Physics, BA

Physics Major Requirements

Bachelor of Arts Requirements

Physics 2311, 2111, 2312, 2112 (General Physics I and II) and 24 advanced credits in Physics that are selected in consultation with the Physics Department are required for the B.A. in physics. The courses that compose the 24 advanced credits regularly include Physics 3320 (Quantum Physics), 3120 (Quantum Laboratory), 3326 (Statistical Physics), 3341 (Optics), 3141 (Optics Laboratory), 3363 (Computational Physics), 4423 (Theoretical Mechanics), 4424 (Quantum Mechanics) and 4327 (Electromagnetic Theory).

In addition, Chemistry 1303, 1103, 1304, 1104 and Math 1404, 1411, 2412 and 3324 are required. Math 4315 is a suggested elective. Knowledge and use of computers is expected. Physics seminar is recommended for juniors and seniors. Physics majors are encouraged to take Philosophy 4333 as an elective.

All students are required to pass written and oral comprehensive exams in the last year of their undergraduate studies. These exams cover topics of all required courses in physics for the B.A. or B.S. degree.

Students who place at the intermediate level in foreign language should complete the language requirement during their freshman year and start Chemistry 1303/1103 and Chemistry 1304/1104 their junior year, while students needing four semesters of foreign language should wait until their junior year to begin the language sequence. Students considering majoring in Physics should apply to the O’Hara Chemical Sciences Institute (see Chemistry) to take General Chemistry I and II in the summer before the freshman year.

Suggested Program Sequence

Course numbers - the 1st digit is the year in which the course is usually taken; the 2nd digit is the number of semester hours credit; and 3rd and 4th numbers are the course identifier for the department.  The order of physics and mathematics classes is important; core classes during the junior and senior years are flexible.   

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3 or Year 4 (Sequence Even Year Fall)

Year 4 or Year 3  (Sequence Odd Year Fall)

Summary - Major Requirements

44 credits in Physics: 2311, 2111, 2312, and 36 advanced credits in Physics that include at least 3 credits in research with research thesis; Chemistry 1303, 1103, 1304, 1104; and Math 1404, 1311, 2412, 3324. Oral and/or Written Comprehensives

Please Note:

• Grades below C- in advanced courses in the major department do not count toward fulfillment of the major requirement.
• The student must earn 38 credits in courses numbered 3000 or above, of which 30 must be earned at the University of Dallas. Advanced hours required for the major apply to this requirement. The last 12 advanced credits in the major must be earned at the University of Dallas.
• The student must earn a minimum of 132 credits, exclusive of first year language courses used to satisfy the basic language requirements.