Physics (B.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

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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.

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 -PHYS 213 (or PHYS 111 -PHYS 113 ) and PHYS 331 .

Requirements for Physics Major: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication: SGR #1 Elective Credits: 6 ¹
Goal #2 Oral Communication: SGR #2 Elective Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences: SGR #3 Electives Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities: SGR #4 Electives Credits: 6
Goal #5 Mathematics:
MATH 123 - Calculus I (COM) [SGR #5, HSDC] Credits: 4
Goal #6 Natural Sciences:
PHYS 211 - University Physics I (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 4
(Major Requirement), PHYS 211L - University Physics I Lab (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 1 (Major Requirement), PHYS 213 - University Physics II (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 4 (Major Requirement), and PHYS 213L - University Physics II Lab (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 1 (Major Requirement)

Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics Requirements

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

Major Requirements

CHEM 112 - General Chemistry I (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 3
CHEM 112L - General Chemistry I Lab (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 1
CHEM 114 - General Chemistry II (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 3
CHEM 114L - General Chemistry II Lab (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 1
CSC 150 - Computer Science I (COM) [HSDC] Credits: 3
EE 216 - Linear Circuits I Credits: 3
EE 216L - Linear Circuits I Lab Credits: 1
MATH 125 - Calculus II (COM) [SGR #5, HSDC] Credits: 4
MATH 225 - Calculus III (COM) [SGR #5, HSDC] Credits: 4
MATH 321 - Differential Equations (COM) Credits: 3
PHYS 119 - First Year Seminar in Physics (COM) Credits: 1
PHYS 211 - University Physics I (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 4
PHYS 211L - University Physics I Lab (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 1
PHYS 213 - University Physics II (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 4
PHYS 213L - University Physics II Lab (COM) [SGR #6, HSDC] Credits: 1
PHYS 316 - Measurement Theory and Experiment Design Credits: 1
PHYS 316L - Measurement Theory and Experiment Design Lab Credits: 1
PHYS 318 - Advanced Laboratory I Credits: 2
PHYS 331 - Introduction to Modern Physics (COM) Credits: 3
PHYS 341 - Thermodynamics (COM) Credits: 2
PHYS 343 - Statistical Physics (COM) Credits: 2
PHYS 421 - Electromagnetism (COM) Credits: 4
PHYS 451 - Classical Mechanics (COM) Credits: 4
PHYS 490 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-3 (1 credit required) (Capstone)
PHYS 498 - Research (COM) Credits: 1-12 (1 credit required) ¹

Technical Electives

Credits: 28

In consultation with an advisor or the undergraduate program coordinator, select technical electives that align with career objectives. Elective choices may also support focus areas such as Applied Physics, Health Physics or Engineering Physics. Eligible technical electives include:

300- to 400-level courses from the following STEM disciplines: ABE, BIOL, CEE, CHEM, CSC, EE, EM, GE, MATH, ME, MNET, MICR, NE, PHYS, and STAT.
A maximum of 6 credits from NE 494 / PHYS 494 / CHEM 494 and/or NE 498 / PHYS 498 / CHEM 498 may count toward technical electives.
Other 300- to 400-level courses from outside the above list may be approved by the department.
Up to 18 credits of the following 100- and 200-level courses may be applied toward technical electives:

Electives

Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120

Notes

¹ PHYS 498 - Research (COM) - The required undergraduate research project must be physics related for a minimum of one credit. PHYS 498 credit is given for the research that is completed during the semester or summer. PHYS 490 is reserved for completing a written paper of the research project and presenting the paper to the department in the semester after the project is completed. Students are also encouraged to present their research at a regional or national meeting. Refer to the department for information about additional summer research experiences.

Summary of Program Requirements

Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements*: 25 Credit Hours
Major Requirements: 86 Credit Hours
Electives**: 9 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.

Physics (B.S.)