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Physics

This major in Physics in the Sciences and Letters Curriculum allows students maximum flexibility to develop scientifically oriented careers in fields requiring a physics background through the Physics Concentration (below) or the Physics Teaching Concentration. The Department of Physics also sponsors a major in the Specialized Curriculum in Physics - see below. See also Engineering Physics in the College of Engineering. See the Physics Department for additional information.

Major in Sciences and Letters Curriculum

Physics Concentration

E-mail: undergrad-info@physics.illinois.edu

Degree title: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Minimum required major and supporting course work normally equates to 65-73 hours

General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours

Departmental distinction: Graduation with distinction is awarded to students who complete 8 additional hours of 300- or 400- or 500-level physics courses or advanced courses in closely related technical subjects, and who have attained cumulative grade point averages as follows: distinction, 3.2; high distinction, 3.5; highest distinction, 3.8.

The Physics Concentration is a flexible program for students who plan to pursue technical or professional careers in areas requiring a sound grounding in physical science and mathematics. Students can use the concentration to prepare for employment immediately upon graduation or for continuing on to graduate study in a wide variety of fields. Students who are certain that they want to go on to graduate study in physics or in a closely allied field should also consider the LAS Specialized Curriculum in Physics. In some cases, however, the greater flexibility of the Science and Letters Curriculum may make it a better choice for graduate school preparation for those who want to pursue a combined major and minor, a double major, or double degrees. Students in the concentration must maintain an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 and also a grade point average of at least 2.0 in all required physics and mathematics courses. To be permitted to enroll in advanced physics courses in this concentration a student must maintain at least a 2.0 average in all attempts at science and mathematics courses taken at the University of Illinois.

Students in this concentration must choose an approved elective technical or professional option no later than the end of the second semester of the sophomore year. A set of pre-approved options is available via the departmental web site and from the departmental undergraduate studies office. Students may also design and follow a "custom option" subject to departmental approval. Students completing the Astrophysics option will earn a minor in Astronomy, if appropriate Minor form is filed.

Entering freshmen typically take calculus, chemistry, rhetoric, and PHYS 110 during the first semester and begin the general physics sequence in the second semester. Students with advance placement in mathematics should begin the general physics sequence in the first semester. All students are strongly encouraged to take a Freshman Discovery Seminar during the first year fall semester and plan ahead to allow space in their programs for undergraduate research.

1.Math 220-Calculus (5 hours) may be substituted with four of the five credit hours applying toward the degree. MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus.

Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be taken on this campus.

All foreign language requirements must be satisfied.

A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours). Please see your adviser.

Physics Teaching Concentration

Completion of this concentration fulfills state certification requirements to teach both physics and general science. Certification in other areas can also be earned. In order to remain in good standing in this program and be recommended for certification, candidates are required to maintain UIUC, cumulative, content area, and professional education, grade-point averages of 2.5 (A= 4.0). Candidates should consult their advisor or the Council on Teacher Education for the list of courses used to compute these grade-point averages. http://www.cote.illinois.edu/

E-mail: undergrad-info@physics.illinois.edu

Web address for department: http://physics.illinois.edu

Degree title: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Minimum required course work normally equates to 64-68 hours

General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements. In addition, students must take one of the following speech performance courses: CMN 101, 113, 120, 321, or 323 or THEA 210.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours

Departmental distinction: Distinction is determined by a combination of grade point average and achievement in student teaching. The student's practice teaching experience will be evaluated by the departmental honors adviser and the teaching supervisor. Distinction requires a 3.2 grade point average; high distinction, 3.4; highest distinction, 3.6. Students desiring distinction should consult with the departmental honors adviser during the junior year.

Prerequisites to transfer to the Teaching Concentration: EPSY 201; EPS 201; CHEM 102 and 103, or 202 and 203; MATH 220, 221, 231, 241, and 285; and PHYS 211, 212, 213, and 214 must be completed prior to transfer into the teaching concentration. Candidates must also pass the Illinois Certification Test of Basic Skills before they may be admitted to the program.

In addition to the requirements for the concentration listed below, students must complete the Teacher Education Minor in Secondary School Teaching (37 hours). See the College of Education section for requirements of the minor. Conferral of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences prior to completion of the minor requires approval by petition to the LAS Student Affairs Office. Ordinarily, all students will require 10 semesters to complete this program.

1.Math 220-Calculus (5 hours) may be substituted with four of the five credit hours applying toward the degree. MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus.

2.Curriculum under revision. Consult the Physics advisor before taking MATH 380. Credit is not given for both MATH 380 and MATH 241.

Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be taken on this campus.

All foreign language requirements must be satisfied.

A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours). Please see your adviser.

Specialized Curriculum in Physics

LAS Specialized Curriculum in Physics

E-mail: undergrad-info@physics.illinois.edu

Degree Title: Bachelor of Science in Physics

General Education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 126

Departmental distinction: Graduation with distinctions awarded to students who complete 8 additional hours of 300- or 400-level physics courses or advanced courses in closely related technical subjects and who have attained cumulative grade point averages as follows: distinction, 3.2; high distinction, 3.5; highest distinction, 3.8.

The LAS Specialized Curriculum in Physics is designed for students who plan to pursue graduate study in physics or a closely allied field.   However, students who want to pursue a combined major and minor, a double major, or a double degree should consider the LAS Science and Letters Curriculum in Physics because of the greater flexibility it offers. Students in the Specialized Curriculum beyond the freshman year must maintain an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 and also a grade point average of 2.5 in all required mathematics and physics courses.

Entering freshmen typically take calculus, chemistry, rhetoric, and PHYS 110 during the first semester and begin the general physics sequence in the second semester. Students with advance placement in mathematics should begin the general physics sequence in the first semester. All students are strongly encouraged to take a Freshman Discovery Seminar during the first year fall semester and plan ahead to allow space in their programs for undergraduate research.

1.Math 220-Calculus (5 hours) may be substituted with four of the five credit hours applying toward the degree. MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus.