Physics, B.S.

 Bison image - General Education Course

 Cap graduation image - Milestone course: a key success marker for your major. See your advisor to discuss the importance of this course in your plan of study.

The Core Curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking skills and introduce students to basic domains of thinking that transcend disciplines. The Core applies to all majors. Information on specific classes in the Core can be found at https://www.marshall.edu/gened/.

Course Requirements

Core Curriculum
Core 1: Critical Thinking
FYS 100First Yr Sem Critical Thinking3
MTH 229 Bison image  Cap graduation image Calculus/Analytic Geom I (CT)5
Critical Thinking Course3
Core 2
ENG 101 Bison image  Cap graduation image Beginning Composition3
ENG 201 Bison image  Cap graduation image Advanced Composition3
Core II Communication3
MTH 229 Bison image  Cap graduation image Calculus/Analytic Geom I (CT)5
Core II Humanities3
Core II Social Science3
Core II Fine Arts3
PHY 211 Bison image
& PHY 202 Bison image
University Physics I
and General Physics I Laboratory (Core II Physical/Natural Science)
5
Additional University Requirements
Writing Intensive3
Writing Intensive3
Multicultural or International3
PHY 491 Bison image
& PHY 492 Bison image
Capstone
and Capstone
2
Major-Specific
PHY 211 Bison image University Physics I4
PHY 202 Bison image  Cap graduation image General Physics I Laboratory1
PHY 213 Bison image University Physics II4
PHY 204 Bison image General Physics 2 Laboratory1
PHY 304 Cap graduation image Optics3
PHY 405 Cap graduation image Optics Lab2
PHY 308Thermal Physics3
PHY 300 Cap graduation image Electricity & Magnetism3
PHY 330 Cap graduation image Mechanics3
PHY 320 Cap graduation image Intro Modern Physics3
PHY 421 Cap graduation image Modern Physics Lab2
PHY 442 Cap graduation image Quantum Mechanics3
PHY 445Math Methods of Physics3
PHY 446Math Methods of Physics II3
PHY 302Electricity & Magnetism II3
PHY 443Quantum Mechanics II3
PHY 491 Bison image
& PHY 492 Bison image
Capstone
and Capstone
2
MTH 230 Bison image  Cap graduation image Calculus/Analytic Geom II4
MTH 231 Bison image Calculus/Analytic Geom III4
MTH 335Ordinary Diff Equations3
CHM 211 Bison image Principles of Chemistry I (Recommended)3
CHM 217 Bison image Principles of Chem Lab I (Recommended)2
CHM 212 Bison image Principles Chemistry II (Recommended)3
CHM 218 Bison image Principles of Chem Lab II (Recommended)2
PHY Elective5
Solid State Physics
and Advanced Laboratory (Recommended)
Free Elective4
Free Elective3
Free Elective3

Major Information

  • Students are required to know and track their degree requirements for graduation or for entrance to a professional school.
  • In addition to the Core General Education requirements, the College of Science requires 3 hours of Calculus, coursework listed as “elective” may vary for each student. Students are encouraged to use elective hours toward a 2nd minor or toward prerequisites.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to select courses that meet two or more Core or College requirements. For example, a writing intensive literature course could satisfy the Core II humanities requirement as well as the university writing intensive requirement.
  • Course offerings and course attributes are subject to change each semester. Please consult each semester’s schedule of courses for availability and attributes.
  • Math is based on an ACT Mathematics score of 27 or higher. Students with an ACT Mathematics score less than 27 will be placed in the appropriate prerequisite mathematics and science courses.
  • In order to graduate, students must maintain a 2.00 Overall GPA and receive a grade of C or better in each course required for the major.
  • Advanced physics courses are offered every two to three semesters; check with the Physics Department for availability.
  • Let the Department Chair know if you have an interest in a particular elective course as soon as possible.

 Bison image - General Education Course

 Cap graduation image - Milestone course: a key success marker for your major. See your advisor to discuss the importance of this course in your plan of study.

Semester Plan

A course of study in physics, resulting in a B.S. degree in physics, prepares students for a wide variety of opportunities, such as engineering careers in the private sector, careers in the health professions, employment in industry and government laboratories, advanced technology jobs in science and technology related fields, and careers as science teachers. The B.S. degree program is also excellent preparation for advanced degrees in physics, astronomy, engineering, medicine, or law. Physics is designed for those who are interested in future study or work in a pure physics or physics-related field.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
First SemesterCredit Hours
PHY 202 Bison image  Cap graduation image General Physics I Laboratory 1
PHY 211 Bison image University Physics I 4
MTH 229 Bison image  Cap graduation image Calculus/Analytic Geom I (CT) 5
FYS 100 First Yr Sem Critical Thinking 3
ENG 101 Bison image  Cap graduation image Beginning Composition 3
UNI 100 Freshman First Class 1
 Credit Hours17
Second Semester
MTH 230 Bison image  Cap graduation image Calculus/Analytic Geom II 4
PHY 204 Bison image General Physics 2 Laboratory 1
PHY 213 Bison image University Physics II 4
ENG 201 Bison image  Cap graduation image Advanced Composition 3
Core I Critical Thinking 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
First Semester
MTH 231 Bison image Calculus/Analytic Geom III 4
PHY 320 Cap graduation image Intro Modern Physics 3
PHY 421 Cap graduation image Modern Physics Lab 2
PHY 445 Math Methods of Physics 3
Core II Communication 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Semester
PHY 446 Math Methods of Physics II 3
PHY 304 Cap graduation image Optics 3
PHY 405 Cap graduation image Optics Lab 2
MTH 335 Ordinary Diff Equations 3
Core II Social Science 3
Writing Intensive Elective 3
 Credit Hours17
Third Year
First Semester
PHY 308 Thermal Physics 3
PHY 330 Mechanics 3
PHY 300 Cap graduation image Electricity & Magnetism 3
Writing Intensive Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Semester
PHY 302 Electricity & Magnetism II 3
PHY 442 Cap graduation image Quantum Mechanics 3
Core II Humanities 3
Multicultural or International 3
Core II Fine Arts 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
First Semester
PHY 443 Quantum Mechanics II 3
PHY 491 Bison image Capstone 1
CHM 211 Bison image Principles of Chemistry I (Recommended) 3
CHM 217 Bison image Principles of Chem Lab I (Recommended) 2
PHY Elective: 5
Solid State Physics
and Advanced Laboratory (Recommended)
 Credit Hours14
Second Semester
CHM 212 Bison image Principles Chemistry II (Recommended) 3
CHM 218 Bison image Principles of Chem Lab II (Recommended) 2
PHY 492 Bison image Capstone 1
Free Elective 4
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours13
 Total Credit Hours121