Physics, Applied

College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Department of Physics
907-474-7339
www.uaf.edu/physics/

B.S. Degree

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Minimum Requirements for Degree: 120 credits; 124 credits for concentration in Technical Management

The science of physics is concerned with the nature of matter and energy for all physical systems, from elementary particles to the structure and origin of the universe. Physics, together with mathematics and chemistry, provides the foundation for work in all fields of the physical sciences and engineering and contributes greatly to other fields such as the biosciences and medicine.

The field of applied physics encompasses those areas that have developed practical applications from fundamental research in physics in the last century, including space physics, plasma physics, condensed matter physics, device physics, surface physics, biophysics, laser physics and reactor physics.

The undergraduate curriculum provides a solid foundation in general physics. Students may study applied physics in one of three concentrations or may design a course of study appropriate for individual goals. Examples outside the approved concentrations could include engineering physics and biophysics. In all cases, the credits in applied physics (items "d" and "e" in each course outline) must be appropriate for the chosen subject area.

The concentration in Technical Management provides an opportunity to combine basic knowledge of physics with an aptitude for leadership in business. Declared physics majors in good standing with appropriate grades, department mentoring, and with approval for some courses are upon graduation welcome to apply to the M.B.A. program in UAF's School of Management. GMAT exam required.

Major -- B.S. Degree with no concentration

  1. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete MATH F200X.)
  2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements. (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete MATH F201X, PHYS F211X* and PHYS F212X*.)
  3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:
    1. Complete the following:
      MATH F202X--Calculus III--4 credits
      PHYS F213X--Elementary Modern Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F220--Introduction to Computational Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F341--Classical Physics I: Particle Mechanics*--4 credits
      PHYS F342--Classical Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism*--4 credits
    2. Complete mathematics credits at the F200-level or above--9 credits
    3. Complete physics credits at the F300-level or above*--9 credits
    4. Complete credits in applied physics***--17 credits
  4. Minimum credits required--120 credits

Concentrations: Atmospheric Physics, Computational Physics, Technical Management

Atmospheric Physics

  1. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete: MATH F200X.)
  2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements. (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete: MATH F201X, PHYS F211X* and PHYS F212X*.)
  3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:
    1. Complete the following:
      MATH F202X--Calculus III--4 credits
      PHYS F213X--Elementary Modern Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F220--Introduction to Computational Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F341--Classical Physics I: Particle Mechanics*--4 credits
      PHYS F342--Classical Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism*--4 credits
    2. Complete mathematics credits at the F200-level or above--9 credits
    3. Complete physics credits at the F300-level or above* **--9 credits
    4. Complete the following:*
      ATM F401--Introduction to Atmospheric Science--3 credits
      ATM F413--Atmospheric Radiation--3 credits
      ATM F445--Atmospheric Dynamics--3 credits
    5. Complete credits in other relevant upper-division courses* **--8 credits
  4. Minimum credits required--120 credits

Computational Physics

  1. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete MATH F200X.)
  2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements. (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete MATH F201X, PHYS F211X* and PHYS F212X*.)
  3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:
    1. Complete the following:
      MATH F202X--Calculus III--4 credits
      PHYS F213X--Elementary Modern Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F220--Introduction to Computational Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F341--Classical Physics I: Particle Mechanics*--4 credits
      PHYS F342--Classical Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism*--4 credits
    2. Complete mathematics credits at the F200-level or above--9 credits
    3. Complete credits in applied physics* **--12 credits
    4. Complete the following in the concentration:*
      MATH F310--Numerical Analysis--3 credits
      CS F201--Computer Science I--3 credits
      CS F202--Computer Science II--3 credits
    5. Complete credits in other relevant upper-division courses* **--5 credits
  4. Minimum credits required--120 credits

Technical Management

  1. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete MATH F200X.)
  2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements. (As part of the B.S. degree requirements, complete MATH F201X, PHYS F211X* and PHYS F212X*.)
  3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:
    1. Complete the following:
      MATH F202X--Calculus III--4 credits
      PHYS F213X--Elementary Modern Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F220--Introduction to Computational Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F301--Introduction to Mathematical Physics*--4 credits
      PHYS F341--Classical Physics I: Particle Mechanics*--4 credits
      PHYS F342--Classical Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism*--4 credits
    2. Complete mathematics credits at the F200-level or above, which can include courses needed for the M.B.A. program, including:
      STAT F200X--Elementary Probability and Statistics or equivalent--9 credits
    3. Complete physics credits at the F300-level or above*--12 credits
    4. Complete the following in the concentration, which can be prerequisites for entrance into the UAF School of Management's M.B.A. program****.
      ACCT F261, F262--Accounting Concepts and Uses--6 credits
      BA F325--Financial Management***--3 credits
      BA F330--The Legal Environment of Business***--3 credits
      BA F343--Principles of Marketing***--3 credits
      BA F360--Operations Management***--3 credits
      BA F390--Organizational Theory and Behavior***--3 credits
  4. Minimum credits required--124 credits

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each course.

** Note: These credits must be in a chosen subject area and approved before the beginning of the student's final semester by the head of the physics department.

*** Prerequisites are MATH F202X, STAT F200X, PHYS F220 or permission of the M.B.A. director.

**** Students can be required to earn a B grade or better if applying for the M.B.A. program.

Note: Must exclude PHYS F103X and F104X from core curriculum natural science requirement.

See General Science.