Read the sections describing general education and CLAS requirements. Refer especially to the Majors and Minors in the College section.

        THE MAJOR: Students with a strong interest in un-derstanding 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 phys-ics, astronomy and astrophysics, science education, most areas of engineering, biophysics, law and medicine. Two curriculum options are available.

        The regular option is normally taken by transfer stu-dents, UF students beginning their mathematics course work at or below the Calculus I level and all other stu-dents not taking the two-year sequence PHY 2060-2061-3062-3063 [See Accelerated Option, described in the next paragraph]. Students in the regular option take a mini-mum of 40 credits in physics, PHY 2048-2049-2048L-2049L or equivalent; PHY 3101 and the bridge courses PHY 3221, 3323 and 3513; PHY 4222, 4324, 4523, 4604, 4802L-4803L and one 3-credit approved physics elective.

        The accelerated option is open to freshmen entering the university with advanced preparation in mathematics and physics, permits an early start and more flexibility for technical and other electives in the fourth year. Eligibility requirements for the accelerated option include a previous complete high school-level physics course and sufficient mathematics preparation (algebra, trigonometry, analytic geometry and calculus) to permit enrollment at the Calcu-lus 2 level (MAC 2312) or higher in the first semester at UF. This track includes a minimum of 38 credits in physics: PHY 2060-2061-3062-3063 and PHY 2048L-2049L; PHZ 3113; PHY 4222, 4324, 4523, 4604, 4802L-4803L and one 3-credit approved physics elective.

        Physics majors must take one year of college-level chemistry and a minimum of six credits in approved mathematics courses beyond MAP 2302 (differential equations) or equivalent. Adequate mathematical prepa-ration before taking certain physics courses is essential and is built into the suggested plans.

        All undergraduate majors are encouraged to partici-pate 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 department adviser as early as possible and especially as their education goals evolve.

        BA in Physics: A proposed BA in Physics currently is moving through the approval process. Interested stu-dents should contact the department or its home page.

        HONORS: Graduation with honors requires a jun-ior/senior level grade point average of 3.5 or higher. For high or highest honors, 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 a minimum of 15 credits, with grades of C or higher, in approved physics courses. Approved courses include a complete general physics sequence (PHY 2048-2049-2048L-2049L or equivalent), a course in modern physics (PHY 3101 or equivalent) and at least two 3-4000 level physics courses, with the exception of PHY 3018, PHY 3036, PHY 3400, PHY 3905, PHY 4905 and PHY 4910L. Students must consult a physics adviser to obtain approval for the minor no later than the beginning of the junior year.

        OVERSEAS STUDY: Consult an adviser or the UF International Center in 123 Grinter.

        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.
 

MET	1010	Introduction to Meteorology
PHY	1033C	Discovering Physics
PHY	2020	Introduction to the Principles of Physics(MAC 1147)
PHY	2464	Physical Basis of Music (MAC 1147)
PHY	3018	Physics of Photography (algebra)
PHY	3400	Light, Color and Holography
PHY	3400L	Holography Laboratory

        Any of the general physics sequence courses (PHY 2004-5, PHY 2048-9 and PHY 2053-4) meet this re-quirement.

        Students with Advanced Placement credit should consult the Academic Advising section for course equiva-lencies. Sequences for the accelerated student are available from any physics adviser or on the physics home page.

        COURSES: There are four course sequences in Intro-ductory Physics:

• PHY 2004-2005 (2004L-2005L) emphasize the practical applications of basic physics to a wide range of professions, including architecture, agricultural sciences, building construction, forest resources, nursing and physical therapy.
• PHY 2060-2061-3062-3063 (2048L-2049L) is a two-year accelerated sequence for students who qual-ify. Interested freshmen should consult an adviser be-fore registering.
• PHY 2048-2049 (2048L-2049L) is the recommended sequence for most science and engineering majors. This sequence provides a balanced, well-paced intro-duction 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, re-quired for all engineering majors.
• PHY 2053-2054 (2053L-2054L) are intended primar-ily for students not majoring in a physical science or engineering field. These courses are usually taken by pre-professional students, especially those who have not taken calculus or who do not plan to take the complete calculus sequence.

Critical Tracking Criteria:
• Complete one MAC and one chemistry course
 
 
 

Semester 2 - Spring	Credits
CHM 2046 Chemistry (GE-P)	3
PHY 2048 Physics/Calculus 1 (GE-P)	3
PHY 2048L Physics Lab 1 (GE-P)	1
MAC 2312 Calculus 2 (GE-M)	4
Humanities (GE)	3
Total	14

Critical Tracking Criteria:
• Complete CHM 2045L by end of semester 2
 
 
 

	SOPHOMORE YEAR
Semester 3 - Fall	Credits
PHY 2049 Physics/Calculus 2 (GE-P)	3
PHY 2049L Physics Lab 2 (GE-P)	1
PHY 3513 Thermal Physics (GE-P)	3
MAC 2313 Calculus 3 (GE-M)	4
Foreign Language	4-5
Total	15-16

 

Critical Tracking Criteria:
• Complete general chemistry, MAC 2312 and PHY 2048 by end of semester 3
 
 

Semester 4 - Spring                                                                                             Credits

PHY 3101 Intro. to Modern Physics (GE-P)	3
MAP 2302 Differential Equations (GE-M)	3
PHY 3323 Electromagnetism 1 (GE-P)	3
Foreign Language	3-5
Humanities (GE)	3
Total	15-17

Critical Tracking Criteria:
• 2.0 cumulative UF GPA
• Complete general chemistry, MAC 2313, PHY 2049 (2.5 GPA or better in these tracking courses) by the end of semester 4
 
 
 

	JUNIOR YEAR
Semester 5 - Fall	Credits
PHY 3221 Classical Mechanics 1 (GE-P)	2
PHY 4324 Electromagnetism 2 (GE-P)	3
PHY 4802L Physics Lab 1	3
Math Elective #1	4
Elective (or foreign language if 4-3-3 option)	3
Total	15

 

Critical Tracking Criteria:
• Complete tracking criteria for semesters 1-4 plus Differential Equations (2.5 GPA or better in these tracking courses)
 
 
 

Semester 6 - Spring	Credits
PHY 4222 Classical Mechanics 2	3
PHY 4803L Physics Lab 2	3
Math Elective #2	3
Humanities or Social & Behavioral   Sciences (GE)	3
Composition	3
Total	15
	SENIOR YEAR
Semester 7 - Fall	Credits
PHY 4604 Quantum Mechanics 1 (GE-P)	3
Science or Math Elective	3
Social & Behavioral Sciences (GE)	3
Biological Science	3
Elective	3
Total	15
Semester 8 - Spring	Credits
PHY 4523 Statistical Physics	3
Physics Elective	3
Biological Science	3
Electives	6
Total	15