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The Major: Students with a strong interest in understanding the fundamental whys and hows of natural physical phenomena are encouraged to consider majoring in physics. The knowledge acquired and analytical skills developed provide excellent broad-based training for a variety of careers in industry, education and government as well as preparation for further graduate study in physics, astronomy and astrophysics, science education, most areas of engineering, biophysics, law and medicine.

The Physics Department offers both Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in physics. The B.S. degree program is intended for those students going to graduate school in physics and related science and engineering disciplines. The B.A. degree program is for students who want to major in physics but are not presently contemplating physics graduate studies. It provides a good foundation in the fundamentals while offering (i) increased flexibility in the major, through fewer required courses and more electives, and (ii) opportunity for parallel studies in another discipline and/or preprofessional preparation.

For either the B.S. or the B.A. degree, two different options are listed below for some of the courses, e.g. PHY 2048 or 2060. In this case, the second course contains selected advanced topics not covered in the first course. Both courses prepare students for taking upper-level physics classes. Students are encouraged to see a physics departmental adviser to determine which course is appropriate for them.

B.S. in Physics: The physics courses required for a B.S. degree are PHY 2048 or 2060, 2049 or 2061, 2048L-2049L, 3101 or 3063, PHY 3221 or PHZ 3113, PHY 3323, 3513, 4222, 4324, 4523, 4604, 4802L-4803L and one 3-credit approved physics elective. One year of college-level chemistry, including one chemistry laboratory course, and a minimum of six credits in approved mathematics courses beyond MAP 2302 (differential equations) is also required. Selected computer science courses may be substituted for one of the math electives.

B.A. in Physics: The physics courses required for a BA degree are PHY 2048 or 2060, 2049 or 2061, 2048L-2049L , 3101 or 3063, PHY 3221 or PHZ 3113, PHY 3323, 3513, 4604, 4802L and any two 4000-level or higher physics courses that are included in the physics major curriculum. One year of college-level chemistry, including one chemistry laboratory course, and a minimum of three credits in approved mathematics courses beyond MAP 2302 (differential equations) is also required. Selected computer science courses may be substituted for the math elective. All grades must be earned with a C or better.

Research: All undergraduate majors are encouraged to participate in research activities. Advanced students may also be eligible to enroll in certain graduate courses, thereby accelerating their education. Physics majors are urged to confer with a departmental adviser as early as possible and especially as their educational goals evolve.

Honors: To graduate cum laude, a student must have a junior-/senior-level grade point average of 3.5 or higher. To graduate magna cum laude or summa cum laude, a senior thesis is required, based on a research project directed by a faculty member. A thesis research project is normally begun no later than the middle of the junior year; the student registers for PHY 4905 or PHY 4910L with the joint approval of a physics adviser and the supervisory professor. Tutorial courses and seminars may also be required. The thesis must be completed at least two weeks before graduation.

The Minor: The minor in physics consists of the complete sequence in general physics PHY 2048 or 2060, 2049 or 2061, 2048L, 4049L; PHY 3101 or 3063 Modern Physics; and any two additional 3000- or 4000-level courses listed in the physics major course sequence. The following courses cannot count toward a physics minor: PHY 3018, PHY 3036, PHY 3400, PHY 3840L and individual study courses.

All grades must be C or better, and no more than three credits at the 3000 level or above may be earned by transfer. Persons interested in pursuing a physics minor are urged to consult one of the physics advisers and obtain the required approval of a minor program of study no later than the beginning of the junior year.

General Education: Several courses meet the criteria in physical sciences (P). Some mathematical training (indicated in parentheses) is desirable or required for many of these courses.

Any of the general physics sequence courses (PHY 2004, 2005, PHY 2048, 2049 and PHY 2053, 2054) meet this requirement.

Students with Advanced Placement credit should consult the academic advising section for course equivalencies. Sequences for the accelerated student are available from any physics adviser or on the physics home page.

Courses: There are four course sequences in introductory physics:

• PHY 2004, 2005 (2004L, 2005L) emphasize the practical applications of basic physics to numerous professions, including architecture, agricultural sciences, building construction, forest resources, nursing and physical therapy.
• PHY 2048, 2049 (2048L, 2049L) is the recommended sequence for most science and engineering majors. This sequence provides a balanced, well-paced introduction to physics. Small discussion groups are an integral part of these lecture courses. A required co-requisite is the calculus sequence through MAC 2313. The one-credit laboratories are normally taken concurrently with PHY 2048 and PHY 2049, and are required for all engineering majors.
• PHY 2053, 2054 (2053L, 2054L) are intended primarily for students not majoring in a physical science or engineering field. These courses are usually taken by preprofessional students, especially those who have not taken calculus or who do not plan to take the complete calculus sequence.
• PHY 2060, 2061 (2048L, 2049L) covers the same material as PHY 2048, 2049 plus selected advanced topics. Students, especially those considering physics as a major, are encouraged to consult a physics departmental adviser to see if this sequence is appropriate for them.

The following is a sample schedule for students working toward the B.S. degree and taking Calculus 1 during the first semester. Students may have different schedules due to their background, when they enter UF, etc. In particular, students are encouraged to take Physics 1 with Calculus as soon as they have had Calculus 1, even if this means delaying chemistry. For all the physics courses, adequate mathematical preparation is essential and is built into the suggested plans. Physics majors should meet with a departmental adviser to planning their schedule.

To remain ‘on track’ for this major, a student must meet the following critical-tracking criteria.

• 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5
• Complete (CHM or PHY 2048) and MAC course

• Complete CHM 2045 and CHM 2045L and MAC 2311

• Complete PHY 2048, CHM 2046 and MAC 2312

• Complete MAC 2313 and PHY2049 with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking course work

• Complete MAP 2302 with a 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking course work