2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Nov 09, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Physics (B.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


Blue rectangle with triangles.

Apply Now Request More Information

Student working in a lab.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Robert McTaggart, Assistant Department Head
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics
Daktronics Engineering Hall 255
605-688-5428

Program Information

Physics is the foundation of almost all of the science and engineering disciplines. The curriculum in Physics has the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of student interests including engineering, physical science, mathematics, biological science, or health sciences. Graduates find careers in physics research, education, engineering, medicine, nuclear medicine, law, science journalism or alternatively many other choices.

Course Delivery Format

Physics students learn through hands-on and face to face learning in lecture, laboratory, and field-based experiences.

Student Learning Outcomes


Upon the completion of the Physics major, students will:

  • Support an environment that is inclusive to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability status.
  • Be able to write a laboratory report that is appropriate for the discipline of physics and suitable for publication in an undergraduate research journal.
  • Defend a hypothesis or a research project by giving an oral presentation in a colloquium setting.
  • Solve complex physics problems by applying scientific and mathematical principles.
  • Design experiments; build and use equipment; gather, analyze and interpret experimental data; and draw conclusions based upon the data.
  • Propose creative solutions for key issues of scientific, social, economic, or environmental merit and defend their hypothesis in either a research paper or by generating a proposal for an experimental design.

Academic Requirements


The program requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above for all physics courses and a GPA 2.0 or above in PHYS 211-213 (or PHYS 111-113) and PHYS 331.

Requirements for Physics Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements


Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics Requirements


  • Capstone course in the major discipline
  • Upper division coursework Credits: 33

Major Electives


Select one elective group based on career objectives.  Credits: 36

Group 1: Professional and Applied Physics


Group 3: Flexible Emphasis


Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements* 25 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 94 Credit Hours
Electives** 1 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.