Physics Major, B.A.
Everything around you is influenced or governed by physics. Physics seeks to understand the fundamental workings of the universe, from the smallest particles like neutrinos to the vast structure of the cosmos. It unveils the underlying principles governing the world around us and serves as the cornerstone of all natural sciences, including chemistry, biology, oceanography, and geography.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a range of degree tracks tailored to various interests and career paths:
- B.A. Tracks
- Physics
- Astronomy
- Computational Physics
- Energy
- Engineering Physics
- Medical and Biological Physics
- Quantitative Finance
- B.S. Tracks
- Physics
- Astrophysics
These tracks align with diverse employment opportunities for physics graduates, spanning high schools, government laboratories, financial institutions, medical facilities, data science, and high-tech industries.
Upon graduation, approximately 50 percent of physics bachelors transition directly into the workforce, while others pursue advanced degrees in physics, medical physics, business, law, or computer science.
Opt for a B.A. degree if you seek to blend your passion for physics with complementary disciplines such as computer science, environmental science, biophysics, medicine, engineering, or finance.
Consider a B.S. degree if you intend to pursue graduate study in physics, astronomy, or a related field, or a career practicing physics.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the physics program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of major concepts, theoretical reasoning, and empirical findings in physics and/or astronomy — Knowledge Base in Physics
- Use physics and mathematics knowledge to solve problems — Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Effectively conduct research under faculty guidance — Research and the Advancement of Physics and Astronomy
- Gain entry to top graduate programs, employment as physicists in industry, teaching positions in high school physics and astronomy, or leverage their skills in other rewarding careers — Preparation for Future Career
Requirements
In addition to the program requirements, students must
- earn a minimum final cumulative GPA of 2.000
- complete a minimum of 45 academic credit hours earned from UNC–Chapel Hill courses
- take at least half of their major core requirements (courses and credit hours) at UNC–Chapel Hill
- earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 in the major core requirements. Some programs may require higher standards for major or specific courses.
For more information, please consult the degree requirements section of the catalog.
Physics Major, B.A. – Standard Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| PHYS 118 |  Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| PHYS 201 | Basic Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| or PHYS 401 | Mechanics I | |
| PHYS 211 | Intermediate Electromagnetism 1 | 3 |
| or PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I | |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| Nine additional credits chosen from ASTR (202 or numbered above 300) and PHYS (numbered above 200) 3 | 9 | |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| CHEM 101 | General Descriptive Chemistry I H, F | 3 |
| CHEM 101L | Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| Total Hours | 52 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
Fall course.
- 2
Spring course.
- 3
Mentored research courses (PHYS 295, PHYS 395, and PHYS 293) may only fulfill a maximum of 3 credit hours towards this requirement.
Astronomy (ASTR) and Physics (PHYS) course descriptions.
Physics Major, B.A. – Astronomy Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| PHYS 201 | Basic Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| or PHYS 401 | Mechanics I | |
| PHYS 211 | Intermediate Electromagnetism 1 | 3 |
| or PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I | |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| Six additional credits chosen from ASTR (numbered above 300) | 6 | |
| Three additional credits chosen from: | 3 | |
ASTR (numbered above 300) | ||
| Physical Computing 2, H | ||
| Research with Faculty Mentor I | ||
| Research with Faculty Mentor II | ||
| Senior Honor Thesis Research I | ||
| Senior Honor Thesis Research II | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| One of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Understanding the Universe | ||
or ASTR 101 | Introduction to Astronomy: The Solar System | |
or ASTR 102 | Introduction to Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies & Cosmology | |
or ASTR 103 | Alien Life in the Universe | |
| ASTR 100L | Astronomy with Skynet: Our Place in Space | 1 |
| or ASTR 111 | Educational Research in Radio Astronomy | |
| ASTR 202 | Introduction to Astrophysics 1 | 3 |
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| Total Hours | 55 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
Fall course.
- 2
Spring course.
Astronomy (ASTR) and Physics (PHYS) course descriptions.
Physics Major, B.A. – Computational Physics Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| PHYS 332 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences II 1 | 4 |
| PHYS 201 | Basic Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| or PHYS 401 | Mechanics I | |
| PHYS 211 | Intermediate Electromagnetism 1 | 3 |
| or PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I | |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| Three additional credits chosen from: | 3 | |
| Quantum Computing | ||
| Foundations of Programming | ||
| Three additional credits chosen from: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Astrophysics 1 | ||
ASTR (numbered above 300) | ||
PHYS (numbered above 200) 3 | ||
COMP (numbered above 420) | ||
| Linear Algebra for Applications | ||
or MATH 577 | Linear Algebra | |
| Introduction to Probability | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| COMP 110 | Introduction to Programming and Data Science H | 3 |
| COMP 210 | Data Structures and Analysis | 3 |
| COMP 283 | Discrete Structures H | 3 |
| or MATH 381 | Discrete Mathematics | |
| Total Hours | 58 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Astronomy (ASTR) and Physics (PHYS) course descriptions.
Computer Science (COMP) course descriptions.
Physics Major, B.A. – Energy Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 201 | Basic Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| or PHYS 401 | Mechanics I | |
| PHYS 211 | Intermediate Electromagnetism 1 | 3 |
| or PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I | |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| PHYS 231 | Physical Computing H | 4 |
| or PHYS 451 | Electronics I | |
| PHYS 381 | Renewable Electric Power Systems | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 441 | Thermal Physics 1 | 3 |
| ENEC 2--- | ENEC 200-Level Elective (One ENEC course numbered 200 or above) | 3 |
| ENEC 3--- | ENEC 300-Level Elective (Two ENEC courses numbered 300 or above) 3 | 6 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| Total Hours | 58 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
Fall course.
- 2
Spring course.
- 3
Physics (PHYS) course descriptions.
Physics Major, B.A. – Medical and Biological Physics Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| PHYS 201 | Basic Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| or PHYS 401 | Mechanics I | |
| PHYS 211 | Intermediate Electromagnetism 1 | 3 |
| or PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I | |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 405 | Biological Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 461 | Introduction to Medical Physics | 3 |
| or PHYS 586 | Introduction to Biomedical Imaging Science | |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| BIOL 101 | Principles of Biology H, F | 3 |
| CHEM 101 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I H, F | 4 |
| CHEM 102 | General Descriptive Chemistry II H, F | 3 |
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| Three additional credits chosen from: | 3 | |
BIOL (numbered above 200) | ||
| Introduction to Organic Chemistry I H | ||
| Introduction to Organic Chemistry II H | ||
| Introduction to Biological Chemistry H | ||
PHYS (numbered above 200) 3 | ||
| Total Hours | 58 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
Fall course.
- 2
Spring course.
- 3
PHYS 295 and PHYS 395 with research projects in medical and biological physics, and Introduction to Magnetic Resonance (PHYS 529) are recommended.
Biology (BIOL) course descriptions.
Chemistry (CHEM) course descriptions.
Physics (PHYS) course descriptions.
Physics Major, B.A. – Quantitative Finance Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| PHYS 201 | Basic Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| or PHYS 401 | Mechanics I | |
| PHYS 211 | Intermediate Electromagnetism 1 | 3 |
| or PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I | |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| PHYS/BMME 441 | Thermal Physics 1 | 3 |
| or CHEM 481 | Physical Chemistry I | |
| Three additional credits chosen from the following options 3 | 3 | |
| Financial Accounting 3 | ||
| Business Analytics | ||
| Financial Modeling | ||
MATH courses numbered above 200 | ||
PHYS courses numbered above 200 | ||
COMP courses numbered above 200 | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| BUSI 408 | Corporate Finance 4 | 3 |
| BUSI 580 | Investments H | 3 |
| BUSI 588 | Introduction to Derivative Securities and Risk Management 5, H | 1.5 |
| BUSI 589 | Fixed Income 5, H | 1.5 |
| BUSI 600 | Risk Management 5 | 1.5 |
| BUSI 688 | Applied Trading Strategies 5, H | 1.5 |
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| Total Hours | 57 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
Fall course.
- 2
Spring course.
- 3
Students are strongly encouraged to take BUSI 407.
- 4
-
ECON 101 and one of BUSI 101, BUSI 102, or BUSI 107 are prerequisites for BUSI 408, but these prerequisites may be waived for students in the Quantitative Finance program.
- 5
-
Half-semester course.
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.85. Students majoring in the quantitative finance option cannot pursue the minor in business.
Business Administration (BUSI) course descriptions.
Mathematics (MATH) course descriptions.
Physics (PHYS) course descriptions.
Physics Major, B.A. – Engineering Physics Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| PHYS 201 | Basic Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| or PHYS 401 | Mechanics I | |
| PHYS 211 | Intermediate Electromagnetism 1 | 3 |
| or PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I | |
| PHYS 231 | Physical Computing H | 4 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 441 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 451 | Electronics I | 4 |
| PHYS 481L | Advanced Laboratory I | 2 |
| Six additional credits chosen from the following options 3 | 6 | |
| Research with Faculty Mentor II 4 | ||
| Quantum Computing | ||
| Electronics II | ||
| Physics of Solid State Electronic Devices | ||
or PHYS 573 | Introductory Solid State Physics | |
| Optics | ||
or APPL 430 | Optoelectronics from Materials to Devices | |
| Nanophotonics | ||
| Bioelectronic Materials | ||
| Systems and Signals | ||
| Bioinstrumentation | ||
| Practical Machine Learning for Biosignal Analysis | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| Total Hours | 58 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
Fall course.
- 2
Spring course.
- 3
With at least one PHYS course
- 4
With a research project in Engineering Physics
Mathematics (MATH) course descriptions.
Physics (PHYS) course descriptions.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans can be used as a guide to identify the courses required to complete the major and other requirements needed for degree completion within the expected eight semesters. The actual degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). Students should meet with their academic advisor to create a degree plan that is specific and unique to their interests. The sample plans represented in this catalog are intended for first-year students entering UNC–Chapel Hill in the fall term. Some courses may not be offered every term.
Standard Option
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Major Courses | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| CHEM 101 | General Descriptive Chemistry I H, F | 3 |
| CHEM 101L | Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Major Courses | ||
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 211 or PHYS 311 | Intermediate Electromagnetism or Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 201 or PHYS 401 | Basic Mechanics or Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Two courses (6 hours) chosen from ASTR (ASTR 202 or ASTR numbered above 300) and PHYS (numbered above 200) | 6 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| One course (3 hours) chosen from ASTR (ASTR 202 or ASTR numbered above 300) and PHYS (numbered above 200) | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 63 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Astronomy Option
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Major Courses | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| ASTR 101 & ASTR 100L | Introduction to Astronomy: The Solar System and Astronomy with Skynet: Our Place in Space H | 4 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Major Courses | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ASTR 202 | Introduction to Astrophysics | 3 |
| PHYS 211 or PHYS 311 | Intermediate Electromagnetism or Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 201 or PHYS 401 | Basic Mechanics or Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| One course chosen from ASTR (numbered above 300) | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| One course chosen from ASTR (numbered above 300) | 3 | |
| One additional elective course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 66 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
Three credits chosen from ASTR (numbered above 300) and PHYS 231, PHYS 295, PHYS 395,PHYS 691H, PHYS 692H.
Computational Physics Option
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Major Courses | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| COMP 110 | Introduction to Programming and Data Science (if needed as prerequisite) H | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Major Courses | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| COMP 283 or MATH 381 | Discrete Structures H or Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| COMP 210 | Data Structures and Analysis | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 211 or PHYS 311 | Intermediate Electromagnetism or Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 201 or PHYS 401 | Basic Mechanics or Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 332 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences II | 4 |
| Elective Course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 7 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Elective Course 2 | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
- 1
Three credits chosen from ASTR 202, ASTR (numbered above 300), PHYS (numbered above 200), COMP (numbered above 420), MATH 347 or MATH 577, and STOR 435.
- 2
Courses may be chosen from PHYS 447 or COMP 447 or COMP 301.
Energy Option
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Major Courses | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Major Courses | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| ENEC 2--- | ENEC 200-Level Elective | 3 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 211 or PHYS 311 | Intermediate Electromagnetism or Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 231 or PHYS 451 | Physical Computing H or Electronics I | 4 |
| ENEC 3--- | ENEC 300-Level Elective | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 201 or PHYS 401 | Basic Mechanics or Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 441 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 381 | Renewable Electric Power Systems | 3 |
| ENEC ---- | ENEC GENERAL ELECTIVE (At the 300 level or above) | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Medical and Biological Physics Option
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
| ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Major Courses | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| BIOL 101 | Principles of Biology H, F | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Major Courses | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| CHEM 101 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| CHEM 102 | General Descriptive Chemistry II H, F | 3 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 405 | Biological Physics | 3 |
| Elective course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 201 or PHYS 401 | Basic Mechanics or Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 211 or PHYS 311 | Intermediate Electromagnetism or Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 461 or PHYS 586 | Introduction to Medical Physics or Introduction to Biomedical Imaging Science | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
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Courses may be chosen from BIOL (numbered above 200), CHEM 261, CHEM 262, CHEM 430, PHYS (numbered above 200).
Quantitative Finance Option
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
| ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Major Courses | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Major Courses | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 211 or PHYS 311 | Intermediate Electromagnetism or Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 441 or CHEM 481 | Thermal Physics or Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| BUSI 408 | Corporate Finance | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 201 or PHYS 401 | Basic Mechanics or Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| BUSI 580 | Investments H | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BUSI 588 | Introduction to Derivative Securities and Risk Management H | 1.5 |
| BUSI 589 | Fixed Income H | 1.5 |
| BUSI 688 | Applied Trading Strategies H | 1.5 |
| Hours | 4.5 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BUSI 600 | Risk Management | 1.5 |
| Elective course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 4.5 | |
| Total Hours | 68 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
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Courses may be chosen from BUSI 407, BUSI 410, BUSI 584, MATH (numbered above 200), PHYS (numbered above 200), or COMP (numbered above 200).
Engineering Physics Option
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Major Courses | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
| ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Major Courses | ||
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 211 or PHYS 311 | Intermediate Electromagnetism or Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 451 | Electronics I | 4 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 201 or PHYS 401 | Basic Mechanics or Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 231 | Physical Computing H | 4 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 441 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| One course (3 hours) chosen from PHYS 452, PHYS 395, PHYS 447, PHYS 471 or PHYS 573, PHYS 515 or APPL 430, APPL 435, APPL 463, BMME 365, BMME 385, BMME 575 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 481L | Advanced Laboratory I | 2 |
| One course (3 hours) chosen from PHYS 452, PHYS 395, PHYS 447, PHYS 471 or PHYS 573, PHYS 515 or APPL 430, APPL 435, APPL 463, BMME 365, BMME 385, BMME 575 | 3 | |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
| H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
| F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Special Opportunities in Physics and Astronomy
Honors in Physics and Astronomy
The honors program offers exceptionally well-qualified students an opportunity to perform original research with a faculty member and graduate with honors or highest honors. It requires an overall grade point average of at least 3.3 and a grade point average of at least 3.4 for physics courses at the end of the junior year.
Students who wish to enter the honors program should consult with the departmental coordinator for the program no later than the preregistration period in the spring semester of their junior year.
Undergraduate Research
More than half of our B.A. majors, alongside all B.S. majors, engage in at least one semester of research under the guidance of a faculty member. Many students find the experience so rewarding that they choose to continue for several semesters. PHYS 395 Research with Faculty Mentor II is a required course for all of our B.S. majors. In addition to PHYS 395, students have the option to enroll in PHYS 295 Research with Faculty Mentor I as many times as desired. These courses provide students with the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and acquire hands-on experience with various experimental tools and techniques, which can significantly enhance their resumes. Students may also earn course credit while pursuing internship opportunities in a physics-related industry by enrolling in PHYS 293. An approved learning contract is required prior to registering for PHYS 295, PHYS 395, and PHYS 293. Learning contracts and registration must be completed within the first week of classes.
Departmental Involvement
Within our department, two student-led organizations have their dedicated physical spaces. Both of these student organizations organize events throughout the year aimed at fostering social interaction within our student body, as well as facilitating connections between students and faculty.
The Society of Physics Students is open to anyone interested in physics and is meant to build connections between undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and alumni. Each year the society invites visitors to give talks and sponsors a number of events for students.
The Visibility in Physics is a student organization that aims to provide resources, advice, and a welcoming and encouraging social atmosphere for underrepresented minorities and allies in the field of physics.
Department Awards
The Physics and Astronomy department grants two annual awards to acknowledge academic excellence: the Shearin Award, for the most outstanding senior, and the Johnson Award, for the most outstanding junior. In addition, the Robert Sheldon Award for Undergraduate Research is presented to the student who demonstrates the most remarkable research accomplishments in the major.
Department Advising Program
Within the Physics and Astronomy Department, all majors, alongside their primary academic advisor from the Academic Advising Program, are assigned a department advisor. A list of department advisors can be found on the Physics Department Undergraduate webpage.
These advisors, who are faculty members of the Physics and Astronomy Department, provide guidance to students on physics course planning, facilitate undergraduate research opportunities, offer support through the honors program, assist with internships, explore career prospects, and provide guidance with graduate school and fellowship applications.
All physics majors are required to meet with their department advisor by appointment prior to registering for any semester beyond the fourth term in residence. Further information may be obtained from the department’s website under the Undergraduate Program.
If you are interested in physics or astronomy and you are considering majoring in this field, you should contact one of our department advisors.
Department Programs
Majors
- Physics Major, B.A.
- Physics
- Astronomy
- Computational Physics
- Energy
- Engineering Physics
- Medical and Biological Physics
- Quantitative Finance
- Physics Major, B.S.
- Physics
- Astrophysics
Minors
Graduate Programs
