Sample Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Physics
Year 1 (Fall Semester)
(3) PHYS 120 Frontiers in Physics: Past and Present
(4) CHEM 131 Engineering Chemistry (BPS)
(1) CHEM 135 Engineering Chemistry Lab (EL)
(5) MATH 150 Calculus I (FQR)
(3) ENG 101 English Composition I
(1) FST 101 Succeeding & Engaging at SIUE
17 – Total Credits
Year 1 (Spring Semester)
(3) ENG 102 English Composition II
(3) ACS 101 Public Speaking or ACS 103 Interpersonal Communication Skills
(5) MATH 152 Calculus II (BPS)
(4) PHYS 151 University Physics I (BPS)
(1) PHYS 151L University Physics I Laboratory (EL)
16 – Total Credits
Year 2 (Fall Semester)
(4) PHYS 152 University Physics II (BPS)
(1) PHYS 152L University Physics II Laboratory
(4) MATH 250 Calculus III (BPS)
(3) MATH 321 Linear Algebra I
(3) RA 101 Reasoning & Argumentation
15 – Total Credits
Year 2 (Spring Semester)
(4) PHYS 201 University Physics III (BPS)
(1) PHYS 201L University Physics III Laboratory
(4) PHYS 251 Waves
(3) MATH 305 Differential Equations
(3) Experience Global Cultures, Race, and Equity Education (EREG)
15 – Total Credits
Year 3 (Fall Semester)
(3) IS 364 The Atomic Era
(4) PHYS 304 Intro to Quantum Physics
(4) PHYS 321 Intro to Classical Mechanics
(3) Elective 1*
14 – Total Credits
Year 3 (Spring Semester)
(4) PHYS 323 Statistical Mechanics (Odd Year)
(4) PHYS 406 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves (Odd Year)
or
(3) PHYS 314 Modern Data Acquisition (Even Year)
(3) PHYS 318 Theory and Application of Elect Measure (Even Year)
(1) PHYS 376 Career Preparation in Physics
(3) CS 145 Introduction to Computing
(3) ENG 334 Scientific Writing (BICS)
13 or 15 – Total Credits
Year 4 (Fall Semester)
(3) Breadth Fine & Performing Arts (BFPA)
(3) Breadth Life Science and Health Experience (BLS, EH)
(3) Breadth Humanities (BHUM)
(4) PHYS 416 Principles of Quantum Mechanics
(3) PHYS 499A Senior Assignment Project: Part I
16 – Total Credits
Year 4 (Spring Semester)
(3) PHYS 314 Modern Data Acquisition (Even Year)
(3) PHYS 318 Theory and Application of Elect Measure (Even Year)
or
(4) PHYS 406 Electromagnetic Fields and Waves (Odd Year)
(4) PHYS 323 Statistical Mechanics (Odd Year)
(3) Elective 2*
(3) Breadth Social Sciences (BSS)/Experience U.S. Race, Gender, and Equity (ERGU)
(2) PHYS 499B Senior Assignment Project: Part II
14 or 16 – Total Credits
Total Hours 120
*Elective 1: PHYS 240 or PHYS 410
*Elective 2: Choose one of the following - PHYS 230, PHYS 343, PHYS 450, PHYS 472, PHYS 497
Transfer Students: To maximize your transfer experience, complete the bold course requirements pre-transfer and satisfy either the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) General Ed Core or receive an AA, AS or AAT (early childhood, special ed or math) degree from an IAI community college. If minor requirements are shown, discuss careful course selection with the academic advising contact listed. Visit the transfer credit website to find course equivalency guides.
