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B.A. Physics Requirements

Physics Major Requirements

Bachelor of Arts Requirements

Physics 2311, 211, 2312, 2112 (General Physics I and II) and 24 advanced credits in Physics that are selected in consultation with the faculty of 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, 1004, 1311, and 2312 are required. At least two of Math 3324, 3310,3315, and 3338 are suggested electives. (Most physics majors receive a concentration in applied mathematics.)

All students are required to pass a written comprehensive examination in the fall of their senior year. This exam covers topics from all required courses in physics for the B.A. or B.S. degree. It is given early in the semester, in case a retake is necessary.

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

Fall Semester ENG 1301:  Literary Traditions I
MAT1404:  Calculus I
CHE 1303-1103:  General Chemistry & Lab           
PHY 2311-2111:  General Physics I & Lab      
Spring Semester ENG 1302:  Literary Traditions II                    
PHY 2312-2112:  General Physics II & Lab           
CHE 1304-1104:  General Chemistry II & Lab         
MAT 1411:  Calculus II

Year 2

Fall Semester PHY 3363:   Computational Physics or elective
THE 1310:  Understanding the Bible
PHI 1301:  Philosophy & the Ethical Life
PHY 3320-3120:  Quantum Physics & Lab
MAT 2412:  Calculus III
Spring Semester ENG 2311:  Literary Traditions III (Rome)
HIS 2301:  Western Civilization I (Rome)
THE 2311:  Western Theological Tradition (Rome)
PHI 2323:  Philosophy of Man (Rome)
History of Art/Theatre History/Music History

Year 3 or Year 4 (Sequence Even Year Fall)

Fall Semester MAT 3324:  Differential Equations
PHI 3311:  Philosophy of Being
PHY 4423:  Theoretical Mechanics
PHY 3363: Computational Physics or elective
Lang 2311:  Intermediate I 
Spring Semester PHY 3333-3133:  Electronics and Lab
PHY 4424:  Quantum Mechanics
POL 1311:  Principles of American Politics
HIS 1311:  American Civilization I 
Lang 2312: Intermediate II 

Year 4 or Year 3  (Sequence Odd Year Fall)

Fall Semester PHY 3326:  Statistical Physics
PHY 4327:  Electromagnetic Theory                               
PHY 4V43 or 4V44:  Research
PHY 4153:  Physics Seminar
HIS 2302:  Western Civilization II
ECO 1311:  Fundamentals of Economics 
Spring Semester PHY 3341-3141:  Optics and Lab
PHY 4328:  Electrodynamics
PHI 4333:  Philosophy of Science (recommended)
BIO:  Biological Science
PHY 4000 Level Elective

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.

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