B.S. in physics with concentration in physics - Sample Curriculum

This information applies to students in the program as of Fall 2015 or earlier.

The sequence of courses shown below is a typical one for a physics major, but other course selections are possible. In particular a student who begins with a good knowledge of calculus might take PHYS 2130-2140 in the freshman year, PHYS 3310-3320 in the sophomore year, and PHYS 4210 in the junior year. Another possibility is the sequence PHYS 2070-2080-2100 instead of PHYS 2130-2140. The student must also satisfy all the degree requirements of the University Core and the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics. The official degree requirements are published in the Catalog of the University of Toledo.

First year

Fall semester

• PHYS 1910 Frontiers of Physics
• PHYS 2130 Physics I
• MATH 1830 or 1850 or 1920 Calculus I
• NSM 1000 Orientation
• ENGL 1110 Composition I

Spring semester

• PHYS 2140 Physics II
• MATH 1840 or 1860 or 1930 Calculus II
• ENGL 1130-1150 Composition II
• Core Humanities

Second year

Fall semester

• PHYS 3310 Modern Physics I
• CHEM 1230 General Chemistry I
• CHEM 1280 General Chemistry I Lab
• MATH 1890 or 2890 Linear Algebra
• MATH 2850 or 2950 or 2880 Multivariable Calculus

Spring semester

• PHYS 3150 Methods of Theoretical Physics
• PHYS 3320 Modern Physics II
• MATH 2860 or 3820 or 3880 Differential Equations
• Core Social Science
• Core Humanities

Third year

Fall semester

• PHYS 3610 Optics and Lasers
• PHYS 4210 Theoretical Mechanics
• Major level BIOL, CHEM or EEES*
• WAC
• Non-Western

Spring semester

• PHYS 3180 Intermediate Lab
• PHYS 3410 Thermal Physics
• US Diversity
• Core Social Science

Fourth year

Fall semester

• PHYS 4230 Electricity and Magnetism I
• PHYS 4580or4780 Advanced Lab
• 10 credit hours electives

Spring semester

• PHYS 4240 Electricity and Magnetism II
• PHYS 4310 Quantum Mechanics
• 10 credit hours electives