The nature of physics makes an understanding of its principles, techniques and limitations important in the understanding of all sciences.
This program will challenge you to:
- Build a solid foundation in math and physics that will allow for maximum academic exploration and career flexibility.
- Appreciate the historical connections to metaphysics and natural philosophy.
- Apply physical science in lab experiments and other practical, hands-on settings.
Peaks this program fulfills
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Courses and Requirements
View this degree in the course catalogMajor Requirements
41 Credits
Complete the Mathematics-Physics Core (15 credits):
The Mathematics and Physical Sciences Core provides a strong mathematical background to all Mathematics and Mathematics-Physics majors in our department. This collection of courses incorporates mathematical methods and concepts and fundamentals of computer programming along with the foundational course in Analytical Physics as an introduction to problem-solving, abstract analysis, and applications.
| Course ID | Course Name | Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAT-175 | Single Variable Calculus | 4 credits |
| MAT-275 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 credits |
| CSC-150 | Computer Science I: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming | 3 credits |
| PHY-271 | Analytical Physics I | 3 credits |
| PHY-271L | Analytical Physics I Lab | 1 credits |
MAT-175: Depending on placement, completion of MAT-150 Applied Calculus: A Modeling Approach may be required prior to enrolling in MAT-175.
Colloquium
Complete two semesters of Colloquium at 0.5 credits per semester, for a total of 1 credit.
| Course ID | Course Name | Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|
| IND-198 | Natural Sciences and Mathematics Colloquium |
Optional mathematical proofs course for Mathematics-Physics Majors
Students planning to take upper-division mathematics courses other than MAT-352 Differential Equations must complete MAT-285 (1 credit).
| Course ID | Course Name | Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAT-285 | Introduction to Proof | 1 credits |
Required preparatory courses
Complete the following courses to prepare for upper-level physics (10 credits).
| Course ID | Course Name | Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY-272 | Analytical Physics II | 3 credits |
| PHY-272L | Analytical Physics II Lab | 1 credits |
| PHY-283 | Modern Physics | 3 credits |
| MAT-352 | Differential Equations | 3 credits |
Required upper-level coursework in Physics
Complete two of the following courses (6 credits).
| Course ID | Course Name | Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY-301 | Theoretical Mechanics | 3 credits |
| PHY-313 | Thermal Physics | 3 credits |
| PHY-330 | Electricity & Magnetism | 3 credits |
| PHY-400 | Quantum Physics | 3 credits |
Elective upper-level coursework in Mathematics and/or Physics (6 credits)
Complete 6 credits of any upper-level (300- or 400-level) MAT or PHY courses (except MAT-352). Additional courses from “Required upper-level coursework” beyond the required 6 credits will count towards the elective requirement. MAT-352 is a required preparatory course and does not fulfill credits in the elective area.
Mathematics-Physics Capstone (3 credits):
| Course ID | Course Name | Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY-490 | Mathematics-Physics Capstone | 3 credits |
Students interested in graduate study in physics are strongly encouraged to take the following courses:
| Course ID | Course Name | Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY-235 | Electronics | 3 credits |
| PHY-235L | Electronics Laboratory | 1 credits |
| MAT-285 | Introduction to Proof | 1 credits |
| MAT-361 | Linear Algebra | 3 credits |
| MAT-431 | Complex Analysis | 3 credits |
| PHY-- | All 300 and 400-level Physics Courses |
Mathematics-Physics majors may not minor in Physical Science.
Mathematics-Physics majors may not major or minor in Mathematics.
Peaks this program fulfills
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Courses and Requirements
View this degree in the course catalog15 credits
Minor Requirements
| Course ID | Course Name | Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAT-150 | Applied Calculus: a Modeling Approach | 4 credits |
MAT-150 or higher level math course (excluding MAT-221/MAT-222 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I and II)
Complete 2 courses and their associated labs (8 credits) from the following:
| Course ID | Course Name | Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE-141 | General Chemistry I | 3 credits |
| CHE-141L | General Chemistry Laboratory I | |
| CHE-142 | General Chemistry II | 3 credits |
| CHE-142L | General Chemistry Laboratory II | |
| PHY-231 | General Physics I | 3 credits |
| PHY-231L | General Physics I Lab | 1 credits |
| or | ||
| PHY-271 | Analytical Physics I | 3 credits |
| PHY-271L | Analytical Physics I Lab | 1 credits |
| PHY-232 | General Physics II | 3 credits |
| PHY-232L | General Physics II Lab | 1 credits |
| or | ||
| PHY-272 | Analytical Physics II | 3 credits |
| PHY-272L | Analytical Physics II Lab | 1 credits |
And complete at least 3 additional credits in PHY, CHE, or GEO
Mathematics-Physics Majors may not minor in Physics or Physical Science.