Physics Major, B.S.
Everything around you is influenced or governed by physics — the study of matter, energy, and their interactions with one another. Physics seeks to understand the way the universe “works,” from the smallest neutrinos to the structure of the cosmos. It is the foundation of all other natural sciences, including chemistry, biology, oceanography, geography, and radiography.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers six B.A. and two B.S. degree tracks:
- B.A. Tracks
- Physics
- Astronomy
- Computational Physics
- Energy
- Medical and Biological Physics
- Quantitative Finance
- B.S. Tracks
- Physics
- Astrophysics
Consider a B.A. degree if you’re interested in physics but want to apply your training toward a wider variety of career paths after graduation. Students who completed this program have launched careers as lab researchers, application engineers, data scientists, and financial analysts, among other occupations. Some have also pursued an advanced degree in physics, medical physics, business, law, or computer science.
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
- Apply knowledge of physics and mathematics to solve problems — Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Effectively conduct research under guidance of faculty member — 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 apply 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.S.–Standard Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| 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 401 | Mechanics I 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 412 | Electromagnetism II 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 351 | Electronics I 1 | 4 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 521 | Applications of Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 441 | Thermal Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 481L | Advanced Laboratory I 2 | 2 |
| PHYS 395 | Research with Faculty Mentor II | 3 |
| or PHYS 692H | Senior Honor Thesis Research II | |
| Six additional credit hours chosen from: | 6 | |
ASTR (numbered above 300) | ||
| Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences I | ||
| Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences II | ||
| Physical Computing 2, H | ||
PHYS (numbered above 300) | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| 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 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I (CHEM 102/CHEM 102L are recommended but not required) H, F | 4 |
| Remaining General Education requirements and enough free electives to accumulate 120 academic hours | 49 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| 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.S.–Astrophysics Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| 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 401 | Mechanics I 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 412 | Electromagnetism II 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 521 | Applications of Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 441 | Thermal Physics 1 | 3 |
| ASTR 519 | Observational Astronomy 1 | 4 |
| PHYS 395 | Research with Faculty Mentor II | 3 |
| or PHYS 692H | Senior Honor Thesis Research II | |
| One additional course chosen from ASTR (numbered above 300) | 3 | |
| Six or more additional credit hours chosen from: | 6 | |
ASTR (numbered above 300) | ||
| Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences I | ||
| Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences II | ||
| Physical Computing 2, H | ||
| Electronics I 1 | ||
| Advanced Research Analytics | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| ASTR 202 | Introduction to Astrophysics (CHEM 101/CHEM 101L are recommended but not required) 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 |
| Remaining General Education requirements and enough free electives to accumulate 120 academic hours | 49 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| 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.
It is strongly recommended that students planning to major in physics fulfill the Foundations requirement in English composition and rhetoric by enrolling in ENGL 105I.
Most students will find it advantageous to defer some of the General Education requirements to the junior and/or senior year(s).
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
Sample I (for students placed into MATH 231)
| First Year | 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 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| CHEM 101 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| 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 401 | Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 351 | Electronics I | 4 |
| PHYS 332 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences II | 4 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 412 | Electromagnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 395 | Research with Faculty Mentor II 2 | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 441 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 521 | Applications of Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| One elective course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 481L | Advanced Laboratory I | 2 |
| One elective course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Total Hours | 82 | |
| 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
Courses may be chosen from ASTR (numbered above 300), MATH 528, MATH 529, PHYS 231, PHYS (numbered above 300).
- 2
Students who complete a senior honors thesis (PHYS 691H and PHYS 692H) may use PHYS 692H to fulfill the PHYS 395 requirement in the major.
Sample II (for students placed into MATH 232)
| First Year | 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 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 119 | Introductory Calculus-based Electromagnetism and Quanta H, F | 4 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus of Functions of Several Variables H, F | 4 |
| CHEM 101 & 101L | General Descriptive Chemistry I and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall 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 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 401 | Mechanics I | 3 |
| One elective course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 332 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences II | 4 |
| PHYS 351 | Electronics I | 4 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 412 | Electromagnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 395 | Research with Faculty Mentor II 2 | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 441 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 521 | Applications of Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 481L | Advanced Laboratory I | 2 |
| One elective course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Total Hours | 78 | |
| 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
Courses may be chosen from ASTR (numbered above 300), MATH 528, MATH 529, PHYS 231, PHYS (numbered above 300).
- 2
Students who complete a senior honors thesis (PHYS 691H and PHYS 692H) may use PHYS 692H to fulfill the PHYS 395 requirement in the major.
Astrophysics Option
Sample I (for students placed into MATH 231)
| First Year | 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 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| MATH 231 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable I H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 4 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| 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 |
| ASTR 202 | Introduction to Astrophysics | 3 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| PHYS 401 | Mechanics I | 3 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 332 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences II | 4 |
| ASTR 519 | Observational Astronomy | 4 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 412 | Electromagnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| One additional course chosen from ASTR (numbered above 300) | 3 | |
| PHYS 395 | Research with Faculty Mentor II 2 | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 441 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 521 | Applications of Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| One elective course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| One elective course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 82 | |
| 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
Course may be chosen from ASTR (numbered above 300), MATH 528, MATH 529, PHYS 231, PHYS 351, PHYS 632.
- 2
Students who complete a senior honors thesis (PHYS 691H and PHYS 692H) may use PHYS 692H to fulfill the PHYS 395 requirement in the major.
Sample II (for students placed into MATH 232)
| First Year | 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 |
| First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
| Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
| Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 118 | Introductory Calculus-based Mechanics and Relativity H, F | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus of Functions of One Variable II H, F | 4 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Spring 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 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 281L | Experimental Techniques in Physics | 3 |
| MATH 383 | First Course in Differential Equations H | 3 |
| ASTR 202 | Introduction to Astrophysics | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 401 | Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 331 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences I | 4 |
| One additional course chosen from ASTR (numbered above 300) | 3 | |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 311 | Electromagnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 332 | Numerical Techniques for the Sciences II | 4 |
| ASTR 519 | Observational Astronomy | 4 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 412 | Electromagnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS 421 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 395 | Research with Faculty Mentor II 2 | 3 |
| One elective course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHYS 441 | Thermal Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 521 | Applications of Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| One elective course 1 | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 78 | |
| 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
All majors conduct at least one semester of research under the supervision of a faculty member. Many enjoy the experience so much that they continue for several semesters. PHYS 395 Research with Faculty Mentor II is a required course for all of our BS majors. In addition to PHYS 395, students may also take PHYS 295 Research with Faculty Mentor I as an elective as many times as desired. These courses give students the opportunity to participate in leading-edge research and to gain hands-on experience with a variety of experimental tools and techniques that will enhance their resume. An approved learning contract is required prior to registering for PHYS 295 and PHYS 395, and students must be registered within the first week of classes.
Departmental Involvement
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. The society invites visitors to give talks and sponsors a number of events for students each year.
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.
UNC–BEST
The UNC Baccalaureate Education in Science and Teaching (UNC–BEST) Program is a collaboration between the School of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences and is designed to allow undergraduate science majors interested in teaching high school science the opportunity to earn their science degree and obtain licensure as a North Carolina high school science teacher in four years. UNC–BEST students also fulfill teaching licensure coursework requirements as well as many General Education and elective requirements as they complete courses in teaching and learning.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Pedagogy Course | ||
| EDUC 760 | Methods and Materials for Teaching Secondary/K-12 Subjects I | 3 |
| Educational Foundations | ||
| EDUC 532 | Human Development and Learning | 3 |
| EDUC 615 | Schools and Community Collaboration | 3 |
| EDUC 689 | Foundations of Special Education | 3 |
| Student Teaching | ||
| EDUC 593 | Internship/Student Teaching (final semester) | 12 |
| Seminar | ||
| EDUC 601 | Education Workshops (must be completed during student teaching semester) | 1 |
| Total Hours | 25 | |
Undergraduate Awards
The department gives awards each year to the senior (Shearin Award) and junior (Johnson Award) who demonstrate the greatest academic achievement. In addition, the department awards the major with the most research achievement the Robert Sheldon Award for Undergraduate Research.
Department Programs
Majors
Minors
Graduate Programs
Physics Advisor (Students with Last Names Beginning with K–N, and Astrophysics and Astronomy Majors and Minors with Last Names Beginning with A-F)
Adrienne Erickcek
Physics Advisor and Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies (Students with Last Names Beginning with S-V)
Jennifer Weinberg-Wolf
Physics Advisor (Students with Last Names Beginning with O-R, and Astrophysics and Astronomy Majors and Minors with Last Names Beginning with G-Z)
Dan Reichart
Physics Advisor (Students with Last Names Beginning with W–Z, and Quantitative Finance Majors)
Stefan Jeglinski
