Physics, B.S.

Physics majors must take and pass the following courses:

Physics Courses (48 credits)

PHYS 121 - Introductory Physics I (4.00) (F/S)
PHYS 122 - Introductory Physics II (4.00) (F/S)
PHYS 122L - Introductory Physics Laboratory (3.00) (F/S)
PHYS 220 - Introduction to Computational Physics (3.00) (S)
PHYS 224 - Vibrations and Waves (3.00) (F/S)
PHYS 303 - Thermal and Statistical Physics (3.00) (F)
PHYS 320L - Electronics for Scientists (4.00) (S)
PHYS 321 - Intermediate Mechanics (3.00) (S)
PHYS 324 - Modern Physics (3.00) (F/S)
PHYS 330L - Optics Laboratory (3.00) (F)
PHYS 407 - Electromagnetic Theory (3.00) (S)
PHYS 424 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3.00) (F)
PHYS 431L - Modern Physics Laboratory (3.00) (F/S)
(Courses are designated as being offered normally in the Fall Semester, or Spring Semester)

Note:

In addition, six elective credits in physics at the 300 level or higher, one course which must be a three-credit lecture-type course.

Other Courses (25 or 26 credits)

MATH 151 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4.00)
MATH 152 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (4.00)
MATH 251 - Multivariable Calculus (4.00)
MATH 221 - Introduction to Linear Algebra (3.00)
MATH 225 - Introduction to Differential Equations (3.00)
CHEM 101 - Principles of Chemistry I (4.00)

Select one course: 3 Credits

Physics Elective Courses:

PHYS 299 - Directed Research (1-3.00)
PHYS 304 - Fundamentals of Astrophysics (3.00)
PHYS 315 - Galaxies and the Interstellar Medium (3.00)
PHYS 335 - Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere (3.00)
PHYS 402 - Nuclear Physics (3.00)
PHYS 403 - Solid State Physics (3.00)
PHYS 405 - Stellar Astrophysics (3.00)
PHYS 406 - Extragalactic Astrophysics (3.00)
PHYS 415 - Astroparticle Physics (3.00)
PHYS 416 - Cosmology (3.00)
PHYS 418 - Semiconductor Optical Devices (3.00)
PHYS 425 - Relativistic Physics (3.00)
PHYS 428 - Integrated Optics and Holography (4.00)
PHYS 430 - Introduction to Materials (3.00)
PHYS 440 - Computational Physics (3.00)
PHYS 450 - Special Topics (1.00 - 4.00)
PHYS 480 - Techniques in Theoretical Physics (3.00)
PHYS 481 - Techniques in Theoretical Physics II (3.00)
PHYS 490 - Senior Seminar (1.00)
PHYS 499 - Senior Research (3.00)
PHYS 499H - Senior Research (3.00)

Note:

Physics and mathematics courses that serve as prerequisites to other required courses must be satisfied with a grade of no less than “C.”

The cumulative GPA of physics courses at the 300 and 400 level required for the physics major must be at least 2.0

For physics majors, the suggested sequence of courses starts with the basic core, which is usually completed by the end of the first three semesters at UMBC. The basic core consists of PHYS 121 , PHYS 122 , PHYS 122L , CMSC 104 or CMSC 201 , CHEM 101 , MATH 251 and all of its prerequisites.

Sample program:

First Year

Fall

MATH 151 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4.00)
CMSC 104 - Problem Solving and Computer Programming (3.00)
CHEM 101 - Principles of Chemistry I (4.00)

Spring

MATH 152 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (4.00)
PHYS 121 - Introductory Physics I (4.00)
PHYS 220 - Introduction to Computational Physics (3.00)

Sophomore Year

Fall

PHYS 122 - Introductory Physics II (4.00)
PHYS 122L - Introductory Physics Laboratory (3.00) (if not taken earlier)
MATH 251 - Multivariable Calculus (4.00)

Note:

Well-prepared freshmen may elect to begin the introductory physics sequence in the fall semester of their first year.

For example:

First Year

Fall

MATH 151 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4.00)
CMSC 104 - Problem Solving and Computer Programming (3.00)
PHYS 121 - Introductory Physics I (4.00)

Spring

MATH 152 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (4.00)
PHYS 122 - Introductory Physics II (4.00)
PHYS 220 - Introduction to Computational Physics (3.00)

Sophomore Year

Fall

PHYS 224 - Vibrations and Waves (3.00)
PHYS 122L - Introductory Physics Laboratory (3.00)
MATH 251 - Multivariable Calculus (4.00)
CHEM 101 - Principles of Chemistry I (4.00)

Note:

Completion of the basic core will prepare all students to enter PHYS 324 in their fourth semester. A sample program starting in the fourth semester is as follows:

Spring

MATH 225 - Introduction to Differential Equations (3.00)

Select one course: 3 Credits

PHYS 224 - Vibrations and Waves (3.00) (if not taken earlier)
PHYS 324 - Modern Physics (3.00)

Junior Year

Fall

MATH 221 - Introduction to Linear Algebra (3.00)
PHYS 303 - Thermal and Statistical Physics (3.00)
PHYS 330L - Optics Laboratory (3.00)

Spring

PHYS 320L - Electronics for Scientists (4.00)
PHYS 321 - Intermediate Mechanics (3.00)
• Upper-level Physics Elective

Senior Year

Fall

PHYS 424 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3.00)
PHYS 431L - Modern Physics Laboratory (3.00)

Spring

PHYS 407 - Electromagnetic Theory (3.00)
• Upper-level Physics Elective