beatrice Rasmussen
Affiliated Faculty: Yves J. Chabal, John P. Ferraris, Massimo V. Fischetti, Tobias Hagge, Wenchuang (Walter) Hu, Stephen D. Levene, A. Dean Sherry, Mary L. Urquhart, Duck Joo (D. J.) Yang
The Degrees
The student majoring in Physics must meet the general university requirements for admission and for the specific degree the student is seeking. The Physics Program offers both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees.
Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science is intended for students interested in a professional career in physics or closely related fields. It provides an excellent background for graduate programs in physics, biophysics, geophysics, engineering, medicine and other health related degree programs.
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts program provides an opportunity for a strong base in physics for students wishing to pursue graduate studies (non-physics) in, for example, business administration, economics, finance, oceanography, and patent or high technology law. Additionally, students seeking certification as high school teachers with physics as a major specialization and those seeking employment in industry, government service, and computer technology have the opportunity to obtain the necessary physics background through the BA program. The lower-division course requirements for the BA degree are the same as those for the BS degree. At the upper-division level, 15 hours of advanced physics courses are replaced with 15 hours of science electives.
UTeach Option
The UTeach option may be added to the BA degree in Physics. UTeach Dallas Option degree plans are streamlined to allow students to complete a rigorous Bachelor of Arts degree and all coursework for middle or high school teacher certification in four years. Teaching Option degrees require deep content knowledge combined with courses grounded in the latest research on math and science education. While most graduates go on to classroom teaching, UTeach alums are also prepared to enter graduate school and to work in discipline related industry.
Graduate Studies Track
The recommended course of study toward a Bachelor of Science degree for those students who intend to pursue graduate studies in Physics begins with a two-semester Honors sequence of fundamentals of physics that gives the student a more extensive foundation in basic physics. The remainder of the program is the same as the regular BS program. A total of 120 credit hours are required.
Algebra Based Physics
An algebra based general physics course (PHYS 1301, PHYS 1302) with lab (PHYS 2125, PHYS 2126) is offered for students interested in the health sciences and those curious about the physical world in which we live. It stresses understanding the workings of nature and the physical processes and phenomena occurring therein.
Minor in Physics (20 hours)
A minor is offered that consists of PHYS 2325, PHYS 2125, PHYS 2326, PHYS 2126, PHYS 3411, and three other upper-division physics courses.
Fast Track Baccalaureate/Master's Degrees
For students interested in pursuing graduate studies in physics, the Physics Department offers an accelerated BS / MS Fast Track that involves taking graduate courses in lieu of several advanced undergraduate courses. Acceptance into the Fast Track is based on the student's attaining a GPA of at least 3.000 on a minimum of 30 hours of upper-division courses that include PHYS 3411, PHYS 3312, PHYS 3330, PHYS 3416, and PHYS 4311. Eligible students may take up to 15 credit hours of selected graduate courses that may be used to complete the baccalaureate degree and also satisfy requirements for the master's degree. These credits will partially satisfy the MS degree requirements when the student completes the BS degree. Interested students should contact their advisor during their junior year to apply to the Fast Track program.
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Degree Requirements (120 hours)
I. Core Curriculum Requirements: 42 hours1
Communication (6 hours)
3 hours Communication (RHET 1302)
3 hours Communication Elective (NATS 4310, PHYS 4390 or PHYS 4399)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
6 semester credit hours Government (GOVT 2301 and GOVT 2302)
6 hours American History
3 hours Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective
Humanities and Fine Arts (6 hours)
3 hours Fine Arts (ARTS 1301)
3 hours Humanities (HUMA 1301)
Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (6 hours)
6 hours Calculus (MATH 2413 or MATH 2417 and MATH 2414 or MATH 2419)2, 3
Science (9 hours)
8 hours Chemistry (CHEM 1311 and CHEM 1111, CHEM 1312 and CHEM 1112)3
II. Major Requirements: 66 hours
Major Preparatory Courses (25 hours)
MATH 2413 Differential Calculus2
or MATH 2417 Calculus I
or MATH 2419 Calculus II
MATH 2415 Calculus of Several Variables
or MATH 2451 Multivariable Calculus with Applications
MATH 2418 Linear Algebra
MATH 2420 Differential Equations with Applications4
PHYS 1100 The Fun of Physics
PHYS 2303 Contemporary Physics4
PHYS 2325 Mechanics and PHYS 2125 Physics Laboratory I4, 5
or PHYS 2421 Honors Physics I - Mechanics and Heat and PHYS 2125 Physics Laboratory I4, 5
PHYS 2326 Electromagnetism and Waves and PHYS 2126 Physics Laboratory II4
or PHYS 2422 Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism and Waves and PHYS 2126 Physics Laboratory II4
Major Core Courses (26 hours)
PHYS 3312 Classical Mechanics
PHYS 3327 Electronics with Laboratory
PHYS 3330 Numerical Methods in Physics and Computational Techniques
PHYS 3411 Theoretical Physics
PHYS 3416 Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 4311 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 4373 Physical Measurements Laboratory
PHYS XXXX Physics Elective
Major Related Courses (15 hours)
15 hours of upper division Science Electives
Advanced Writing6
PHYS 4390 Senior Research and Advanced Writing
or PHYS 4399 Senior Honors in Physics
or NATS 4310 Advanced Writing in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics
or Summer Research Project
or COOP program with written final report
III. Elective Requirements: 12 hours
Electives (6 hours)
All students are required to take at least six hours of electives outside their major field of study. These must be either upper-division classes or lower-division classes that have prerequisites.
Free Electives (6 hours)
Both lower- and upper-division courses may count as electives, but the student must complete at least 51 hours of upper-division courses to qualify for graduation.
Physics Electives
PHYS 3317 Physics of the Human Body
PHYS 3380 Astronomy
PHYS 4301 Quantum Mechanics I
PHYS 4302 Quantum Mechanics II
PHYS 4335 Remote Sensing of the Earth
PHYS 4352 Concepts of Modern Physics
PHYS 4371 Solid State Physics
PHYS 4381 Space Science
PHYS 4383 Plasma Physics
PHYS 4395 Cosmology
PHYS 4386 Elementary Particle Physics
PHYS 4V07 Senior Research Projects
PHYS 4V10 Special Topics in Physics
Other Courses
PHYS 1101 College Physics Laboratory I
PHYS 1102 College Physics Laboratory II
PHYS 1301 College Physics I
PHYS 1302 College Physics II
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Degree Requirements (120 hours)
I. Core Curriculum Requirements: 42 hours1
Communication (6 hours)
3 hours Communication (RHET 1302)
3 hours Communication Elective (NATS 4310, PHYS 4390 or PHYS 4399)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
6 semester credit hours Government (GOVT 2301 and GOVT 2302)
6 hours American History
3 hours Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective
Humanities and Fine Arts (6 hours)
3 hours Fine Arts (ARTS 1301)
3 hours Humanities (HUMA 1301)
Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (6 hours)
6 hours Calculus (MATH 2413 or MATH 2417 and MATH 2414 or MATH 2419)2, 3
Science (9 hours)
8 hours Chemistry (CHEM 1311 and CHEM 1111, CHEM 1312 and CHEM 1112)3
II. Major Requirements: 66 hours
Major Preparatory Courses (25 hours)
MATH 2413 Differential Calculus2
or MATH 2417 Calculus I
or MATH 2419 Calculus II
MATH 2415 Calculus of Severable Variables
or MATH 2451 Multivariable Calculus with Applications
MATH 2418 Linear Algebra
MATH 2420 Differential Equations with Applications4
PHYS 1100 The Fun of Physics
PHYS 2303 Contemporary Physics4
PHYS 2325 Mechanics and PHYS 2125 Physics Laboratory I4, 5
or PHYS 2421 Honors Physics I - Mechanics and Heat and PHYS 2125 Physics Laboratory I4, 5
PHYS 2326 Electromagnetism and Waves and PHYS 2126 with Physics Laboratory II4
or PHYS 2422 Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism and Waves and PHYS 2126 Physics Laboratory II4
Major Core Courses (23 hours)
PHYS 3312 Classical Mechanics
PHYS 3327 Electronics with Laboratory
PHYS 3330 Numerical Methods in Physics and Computational Techniques
PHYS 3411 Theoretical Physics
PHYS 3416 Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 4311 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 4373 Physical Measurements Laboratory
Major Related Courses (18 hours)
PHYS 4301 Quantum Mechanics I
PHYS 4302 Quantum Mechanics II
PHYS 4328 Optics
PHYS 4352 Concepts of Modern Physics
6 hours Physics Electives
Advanced Writing (fulfills 3 hours of Core Communications requirement)6
PHYS 4390 Senior Research and Advanced Writing
or PHYS 4399 Senior Honors in Physics
or NATS 4310 Advanced Writing in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics
or Summer Research Project
or COOP program with written final report
III. Elective Requirements: 12 hours
Electives (6 hours)
All students are required to take at least six hours of electives outside their major field of study. These must be either upper-division classes or lower-division classes that have prerequisites.
Electives (6 hours)
Both lower- and upper-division courses may count as electives, but the student must complete at least 51 hours of upper-division courses to qualify for graduation.
Physics Electives
PHYS 3317 Physics of the Human Body
PHYS 3380 Astronomy
PHYS 4335 Remote Sensing of the Earth
PHYS 4395 Cosmology
PHYS 4386 Elementary Particle Physics
PHYS 4371 Solid State Physics
PHYS 4381 Space Science
PHYS 4383 Plasma Physics
PHYS 4V07 Senior Research Projects
PHYS 4V10 Special Topics in Physics
Other Courses
PHYS 1101 College Physics Laboratory I
PHYS 1102 College Physics Laboratory II
PHYS 1301 College Physics I
PHYS 1302 College Physics II
Bachelor of Arts in Physics with UTeach Option
Degree Requirements (123 hours)
I. Core Curriculum Requirements: 42 hours1
Communication (6 hours)
3 hours Communication (RHET 1302)
3 hours Communication Elective (NATS 4390)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (15 hours)
6 semester credit hours Government (GOVT 2301 and GOVT 2302)
6 hours American History
3 hours Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective
Humanities and Fine Arts (6 hours)
3 hours Fine Arts (ARTS 1301)
3 hours Humanities (HUMA 1301)
Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (6 hours)
6 hours Calculus (MATH 2413 and MATH 2414)2, 3
Science (9 hours)
8 hours Chemistry (CHEM 1311 and CHEM 1111, CHEM 1312 and CHEM 1112)3
II. Major Requirements: 66 hours
Major Preparatory Courses (25 hours beyond core curriculum)
MATH 2413 Differential Calculus2
or MATH 2417 Calculus I
or MATH 2419 Calculus II
MATH 2415 Calculus of Several Variables
or MATH 2451 Multivariable Calculus with Applications
MATH 2420 Differential Equations with Applications4
PHYS 1100 The Fun of Physics
PHYS 2303 Contemporary Physics4
PHYS 2325 Mechanics and PHYS 2125 Physics Laboratory I4, 5
or PHYS 2421 Honors Physics I - Mechanics and Heat and PHYS 2125 Physics Laboratory I4, 5
PHYS 2326 Electromagnetism and Waves and PHYS 2126 Physics Laboratory II4
or PHYS 2422 Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism and Waves and PHYS 2126 Physics Laboratory II4
Major Core Courses (26 hours)
PHYS 3411 Theoretical Physics
PHYS 3312 Classical Mechanics
PHYS 3327 Electronics with Laboratory
PHYS 3330 Numerical Methods in Physics and Computational Techniques
PHYS 3416 Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 4311 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
PHYS 4373 Physical Measurements Laboratory
PHYS Elective
Major Related Courses (15 hours)
15 hours of upper division Science Electives
NATS 4694 and NATS 4696 UTeach Apprentice Teaching can fulfill 6 of these hours.
III. Elective Requirements: 15 hours
Electives (6 hours)
All students are required to take at least six hours of electives outside their major field of study. These must be either upper-division classes or lower-division classes that have prerequisites. UTeach courses can be used to fulfill these requirements.
UTeach Requirements (9 hours beyond core curriculum, science electives, and advanced electives)
NATS 1141 UTeach STEP 1
NATS 1143 UTeach STEP 2
NATS 3341 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science
NATS 3343 Classroom Interactions
HIST 3328 History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine
NATS 4341 Project-Based Instruction
NATS 4694 UTeach Apprentice Teaching, 8-12 Science and Mathematics
or NATS 4696 UTeach Apprentice Teaching, 4-8 Science and Mathematics8
NATS 4141 UTeach Apprentice Teaching Seminar
Both lower- and upper-division courses may count as electives, but the student must complete at least 51 hours of upper-division courses to qualify for graduation.
1. Curriculum Requirements can be fulfilled by other approved courses from accredited institutions of higher education. The courses listed in parentheses are recommended as the most efficient way to satisfy both Core Curriculum and Major Requirements at UT Dallas.
2. Two hours of Calculus are counted as Major Preparatory credit; six hours are counted in Core Curriculum. Students may choose either calculus sequence MATH 2413, MATH 2414, and MATH 2415 or MATH 2417, MATH 2419 and MATH 2451.
3. Required preparatory coursework.
4. Indicates a prerequisite class to be completed before enrolling for upper-division classes.
5. PHYS 2125 counted in Core Curriculum.
6. Counted in Core Curriculum.
7. NATS 4390 fulfills Core Communication requirement.
8. Counts as 6 hours of Science Electives Both lower- and upper-division courses may count as electives, but the student must complete at least 51 hours of upper-division credit to qualify for graduation.