Physics Major
Notice of Addendum: The requirements for this program were updated effective Fall 2024 and have been published on Addenda to this Catalog.
Program Director: Carter Hall, Ph.D.
Physics is an exciting and rewarding field of study. Physicists make important discoveries that often change the way we live by examining the way things work, and there are still many discoveries to be made.
At Maryland, physics majors benefit from small class-sizes, outstanding teachers and very talented classmates. However, we believe that the most important physics education occurs outside the classroom, and we encourage all of our majors to participate in cutting-edge research with our internationally recognized faculty. Through participation in research projects, our students learn what it takes to conduct world-class scientific research. Whether students decide to continue to study physics in graduate school or work in fields such as engineering, software development, law, business or education, a bachelor's degree in physics from Maryland provides an excellent foundation.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students are expected to fully engage with the curriculum and the opportunities presented for learning and research. Having completed the degree program, students should have acquired the following knowledge and skills:
- A thorough knowledge of the core areas of physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics, and quantum mechanics at a level compatible with admission to graduate programs in physics at peer institutions.
- The ability to analyze and interpret quantitative results, both in the core areas of physics and in complex problems that cross multiple core areas.
- An ability to assess and solve unfamiliar problems in physics using the knowledge and skills acquired.
- The ability to use contemporary experimental apparatus common to the study of physical phenomena, and have the ability to acquire, analyze and interpret scientific data.
- The ability to communicate scientific results effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Notice of Addendum: The requirements for this program were updated effective Fall 2024 and have been published on Addenda to this Catalog.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses Required for All Specializations | ||
| PHYS170 | Professional Physics Seminar | 1 |
| PHYS171 | Introductory Physics: Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS265 | Introduction to Scientific Programming 1 | 3 |
| PHYS272 | Introductory Physics: Fields | 3 |
| PHYS273 | Introductory Physics: Oscillations and Waves | 3 |
| PHYS275 | Experimental Physics I: Mechanics and Waves | 2 |
| PHYS276 | Experimental Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | 2 |
| MATH140 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH141 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH241 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH243 | Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | 4 |
| or MATH240 & MATH246 | Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Additional Courses for Specializations
Complete one of the following specializations: Physics, Education Physics, Biophysics, or Applied Physics.
ADDITIONAL COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE PHYSICS MAJOR:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS313 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 4 |
| PHYS371 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS375 | Experimental Physics III: Electromagnetic Waves, Optics and Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS401 | Quantum Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS402 | Quantum Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS404 | Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHYS405 | Advanced Experiments 2 | 3 |
| PHYS410 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS413 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS4XX | (Advanced Physics Elective) 3 | 3 |
| PHYS4XY | (Advanced Physics Elective) 3 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
ADDITIONAL COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE EDUCATION PHYSICS SPECIALIZATION:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Education Courses | ||
| TLPL101 | Inquiry Approach to Teaching STEM (Step 1) | 1 |
| TLPL102 | Inquiry Teaching of STEM in Middle School | 2 |
| Upper-level and Supporting Courses | ||
| TLPL401 | Student-Centered Curriculum and Instruction | 3 |
| TLPL414 | Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science | 3 |
| TLPL415 | Perspectives in Science | 3 |
| EDHD426 | Cognitive and Motivational Literacy Content | 3 |
| PHYS313 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 4 |
| PHYS371 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS375 | Experimental Physics III: Electromagnetic Waves, Optics and Modern Physics | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Quantum Physics I | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics | ||
| Classical Mechanics | ||
| Electricity and Magnetism II | ||
| PHYS4XY | (Advanced Physics Elective) | 3-4 |
| Total Credits | 31-33 | |
The Education Physics area of concentration is designed to accommodate students obtaining a teaching certificate through the College of Education. However, completing all the courses in the Education Physics area of concentration does not in itself satisfy all requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate. Students pursuing the Education Physics area of concentration who want to also obtain a teaching certificate in secondary education must first apply and be admitted to the Secondary Education Program in the College of Education and then complete additional courses in that program.
ADDITIONAL COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE BIOPHYSICS SPECIALIZATION:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BSCI170 | Principles of Molecular & Cellular Biology | 3 |
| BSCI171 | Principles of Molecular & Cellular Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM131 | Chemistry I - Fundamentals of General Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM132 | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM231 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM232 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM241 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM242 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CHEM271 | General Chemistry and Energetics | 2 |
| CHEM272 | General Bioanalytical Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| BSCI330 | Cell Biology and Physiology | 4 |
| BCHM461 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| PHYS313 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS371 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS404 | Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHYS4XY | 3 | |
| PHYS483 | (Biophysics) | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Experimental Physics III: Electromagnetic Waves, Optics and Modern Physics | ||
BSCI4XY - Any Approved 400-level BSCI Elective | ||
| Note: Students interested in medical school should consult a pre-med advisor (prehealth.umd.edu) for additional course recommendations. | ||
| Total Credits | 45 | |
ADDITIONAL COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE APPLIED PHYSICS SPECIALIZATION:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENME272 | Introduction to Computer Aided Design | 2 |
| PHYS313 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 4 |
| PHYS371 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS375 | Experimental Physics III: Electromagnetic Waves, Optics and Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS401 | Quantum Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS404 | Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHYS413 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHYS474 | Computational Physics | 3 |
| PHYS456 | Making Physics Experiments | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Electronic Circuits | ||
PHYS487 | (Computerized Instrumentation) | |
| PHYS4XY - Any Approved 400-level PHYS Elective | ||
| Total Credits | 31 | |
- 1
Students with prior programming experience may take PHYS474, an upper-level, computational physics course, instead of PHYS265. This advanced course may be used for an Advanced Physics Elective as well.
- 2
PHYS405 in The Physics Major may be replaced by the two course sequence: PHYS406, PHYS407.
- 3
Students completing a second major from a CMNS or Engineering department may use an upper-level course from that program in place of one of the Advanced Physics Electives.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR
Students must complete all courses required for the major with a grade of "C-" or higher.
Click here for roadmaps for graduation plans in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.
Additional information on developing a graduation plan can be found on the following pages:
- http://4yearplans.umd.edu
- the Student Academic Success-Degree Completion Policy section of this catalog