A physics major provides a wide range of career options. Many students pursue further studies in physics, other scientific disciplines, and various branches of engineering and medicine. Professional physicists work in universities and government laboratories seeking answers to fundamental questions about nature, in industry leading the development of new technologies, and in the medical sector performing clinical service and research. The analytical, problem-solving, and communications skills acquired by physics majors also lead to career opportunities in business and finance.

The Department of Physics offers two undergraduate degree programs: The Bachelor of Science (BS) is intended for students who wish to pursue graduate study in physics as well as for other students with a deep interest in the subject. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is intended for students who seek the benefits of a Physics degree but desire greater flexibility to follow interests in other fields.

Nanoscience

The Physics BS specialization in Nanoscience requires a minimum of 41 credits in Physics including a specific Physics elective, 3 specific courses outside of Physics (9-11 credits), and 28 other credits of related coursework. Minimum grades of C are required for coursework counted toward the major. The coursework is listed below in three different categories: Physics Required Coursework, Required Electives for the Nanoscience specialization, and Related Coursework required for all Physics BS degrees.

Required Coursework

Required Course Outside of Physics | Nanoscience

Related Coursework

• Three semesters of Calculus (MAC 2311, MAC 2312, MAC 2313; 12 credits)
• One year of college-level general chemistry, including one chemistry laboratory course (CHM 2045 and CHM 2046, CHM 2045L; 7 credits)
• Differential Equations MAP 2302 (3 credits)
• Six credits minimum in approved math courses beyond MAP 2302 Differential Equations.
• Certain computer science courses may substitute for one of the math electives.
• Minimum grades of C for coursework counted toward the major

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• Complete CHM 1025 or CHM 2045; or PHY 2048 or PHY 2060; and a MAC course with minimum grades of C
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 2

• Complete CHM 2045/CHM 2045L and MAC 2311 with minimum grades of C
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 3

• Complete CHM 2046, MAC 2312, and PHY 2048 or PHY 2060 with minimum grades of C
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 4

• Complete MAC 2313; and PHY 2049 or PHY 2061 with minimum grades of C
• 2.5 critical-tracking GPA required
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 5

• Complete MAP 2302 with a minimum grade of C
• Complete 2 required 3000-level physics courses with minimum grades of C (upper-division tracking)
• 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 6

• Complete the remaining required 3000-level physics courses with minimum grades of C
• Complete 1 of 4 courses required for the Nanoscience specialization
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 7

• Complete PHY 4802L or PHY 4803L
• Complete 2 required 4000-level physics courses with minimum grades of C in addition to PHY 4802L
• Complete 2 of 4 courses required for the Nanoscience specialization
• 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 8

• Complete the remaining required 4000-level physics courses with minimum grades of C
• Complete 1 4000-level or higher physics elective with a minimum grade of C
• Complete all 4 courses required for the Nanoscience specialization
• 2.0 UF GPA required

This plan is structured for students taking Calculus 1 the first semester. Students can have different schedules when they enter UF because of their backgrounds. In particular, students are encouraged to take Physics with Calculus 1 (PHY 2048 or PHY 2060) as soon as they have completed Calculus 1, even if this means delaying chemistry. For all physics courses, adequate mathematical preparation is essential and is built into the suggested plans. Physics majors should meet with a department advisor before planning their schedules.

Additional sample schedules are available on the department's website.
More Info

Students are expected to complete the Writing Requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the General Education International (GE-N) and Diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another General Education requirement (typically, GE-C, H, or S).

MAC 2312, MAC 2313, MAP 2302, and math electives count towards 3000 level or above electives outside of the major.

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

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Minimum grade of C required.

The laws of Physics are the starting point for most scientific research and engineering applications. Students majoring in Physics obtain broad-based knowledge and experience applying these laws as well as hands-on experience building electronic equipment and performing experiments. Many students go on to graduate study in physics, and a considerable number pursue advanced degrees in other science disciplines, all branches of engineering and medical school. Physics majors are employed in industry doing applied work and in academia seeking the answers to fundamental questions.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Pass the UF physics field test, which consists of five parts. One part is given in each of these required courses:

  Course List

  Code	Title	Credits
  PHY 2060	Enriched Physics with Calculus 1	3
  or PHY 3221	Mechanics 1
  PHY 3323	Electromagnetism 1	3
  PHY 3513	Thermal Physics 1	3
  PHY 4604	Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1	3
  PHY 4802L	Laboratory Physics 1	3

• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes | SLOs

Content

1. Identify, define, and describe the core fields of physics: classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics, and quantum mechanics.
2. Identify, define, and explain experimental physics and data analysis.

Critical Thinking

3. Formulate, solve problems, and draw conclusions from data.

Communication

4. Effectively and clearly communicate ideas in speech and in writing in an accepted style.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Field test
• Report
• Presentation