Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics

4-Year Degree Plan (Sample)

About the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics

There are two tracks for the B.S. in Physics. The Professional Track is designed to prepare students either for graduate study in physics or for employment. The Applied Physics Track is intended primarily for students pursuing degrees in both physics and engineering through the dual-degree arrangements described below.

Academic Advising

College policy on advising requires that students meet with their academic advisors at least once each year, and in some departments, prior to each semester’s enrollment. Advising holds are reset following advising appointments. Students with a declared major are advised in their academic units. To determine who your advisor is and how to contact them, see Onestart.

Degree Requirements (120 cr.)

Students receiving the Bachelor of Science degree in Physics must complete 120 total credit hours including

• The IU South Bend Campuswide General-Education Curriculum (33-39 cr.)
  Note | Math courses required for the B.S. in Physics fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
• World Language (3-6 cr.) Successful completion of a second-semester language class, designated as 102, or formal training, as evidenced by secondary or university diplomas, in a language other than English. The Department of World Language Studies (W.L.S.) offers a placement examination to determine into which semester a student should enroll and/or to qualify students for credit by examination.
• Major concentration and elective requirements.
• Minimum of 30 credit hours at the 300- or 400-level.

Courses required for the major must be completed with a grade of C– or higher. A minimum CGPA of 2.0 is required.

All courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise designated.

Major Requirements (35 cr.)

There are two tracks for the B.S. degree in physics at IU South Bend. The Professional Track is the best preparation for graduate study in physics, while the Applied Physics Track is intended primarily for students who are pursuing degrees in both physics and engineering through our “3/2” dual-degree arrangements with engineering departments at other universities. It is especially important for those interested in completing a 3/2 program to work closely with their advisor to navigate the specific requirements of the engineering school and program of their choosing.

For students completing the Applied Physics Track as part of a 3/2 program, up to 10 credits in approved courses from the partnering institution may be transferred back to IU South Bend to reach the 35 credits in the physics requirements.

Fundamental Core (19 cr.)

• PHYS-P 221 Physics 1 (5 cr.)
• PHYS-P 222 Physics 2 (5 cr.)
• PHYS-P 309 Modern Physics Laboratory
• PHYS-P 323 Physics 3
• PHYS-P 324 Physics 4

Advanced Core (6-12 cr.)

Note | All four courses required for Professional Track; at least two for Applied Track

• PHYS-P 331 Theory of Electricity and Magnetism
• PHYS-P 340 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
• PHYS-P 441 Analytical Mechanics I
• PHYS-P 453 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Physics Electives (1-9 cr. to reach total of 35 cr. in Physics Requirements)

• AST-A 453 Topical Astrophysics
• AST-N 390 The Natural World
• GEOL-G 413 Introduction to Geophysics
• PHYS-P 303 Digital Electronics (4 cr.)
• PHYS-P 321 Techniques of Theoretical Physics
• PHYS-P 334 Fundamentals of Optics
• PHYS-P 410 Computing Applications in Physics
• PHYS-P 473 Introduction to String Theory
• PHYS-S 405 Readings in Physics (1-3 cr.; limited to 6 cr.)

Research (1 cr. min.)

• PHYS-S 406 Research Project (1-3 cr.)

Math Requirements (21 cr.)

• MATH-M 215 Calculus I (5 cr.)
• MATH-M 216 Calculus II (5 cr.)
• MATH-M 301 Linear Algebra and Applications
• MATH-M 311 Calculus 3 (5 cr.)
• MATH-M 343 Introduction to Differential Equations with Applications I

Track Requirements (3-9 cr.)

The following requirements are track-dependent: after consulting with their advisor to choose a path, students should follow the requirements below for either the Professional Track or the Applied Physics Track.

Professional Track (3 cr.)

• Advanced Core Stipulation | All four courses of the Advanced Core must be completed
• Additional Math Requirement (select one, 3 cr.) |

• MATH-M 344 Introduction to Differential Equations II
• MATH-M 447 Mathematical Models and Applications 1
• MATH-M 471 Numerical Analysis 1
• Other 300- or 400-level mathematics course with departmental consent

• Free Electives (as needed to bring degree total to 120 cr.) | Recommendations

• CHEM-C 105 Principles of Chemistry I
• CHEM-C 106 Principles of Chemistry II
• CHEM-C 125 Experimental Chemistry I (2 cr.)
• CHEM-C 126 Experimental Chemistry II (2 cr.)
• CSCI-C 101 Computer Programming I (4 cr.)

Applied Track (9 cr.)

• Advanced Core Stipulation | At least two courses of the Advanced Core must be completed
• Chemistry Requirements (5 cr.)

• CHEM-C 105 Principles of Chemistry I
• CHEM-C 125 Experimental Chemistry I (2 cr.)

• Computer Science Requirement (4 cr.) | CSCI-C 101 Computer Programming I (4 cr.)
• Free Electives | as needed to bring degree total to 120 cr.