Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Physics degree program at Cal U creates a strong foundation in physics; stimulates intellectual growth; promotes critical thinking and leadership skills; and builds character in students. A foundational natural science degree, this program is designed to assist students in developing a deep understanding of concepts and problem-solving skills, preparing them for a broad range of career opportunities. The Physics program encourages and leads students in outreach service and aims to produce graduates who can:
- Acquire factual and theoretical knowledge of physics.
- Develop laboratory knowledge and skills while sustaining a commitment to safety.
- Employ technology to obtain and utilize physics principles and current discoveries.
- Communicate effectively.
Delivery Mode
Traditional (on campus)
Curriculum
The following eight-semester schedule of courses provides a recommended framework for completing this program of study in four years.
| Course | Credits |
| Freshman Year | |
| First-Semester | 17 |
| CHE 101 General Chemistry I | 4 |
| ENG 101 English Composition I | 3 |
| MAT 281 Calculus I | 3 |
| UNI 100 First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| General Education Courses | 6 |
| Second Semester | 17 |
| CHE 102 General Chemistry II | 4 |
| PHY 101 College Physics I | 4 |
| MAT 282 Calculus II | 3 |
| General Education Courses | 6 |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Third Semester | 16 |
| CSC 120 Problem Solving and Programming Constructs | 3 |
| MAT 381 Calculus III | 3 |
| PHY 202 College Physics II | 4 |
| General Education Courses | 6 |
| Fourth Semester | 16 |
| MAT 382 Calculus IV | 3 |
| PHY 203 College Physics III | 4 |
| Free Electives | 6 |
| General Education Course | 3 |
| Junior Year | |
| Fifth Semester | 16 |
| MAT 406 Differential Equations | 3 |
| PHY 301 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
| PHY 331 Modern Physics | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 |
| Sixth Semester | 12 |
| Adviser-approved PHY Elective | 3 |
| Free Electives | 9 |
| Senior Year | |
| Seventh Semester | 15 |
| PHY 321 Intermediate Mechanics | 4 |
| PHY 495 Physics Seminar | 1 |
| Special Experience Course | 3 |
| Free Electives | 6 |
| Eighth Semester | 12 |
| Free Electives | 12 |
| Total | 120 |
Program Notes: 42 total credits must be at the 300 level or above. At least 18 credits of General Education and free electives must be at the 300 level and above to meet this requirement.
Program Webpage
https://www.calu.edu/academics/undergraduate/bachelors/physics/index.aspx