Physics: Professional Four-Year Plan

Revised 10/2023

Bold: only offered in indicated semester
Italic: course prerequisites and corequisites (designated by &)
UD: must be admitted to the major prior to enrollment
◊: courses required for admission to this major

Note: CSE prefers these math courses: Math 1371, Math 1372, Math 2373, Math 2374. However, these alternative courses will also fulfill the same requirements, respectively: Math 1271, Math 1272, Math 2243, Math 2263. 

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

  • ◊ Math 1371 Calculus I (placement or prereq) [4cr]
  • ◊ Phys 1301W Intro Physics I (&Math 1371) [4cr]
  • Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]
  • Liberal Education course or Writ 1301 [3 or 4cr]
  • CSE 1001 First Year Experience [1cr]

Spring Semester

  • ◊ Math 1372 Calculus II (1371) [4cr]
  • ◊ Phys 1302W Intro Physics II (1301W, &Math 1372) [4cr]
  • Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]
  • Liberal Education course or Writ 1301 [3 or 4cr]

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

  • ◊ Math 2373 Linear Algebra & Differential Equations (1372) [4cr]
  • ◊ Phys 2503 Physics III (1302W, Math 1372) [4cr]
  • ◊ Phys 2201 Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics (1302W, Math 1372) [4cr]
  • Technical Elective I (recommend CSci 1103/1113/1133) [3 or 4cr]

Spring Semester

  • Math 2374 Multivariable Calculus (1372) [4cr]
  • Phys 2601 Quantum Physics (2503, recommend &3041) [4cr]
  • Phys 3041 Math for Physics (1302W, &Math 2374, recommend 2503 and &2601) [3cr]
  • Phys 3605W Modern Physics Lab (&2503) [3cr]

Junior Year

Fall Semester

  • Phys 4001 Analytical Mechanics (1302W, 3041) [4cr]
  • Phys 4051 Experimental Physics I (&3605W, 3041) [5cr]
  • Technical Elective II [3 or 4cr]
  • Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]

Spring Semester

  • Phys 4101 Quantum Mechanics (3041, 2601) [4cr]
  • Phys 4052W Experimental Physics II (4051) [5cr]
  • Technical Elective III [4cr]
  • Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]

Senior Year

Fall Semester

  • Phys 4002 Electricity & Magnetism (2503, 3041) [4cr]
  • Phys 4201 Statistical & Thermal Physics (3041, 2201, 2601) [3cr]
  • Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]
  • Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]

Spring Semester

  • Technical Elective IV [3 or 4cr]
  • Phys 4303 Electrodynamics (4002) [3cr]
  • UD Physics Elective [3 or 4cr]
  • Open Elective (If needed to reach 120 credits) [3 or 4cr]

Total Credits Needed for Degree: 120

Additional Information

The APAS is the official method for tracking completion of your specific degree requirements. This plan is not a contract and curriculum can change.

Applying to a major: z.umn.edu/csemajorapp

Courses required for admission to this major: Math 1371, Math 1372, Math 2373, Phys 1301W, Phys 1302W, Phys 2503, Phys 2201

All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

Department Contact Information

Website: physics.umn.edu
Main Phone: 612-624-7375 | Main Office: Tate Hall 130
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Professor Rafael Fernandes; rfernand@umn.edu

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What can I do with a major in Physics?

University Degree Requirements

All students must complete the following requirements. Requirements with an (*) will be fulfilled by taking courses at UM-TC required for this major.

Writing Requirements

University Writing:

  • Writ 1301/1401 or equivalent

Writing Intensive (WI):

  • One: Any level*
  • One: Any level*
  • One: 3/4/5xxx level (in major)*
  • One: 3/4/5xxx level (any dept.)*

Liberal Education

Cores:

  • Biological Sciences w/Lab
  • Physical Sciences w/Lab*
  • Historical Perspectives
  • Social Sciences
  • Arts/Humanities
  • Literature
  • Mathematical Thinking*

Themes (choose 4 of 5):

  • Race, Power, and Justice in the US (required)
  • Civic Life and Ethics
  • The Environment
  • Global Perspectives
  • Technology and Society